warnemunde

Warnemünde, Germany, is a charming seaside resort town on the Baltic Sea. Many cruise lines advertise calls here as “Berlin,” but that’s a bit, well, misleading — but more on that later. First, let’s talk about Warnemünde proper and all it offers because I really like this cruise port! Warnemünde, pronounced “Var-nuh-MUHN-duh,” features a picturesque harbor, sandy beaches, and proximity to historic Rostock. Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam as seen from inside the cruise terminal.  Rostock-Warnemünde is the most popular and significant cruise ship port in the southern part of the region, popular in Baltic cruise itineraries, and is visited by more than 180 ships annually. I visited here aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam. Related: Check out my video review of Zuiderdam. If this is one of your ports of call, you’ll need to decide if you want to stay near the port and explore Warnemünde and/or Rostock, or if you want to venture into the much more well-known city of Berlin. If you want to get to Rostock, it’s close but not walkable, so you’ll need to book an excursion or arrange for your own transportation there. If you prefer to stay in Warnemünde, you can simply walk there straight off the ship and be right in the center of this charming village, filled with history, shops and restaurants, a marina, and old fishing houses, within just minutes. Berlin will require more complicated planning. The Warnemünde train station is right at the port and can easily transport travelers to Rostock. Transportation at the Warnemünde Port The availability of ride-share services like Uber isn’t guaranteed at cruise port calls on Baltic itineraries, but it is available here. There are also taxis, although I did not see a taxi stand anywhere near the cruise terminal (although I may have just missed it). The Warnemünde Train Station is right there, immediately outside of the cruise terminal, so if you’re brave enough to take public transportation, this is a great and affordable way to get around if you aspire to venture outside of Warnemünde. Things to See and Do in Warnemünde European cruise excursions tend to be quite expensive and somewhat limited, so if you’re looking for things to do in Warnemünde, here are some of the top choices. You’ll likely find some of these offered as official cruise line excursions, or you can venture out and explore them on your own. Just make sure you’re aware first of the pros and cons (and risks) of independent excursions. If you plan to stay in Warnemünde, my recommendation is to save money on transportation and excursions and just walk around and enjoy all that this area has to offer on foot. Warnemünde is a historic fishing village, filled with charming old houses. Alter Strom Alter Strom means “Old Channel,” and this simply refers to the central area of Warnemünde, even though it’s not in the town center (that’s called Kirchplatz). Once you get off the cruise pier, you’re basically in Alter Strom. You’ll first encounter a small carnival-type area with concessions, a tented beer hall, street performers, and a Ferris wheel. I rode the Ferris wheel, and it was a fun way to get a birds-eye view of the port area and city. Once you continue out past this area, you’ll pass the train station, cross a bridge, and be in the Alter Strom Canal area, which is oh-so-charming! The Alter Strom Canal is a scenic waterway connected to the larger Warnow River that flows from the Baltic Sea through the town and is lined with charming shops, restaurants, and historic fishing boats. Simply walking around this area and grabbing a bite to eat is a treat. Pro Tip: There’s a “lock bridge” along the canal, where lovers can personalize a lock and affix it to a fence along the river. If this appeals to you, plan ahead and bring a lock with you! Kirchplatz The Warnemünde Church is open to the public. Outside of Alter Strom is Kirchplatz, which is simply the name for another section of this town. Kirchplatz is a picturesque square known for its historic church, charming traditional houses, and tranquil atmosphere. And when I say tranquil, I mean it! A big takeaway from my Baltic cruise experience was how quiet it is everywhere — even in bustling city centers. I’ve traveled to Europe extensively, but I never noticed the tranquility as much as I have at the ports of call on this itinerary. As a stereotypically loud American, I had to be mindful of my own speaking volume. In Kirchplatz are the History Museum (more on that next) and the iconic Warnemünde Church, where visitors can admire its historic architecture, beautiful interior, and intricate woodwork. Heimatmuseum Warnemünde The Heimatmuseum Warnemünde, or Warnemünde History Museum, is a local history museum located in Kirchplatz. It’s housed in an 18th-century fisherman’s cottage, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that illustrate the maritime and cultural heritage of Warnemünde. I’m a sucker for museums, especially quirky or small ones, so of course I had to visit. It is a small museum, but well worth the $4 USD cost and was a quick way to learn about the area’s history. We were in and out in about 30 minutes. There’s no need to pre-book this; simply buy tickets on-site.   The Warnemünde Museum is an affordable way to learn of the local history. Warnemünde Lighthouse About a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal is the Warnemünde Lighthouse, another popular local attraction. Standing at a height of 121 feet, it is an iconic landmark, offering panoramic views of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top for a small fee to enjoy breathtaking vistas and learn about the history of the lighthouse. Teepott Located right by the lighthouse is the Teepott (Teapot), a distinctive building featuring a unique teapot-shaped design. It serves as a symbol of Warnemünde’s maritime vibe and history. It houses restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering visitors a picturesque spot to