Making the most of Warnemunde
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships berth in central Warnemunde, just 300 meters from the train station and city centre. From there, travel is possible to Rostock (20 min) and Berlin (a 2 and a half hour trip). Train schedules. The terminal accommodates 3 cruise liners at once; if it is full, ships use the main commercial Rostock piers at Seehafen on the river's other side.
Reaching Berlin independently in one day is impractical because specific train schedules may conflict with your ship's time table. As shore excursions use charter trains or coaches, they are the best way to reach the capital.
A printable map to take with you.
Port cruise calendar: P=Warnemunde; LP=Seehafen.
As a centre of maritime traffic, Warnemünde has many navigational aids; its oldest, the lighthouse, is still in use. Built in 1897, the approximately 37 meters (121 ft) high tower provides impressive views over the Baltic Sea and Rostock's northern districts in summer. Nearby is Teepott (Teapot), the resort's second famous landmark, whose slightly curved roof makes it an interesting example of East German (DDR) architecture. Built in the 1960s and renovated in 2002, it now contains various restaurants and a sea voyage exhibition.
Warnemünde's acres of fine sand make it a sure fire holiday-resort hit, and ships dock here. If you want only some sunbathing and a stroll around the resort, everything is very close by.
Yachts at anchor, a jumble of fishing boats, the sea, cafes and bars, the famous teapot and a pier all give this small but charming resort its character.
Getting around
About every 10 minutes, trains depart for Rostock Hauptbahnhof. The journey is under 20 minutes and a one-way ticket costs 1.80 Euro, including Rostock's tram. At Rostock Main station, go down two levels and take tram 5 or 6 to Neuer Markt to reach this charming town's centre. Ticket machines at the train station and on the tram for the return journey accept Euro coins and small bills; they time stamp tickets automatically and automatically validate them. A 7 Euro day ticket covers all municipal travel modes, including ferries, in the municipal…
HOHO buses run from Warnemunde to Rostock, but neither is necessary in these compact cities. Their intervals are also 2 to 3 hours apart. Once in the centre, everything is within easy walking distance.
Nearby places
Rostock's relatively compact town centre makes it easy to see several sites in a day. Begin in the east, the oldest part of the city, at St Peter's Church (St Petrikirche). It began as a wooden church in the 13th century, followed by a brick Gothic structure with an 117m (380ft) tower that served sailors as a landmark for centuries. Air raids destroyed the tower and part of the church in 1942. Following a long wait of 52 years, the tower was rebuilt to 125m (410ft), this time with a modern lift allowing visitors to reach a viewing floor.
A train from Warnemunde to Lubeck, changing in Rostock, is another option. Lubeck is a delightful old city to visit, and trains run quite frequently.
Visit Schwerin, about an hour away. A Mecklernburg-Vorpommern Ticket costs 1st person €20 + €3 for every additional person, up to a maximum of 5 people. It is valid from 9 a.m. on weekdays and all day at weekends on regional RE or RB trains and S suburban trains.
Food and shopping
The area of Warnemunde around der Alte Strom (Old Channel), its canal with various restaurants, pubs and traditional fishing boats, is touristy but fun for a few hours.
Rostock offers a broader choice of stores and restaurants, with a more metropolitan atmosphere.
Money
Currency: Euro; ATM machines are plentiful.
Ask first whether smaller establishments accept Credit Cards.
Staying connected
German is spoken. Germans are seen as punctual, disciplined and, last but not least, a little formal. German has two forms of "you": "Du" and "Sie." "Du" is less formal and "Sie" more formal. With people you do not know, you should almost always use "Sie" and their last name.
Police Emergency: 110. Fire Emergency or Ambulance Call: 112.
Wifi is sparce in Warnemunde and Rostock and often requires payment. There is no WiFi in the direct port area.
Opening Hours and
Stores must close by 8 p.m., although some shut as early as 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays they close at 1 or 2 p.m.; in big city centers, however, most remain open until 2 or 4 p.m.
All stores are closed on Sundays, apart from some bakeries open on sunday morning.