Warnemunde Port Guide [2024]
The small port German town of Warnemünde is a popular stop for cruise ship passengers looking to get a taste of German’s beach life. So what’s there to do around Warnemünde? Read on and find out in our Warnemunde Port Guide.
View of Warnemunde from my cruise ship
Warnemunde Ligthouse and Teapot building
About Warnemünde
Streets of Warnemunde
Warnemunde is a seaside resort town, just a few minutes away from the most well-known city of Rostock. Despite not being a household name among tourists, it’s actually one of the most visited cruise ports, and is a popular port on a standard Baltic cruise.
Warnemunde is a popular cruise ship stop.
For centuries, Warnemunde was just a small fishing village rarely visited by anyone. In the 19th century, works began to develop Warnemunde into the beautiful seaside resort town it is today.
Pretty architecture in Warnemunde
When I visited, I was surprised at the amount of tourists who flooded the town and beach. A large portion of these were cruise ship passengers, but a sizeable portion were also local German tourists looking to get some beach time in.
Things to do in Warnemünde
If you’re not looking to go on an expensive cruise ship shore excursion, the good news is – you don’t have to! Warnemünde has enough things to do to keep you occupied for a day or two.
Strand Warnemünde
View over Warnemunde Beach – it’s massive!
Otherwise known as Warnemunde beach, Strand Warnemünde is a huge beach that sits along the Baltic Sea coastline. Spanning more than 10km long, it’s the perfect beach for a stroll. It does get quite busy here in the summer, so if you want a spot on the sand, make sure to come visit early!
Warnemunde Lighthouse
Warnemunde Lighthouse
The iconic Warnemunde Lighthouse stands close to the beach and serves as the perfect vantage point over the whole town.
View from Warnemunde Lighthouse
Another angle from the top of Warnemunde Lighthouse
It takes a few steps to climb up the tower, but once you do, you won’t regret it – the views are worth it!
Specs of Warnemunde Lighthouse
Alter Strom
Just chilling out at Alter Strom in Warnemunde
Alter Strom is the main seaside street in Warnemunde and its oh-so-cute. It’s here that you’ll find charming gift shops, restaurants, cafés and more. I’m definitely guilty of stopping along here more than a few times for some ice cream!
Alter Strom was the perfect location for a stroll!
Boats lined up along the Alter Strom canal.
Walking along Alter Strom, we also saw street performers, colourfully decorated boats, a Ferris wheel and lots of seafood stores. This was such a fun place to stroll by and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Ferris wheel at Alter Strom, Warnemunde
Warnemünde Church
Warnemunde Church
Warnemunde Church is a beautiful church that has been around since the 1800s. During its time, it’s burned down twice, being rebuilt each time. You’ll likely see a lot of nice churches in Germany, and this one is another one you can add to your list when you pass through Warnemunde.
Teepott
View of Teepott building and lighthouse in Warnemunde
The Teepott is a famous building, near the Warnemunde lighthouse, well known for its unusual architecture. Inside, you can find a highly rated seafood restaurant. I didn’t try the food here, but after doing some research online, it looks like diners really enjoyed the food at Teepott.
Die Warnemünder Molen
View of Die Warnemunder Molen in Warnemunde
Die Warnemünder Molen represents the end of the rocky coastline walk on Warnemunde Beach. From here, you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of the Baltic sea, as well as a unique green lighthouse.
View of Die Warnemunder Molen from Warnemunde Lighthouse
Kirchplatz
Warnemunde Kirchplatz
Pretty streets of Warnemunde
The Warnemunde Kirchplatz is the town’s main square, and a great place to check out the local architecture, restaurants, shops and more. It’s an easy walk from the beach.
Day Trip to Rostock
Rostock, Germany
The Hanseatic city of Rostock is so close to Warnemünde that you can see both places easily in one day. Rostock is a much bigger city with a population of over 200,000 (as compared to 8,000 in Warnemunde), so you’ll find even more things to do here.
Intricate Rostock architecture
Rostock city
It’s quite an important city with an interesting history spanning centuries, so I would highly recommend you visit. My favourite things to see in Rostock were the Sankt Marien Kirche, Brunnen der Lebensfreude, University of Rostock and Neur Markt.
Brunnen der Lebensfreude water fountain
University of Rostock building
Neur Markt, Rostock
The Sankt Marien Kirche (otherwise known as St Mary’s Church, Rostock) is especially impressive for its unique astronomical clock.
View of St Mary’s Church, Rostock
Stained glass windows of St Mary’s Church in Rostock
Ornate ceiling of St Mary’s Church in Rostock
The Rostock Zoo is also a highly rated Zoo you can visit for a fun day out – particularly popular with children and families.
How to get from Warnemünde to Rostock?
Visiting Rostock from Warnemünde is very easy by train.
It’s extremely easy! There are frequently departing S-Bahn trains (S1, S2, S3) leaving from Warnemünde Werft (S) Station and Rostok Hbf Station). The train ride takes less than 30 minutes.
Should I visit Berlin from Warnemünde?
Is visiting Berlin from Warnemunde on a cruise stop worth it?
This is something I considered, but decided against. Some of my friends from the cruise I was on embarked on this journey and came back quite tired, having not seen all that Berlin has to offer.
Another view over Warnemunde from our cruise ship
In my opinion, Warnemunde and Rostock have enough to offer to keep you occupied for a day. Leave visiting Berlin for another time, as it requires more than a day to explore.