Rostock is only 20 minutes away by S-Bahn and well worth a few hours. The old town has a handsome market square, the Gothic Marienkirche with its medieval astronomical clock, and a lively waterfront district along the Stadthafen (city harbour). The university gives Rostock a young, energetic atmosphere.
The Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula, a narrow strip of land between the Baltic and the Bodden lagoons to the west, is one of the most scenic stretches of the Mecklenburg coast. It is a designated national park; the village of Ahrenshoop has a long tradition as an artists' colony. Allow a full day and either hire a car or take the regional train to Ribnitz-Damgarten, then a bus.
Bad Doberan, about 20 km west of Rostock, is notable for its magnificent 13th-century Cistercian minster, one of the finest brick Gothic buildings in northern Germany. The Molli narrow-gauge steam railway runs from Bad Doberan through the forest to the beach resort of Kühlungsborn — a scenic and unhurried way to travel.