Alter Strom - the old channel used for nearly 500 years but closed off in 1903 when the new channel was widened - recalls days long gone by.

 
On the near side of the Alter Strom, fishing boats lie tied to cleats as their crews sell from tables heaped with fish. Several men stay on board and repair nets. Some fish are placed in large metal smokers, where vendors write the estimated ready time in chalk: "Butterfish 11:30." "Flounder 12." Every now and then, after a quick With its wealth of fish cutters, passenger boats, sailing yachts and fisherman's cottages, the check inside, the vendor wipes away the time and chalks a new one in its place. Smoke wafts over the crowds, as seagulls dive for leftovers.

 

Crossing a footbridge over the Alter Strom, visitors are rewarded with a walk through narrow alleys lined with centuries-old gabled fishermen's houses. An occasional glimpse into a backyard reveals tiny courtyards with proudly tended flowers.

 

It's an almost uniquely romantic place, but time hasn't stood still here. Boutiques, cafes and galleries face the channel lined with boats converted to take-out restaurants selling every variety of fish: herring, salmon, squid, mackerel, pickled fish, smoked fish, fish sandwiches, fish-kabobs, fish cakes. It's fun watching the action on land and water while sipping one's coffee or ice-cold Rostock beer. A few steps farther on, dozens of cruise liners tie up at the quai summer after summer.