History of Rostock in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2026

Rostock, officially known as the Hanseatic and University City of Rostock, is the largest city in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany. Situated on the Baltic coast, near Pomerania, it has a population of approximately 210,000, making it the third-largest city on the German Baltic coast and a significant urban center in the former East Germany. Historically, Rostock was East Germany's largest coastal and most important port city, playing a crucial role in the region's maritime and economic activities.

1900: Population Growth

Around 1900, Rostock experienced area and population growth, leading to the development of new quarters in the south and west of the city's ancient borders to accommodate the increasing population.

1925: Title of Mayor

Since 1925, the head of the city has borne the title of Mayor.

1932: Nazi Popularity Surge

In 1932, the Nazi Party's popularity grew in Rostock, achieving 40.3 percent of the vote in elections. This was higher than their greatest national showing of 37.3 percent in a free election, reflecting economic hardship among voters during the 1920s.

1935: Population Growth

In 1935, Rostock's population reached 100,000, driven by rearmament and increased industrial importance during the Nazi regime.

1935: Population reached 100,000

In 1935, Rostock's population reached 100,000, marking a peak in the city's growth.

November 1938: Kristallnacht in Rostock

During Kristallnacht on 10 November 1938, the synagogue on Augustenstrasse in Rostock was destroyed by arson, and dozens of Jewish residents were beaten and imprisoned.

1939: Population Increase

By 1939, Rostock's population had grown to 121,192, boosted by feverish rearmament by the Nazi regime, leading to employment soaring at the Heinkel and Arado factories, and at the Neptunwerft shipyard.

1942: Air Raid Damage

In 1942, during an Allied air raid, several historical houses in Hanseatic style bordering the Neuer Markt (New Market Square) in Rostock were destroyed and later rebuilt in a simplified manner.

May 1945: Capture by Soviet Forces

In May 1945, specifically on May 2, Rostock was captured by the Soviet 2nd Belorussian Front during the Stettin-Rostock offensive operation.

1960: Demolition of Jakobikirche Ruins

In 1960, the ruins of the Jakobikirche (St Jacob's Church) in Rostock, which had been heavily damaged during World War II, were pulled down.

1988: Historical Population Peak

In 1988, Rostock reached its historical population peak with approximately 254,000 residents during the East Germany era.

1990: German Reunification Impact

In 1990, following the reunification of Germany, Rostock lost its privileged position as East Germany's No. 1 port, causing the city's population to decline to about 200,000.

August 1992: Rostock-Lichtenhagen Riots

In August 1992, Rostock was the site of the xenophobic Rostock-Lichtenhagen riots, during which asylum seekers were attacked by right-wing extremists.

1993: Opening of Lichtspieltheater Wundervoll

In 1993, the Lichtspieltheater Wundervoll, Rostock's art house cinema, opened, offering a daily programme in two venues, the Metropol and the Frieda 23.

1994: Academy of Music and Theatre Founded

In 1994, the Academy of Music and Theatre (Hochschule für Musik und Theater) was founded in Rostock, combining the former drama school Ernst Busch and the outpost school of the Hanns Eisler Music School Berlin.

2002: Mayoral Election Reform

In 2002, a reform was implemented in Rostock, changing the mayoral election process from being elected by the city council to being directly elected by the citizens.

2003: Population Growth Resumes

Since 2003, Rostock's population began to grow again due to the influx of students and new companies.

2006: Population Increase

After 2006, Rostock's population began to increase again, and Rostock and Warnemünde became significant tourist destinations on the Baltic Sea.

May 2019: City Council Election

In May 2019, specifically on May 26, the most recent city council election was held in Rostock.

November 2022: Mayoral Election Held

In November 2022, the mayoral election was held in Rostock, with the first round on November 13th and a runoff on November 27th.

2022: Mayoral Election of Eva-Maria Kröger

In 2022, Eva-Maria Kröger was elected as the mayor of Rostock.

February 2023: Eva-Maria Kröger Takes Office

In February 2023, specifically on February 1st, Eva-Maria Kröger of The Left took office as the current mayor of Rostock, following her election in 2022.