Another route

The route we've used to Sweden prior to this has been through Denmark, then over the Øresund Bridge.  The very first time, we drove right up through Denmark.  Subsequently we've cut the miles driven by using the Puttgarden/Rødby ferry.  The ferry plus bridge costs some €120.

So we thought we'd try an alternative route back - the ferry from Trelleborg to Rostock was only about €90.  A very slightly longer drive within Germany, but we are in any case making a more leisurely return to Ireland.

We could have caught an early ferry, and driven a couple of hundred kilometres in Germany before making our first hotel stay.  But Z had previously made a trip to Rostock to get their wedding drinks (much cheaper in Germany than in Sweden or Denmark) and said it was worth a day sightseeing.  So we opted for a hotel in Rostock for two nights, and a later ferry, allowing a leisurely morning packing.

The ferry was not at all busy - we sat in the dog lounge because it was totally empty and closed off, so quiet.  I took a brief trip on deck to get photos, but it was rather chilly!

Our hotel in Rostock is perfectly functional and was quite cheap, but my goodness, it's the most impersonal hotel I've ever stayed in.  No reception, just self service key box for entry, buffet breakfast with a couple of indifferent youngsters barely interacting with us, and when we leave tomorrow we are instructed to just drop to key card into the letter box!  But it has good WiFi.