Wonderful Warnemünde: A Guide to Rostock’s Charming Port Town

Despite being one of Germany’s busiest cruise ship ports, Warnemünde has retained its character and charm as an old fishing village with over 800 years of history.

On this walking tour, you’ll discover traces of the medieval village which once consisted of just two rows of houses. I’ll point out the oldest house, Warnemünder Vogtei, which dates from 1605 but has foundations as old as 1300. I’ll show you some very pretty corners that most visitors miss, as well as quiet spots away from the tourist masses. Yet, if you enjoy shopping, there will be plenty of opportunities for that too. After a stroll through the village park, Kurpark, you’ll arrive at Seepromenade (the seaside promenade) where you can marvel at the widest beach in Germany. You may want to climb Warnemünde Lighthouse for a great view, or take a detour to the green and red lighthouses, where the Alter Strom canal meets the ocean.

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

• Take pictures of the pretty fishermen’s and captains’ houses that Warnemünde is famous for
• Try a fish sandwich, smoked fish or another delicacy caught by local fishermen, or visit one of the more upmarket restaurants found at Neptune Hotel and Kurhaus
• Hear how nearly 200 people died trying to flee East Germany through the Baltic Sea
• Watch out for sneaky seagulls
• Step into the sandals that Neptune left behind outside Kirche Warnemünde (Warnemünde Church)
• Rent a beach chair at one of Germany’s most beautiful beaches
• Climb up almost 140 steps for a breathtaking view from the top of the lighthouse, and maybe even see Denmark in the distance
• Browse the many stores and cafés on Warnemünde’s most famous street, Am Strom
• Find Edvard Munch Haus, where the famed artist lived while recuperating from a nervous breakdown
• See the town’s art including the Liebespaar lovers statue, and Insel der Frauen and Windspiel sculptures
• Visit Heimatmuseum Warnemünde, the museum that showcases what the historical fishing houses used to look like

This hour-long tour will provide you with lots of opportunities for great pictures, so grab your camera and find out why Warnemünde is such a popular vacation spot.