Barnstorfer Wald

Barnstormer Forest is a 156-hectare wooded area in Rostock with a park-like eastern section housing the city zoo and a predominantly forested western section. Together these two areas create a diverse recreation and nature space within the city.

French troops cleared large sections of the forest in 1810 to build military barracks during the Napoleonic Wars, triggering later reforestation efforts led by city hunter Robert Schramm. This clearing fundamentally reshaped the woodland and led to its eventual restoration.

The forest was home to the Kaiserpavillon restaurant starting in 1886, featuring a concert garden where community coffee concerts took place regularly. This tradition still shapes how locals view the place as a gathering spot for entertainment and social occasions.

The area is connected to downtown Rostock by tram lines 3 and 6 and bus line 28, making it easy to reach from the city center. Wear comfortable shoes since the terrain has many paths and trails for different activities.

The forest hosts multiple running tracks that host various sports competitions, including the City Sport Evening Run that draws participants from throughout the region. These events have made the woodland a meeting point for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.