About Warnemunde
Warnemunde is a peaceful seaside resort town, popular with the locals as a summer getaway spot for families. It’s located in the north-eastern part of Germany, two hours north of Berlin and is part of the Rostock district. Warnemunde is also a cruise ship terminal with many ferries and cruise liners passing through. One of the main attractions of the area is the 20 kilometres of the white sandy beach. It attracts tourists all year round because of the beach, cruises, restaurants and maritime attractions.
How To Get There
Since Warnemunde is a major cruise ship terminal, there are a number of ways to get to Warnemunde, including by car, bus, train and boat.
By Car
From Berlin, take the A114 towards the A24. Next, make sure to keep left to continue onto the A19. Then continue onto the B105. Merge onto the B103 towards Wachtlerstrabe.
By Bus
There are bus companies that will take you from Berlin straight to Warnemunde. The two bus companies that offer this route are:
Bus Flixbus – Fares cost between 12 Euro to 20 Euros.
Bus Berolina Berlin – Fares cost between 42 to 44 Euros.
By Train
From the main station in Berlin (Berlin Hauptbahnhof), you will be able to take a regional train to Rostock station. From there you will be able to take the tram into town. Alternatively, you could arrange a taxi to bring you to your hotel.
By Boat
As mentioned earlier, Warnemunde is a major terminal for cruise ships and ferries. Here is a list of companies that have itineraries that stop at Warnemunde’s port:
- Costa Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- Royal Caribbean International
- P & O Cruises
- AIDA
- Cunard
- Oceania Cruises
- NCL
- Azamara
Getting Around
Within the Rostock and Warnemunde area, there are red HOHO (hop on hop off) bus tours available that will take you around the city. However, you may find them unnecessary since you’ll quickly realise that everything is within walking distance once you’re in the city centre because the area is so compact.
When To Visit Warnemunde
There are tourists visiting all year round, and the best time to visit will depend on your personal preferences. For those who enjoy the warmer weather, the summer months of June, July and August have temperatures of 19 to 23 degrees Celsius. The winter months of December, January and February can be quite cold with temperatures of roughly -3 to 2 degrees Celsius.
Things To See and Do In Warnemunde
1. Beach
The beach is one of Warnemunde’s main attractions. It’s over 5km long with clear white sand and pebbles dotted throughout the area. There is also a 530-metre long pier for you tol stroll along to enjoy the views of the Baltic sea. You can feel safe knowing that there are lifeguards on duty for most of the year, and beach chair rentals are available for those who want to suntan.
In parts of the beach, grilling and campfires are allowed so you can enjoy the company of others while having a barbeque. There is no entry fee for using the beach and there is parking available nearby.
2. Promenade
The beach promenade is a modern 2-kilometre strip filled with shops and restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll to admire the view of the Baltic sea and take in the fresh sea breeze. In the evenings, the promenade becomes romantic as the sunset arrives making it an ideal spot to bring a special someone.
3. Lighthouse
Right next to the promenade you’ll find the lighthouse. It was built in 1898 and is one of the most visited sites in Warnemunde. Since it’s 121 feet high, it’s the perfect place to get sea views and watch the ships pass by. It’s also the location of the annual new year’s celebration called “lighthouse in flames” which has music and a laser light show.
4. Teepott (Tea Pot)
The next most visited location in Warnemunde, the Tea Pot is a lighthouse with a unique architecture. The building near the lighthouse has souvenir shops, restaurants and an exhibition of sea voyage artefacts.
5. Heritage Museum Warnemunde
This museum has an interesting past since it’s the house of a former fishermen. Built in 1767, it now has a permanent exhibition on seafaring and fishing. The house gives you a feel of what it might have been like to live in Warnemunde at the end of the 19th century. There is also folk culture, handwork crafts and customs on display in the house.
Shopping
The “Alter Strom” or Old Channel is a strip of shopping, restaurants and cafes in Warnemunde. It can be a bit touristy, but it has a wide selection of items for sale from souvenirs to clothing and food.
The main shopping area is in the city centre of Rostock called, “Kropeliner Strabe”. It’s a pedestrian zone and here you can find all types of clothing from the well-known brands to unique specialist shops and local stores.
If you want to explore further, head to the East of the old town. Stroll through the side streets to find small cafes and shops that stock items you wouldn’t be able to find in the main areas.
However, if you prefer malls then there is the Marktkauf Centre Warnow Park and Kropeliner Tor Centre in Rostock.
Food and Drink
Warnemunde, as well as Rostock overall, has great choices for food and drink opportunities. Here are some ideas for gastronomy while you’re visiting Warnemunde:
Dishes You Must Try
“Fischbroetchen” is a type of fish sandwich that Warnemunde is most famously known for. You will be able to find it being sold everywhere in town, from restaurants and seaside food stands to food trucks. There are many choices available including mackerel, halibut, butterfish, bismarck, flapper, herring and shrimps.
Other typical German dishes you can try while in Warnemunde is the Bratwurst. They are also found everywhere from restaurants to street food stands.
Restaurants
Some top restaurants in Warnemunde and Rostock:
- Zum Stromer: http://www.restaurant-stromer.de/index.html
- Restaurant Carls: https://www.restaurantcarls.de/
- Teepott Restaurant: http://www.teepott-restaurant.de/
Where To Stay
Here are 3 top hotels in Warnemunde:
- Strand-Hotel Huebner: Address – Seestrasse 12, 18119 Warnemunde, Rostock, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany
- Yachthafenresidenz Hohe Dune: Address – Am Yachthafen 1-8, 18119 Warnemunde, Rostock, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany
- Hotel NEPTUN: Address – Seestr. 19, 18119 Warnemunde, Rostock, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany
