In the mood for a fresh breeze, the sand between your toes, and the flair of a venerable Hanseatic city? Then head to Rostock and Warnemünde! The two cities on the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern offer the perfect mix of urban life, maritime romance, and a relaxed beach vacation.
Rostock is an old Hanseatic city, a fact that is still evident in its cityscape today. Merchants’ houses, imposing brick churches, and the natural harbor shaped by the Warnow River define the city’s appearance.
The heart of Rostock beats on Neuer Markt (the New Market Square), surrounded by magnificent gabled houses and the imposing Town Hall with its baroque facade. An absolute must-see is the monumental St. Mary’s Church. Inside, it houses not only impressive architecture but also a world-famous astronomical clock from the 15th century.
Stroll to the city harbor. Here, where goods from all over the world were once handled, you can now enjoy the view of the water.
Just a short S-Bahn ride from downtown Rostock, you’ll find the seaside resort of Warnemünde. Here, the air smells of salt and the sea. The Alter Strom, the former estuary arm of the Warnow river, is the town’s promenade. Colorful fishing boats, where you can buy freshly caught fish directly from the cutter, lie side-by-side with excursion boats and sailing yachts.
Warnemünde’s landmark is undoubtedly the lighthouse, which has been guiding ships for over 120 years. Right next door, the Teepott, an architecturally unique building from GDR times with its curved roof construction, is a major draw.
The real highlight, however, is the beach: Spanning 15 kilometers in length and up to 200 meters wide, Warnemünde offers one of the broadest sandy beaches on the German Baltic Sea coast.
Excursion tips for Rostock and Warnemünde
By boat from Warnemünde to Rostock
We are standing in Rostock at the offshoot of the "Strandlinie" to Warnemünde. It is only 9 o'clock and actually we had hoped to be able to go with the ship to Warnemünde… but we are too early, much too early. So, what now? Wait? Postpone the trip? Or…?
"Will you come with me to Warnemünde? There in the morning - back in the evening?" So I got on the bus with a group of good-humoured amateur photographers and set off for the Baltic Sea.
m standing on a viewing platform on a cliff overlooking the River Eo, which forms the border between Galicia and Asturias here. On the Galician side is the small coastal town of Ribadeo, which I will visit for a short city walk.
Towering high above the surrounding buildings in Rostock's old town is St. Mary's Church. From the outside, the church looks massive and almost like a fortress, what would we expect inside?
Rostock Cultural History Museum in the Holy Cross Monastery
The Holy Cross Monastery in Rostock is an important historical site in northern Germany with a long history. Walking along the ramparts, you can discover the site and find some beautiful quiet places for a break.
A fascinating visit to the museum ship Dresden in Rostock
The museum ship Dresden in Rostock is an impressive relic of Germany's maritime history. The ship was built in 1956 and initially served as a transport ship for trade. After many years in active service, the ship was finally decommissioned.
Super viewpoint in Rostock: on the tower of St Peter's Church
One of Rostock's most beautiful viewpoint points is St Peter's Church and is located high up on the church's distinctive tower. It is worth climbing the steps to the tower and enjoying the view over the city.
From GDR soft ice cream and fish - tips about food in Rostock
Cafés, pubs and restaurants in Rostock - we tried out quite a few on a weekend in Rostock. Whether ice cream, hot chocolate, beer or fish sandwiches, the food in Rostock has always tasted good to us.
By plane
Rostock Laage Airport is located about 20 kilometres southeast of Rostock. Mostly regional flights and occasionally charter flights take off from here.
The nearest airports with international flights are in Hamburg and Berlin. These can be reached by train in about 3 hours.
By train
Rostock has had a railway connection since 1886. The main station has 11 platforms, which are connected to the two station buildings via tunnels.
Platforms 1 and 2 are mainly used by the trains of the Rostock S-Bahn. In addition, on a lower level there are also connections to the trains of the Rostock tram.
Rostock is served by regional trains, IC trains and ICE trains. The following connections are offered:
IC lines to: Rostock-Berlin-Leipzig – Nuremberg-Munich, Hamburg, Schwerin, Stralsund, Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Halle (S), Cologne, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe.
ICE lines to:Vienna (via Nuremberg and Berlin), Munich
Warnemünde also has a railway station. For example, you can take the S-Bahn directly from Rostock’s main railway station. In the high season, there are also occasional long-distance trains that continue via Rostock to Warnemünde.
By bus
The central long-distance bus station in Rostock is located near the main railway station. In addition, there are connections that start directly at the ferry terminal and at Dierkower Kreuz in the north-east of the city.
Connections are offered to Copenhagen, Berlin and Dresden.
In Warnemünde, long-distance buses stop at the Warnemünde-Werft S-Bahn and Warnemünde-Strand (youth hostel).
By car
The A20 Baltic Sea motorway passes Rostock in a west-east direction. From the south, the city can be reached via the A19.
By ship
Ferries depart from Rostock Seaport to Gedser (Denmark), Trelleborg and Nynäshamm in Sweden. These connections are offered by various shipping companies. If you book in advance, you can get cheap fares for the crossings.
The cruise port is located in Warnemünde. Various cruise ships call here throughout the year.
Guest berths can also be used by private sports and leisure boats in the Rostock city harbour and the Hohe Düne marina in Warnemünde.
By bike
The Berlin-Copenhagen long-distance cycle route passes through Rostock. The Baltic Coast Cycle Route, which circles the entire Baltic Sea, passes through Warnemünde.
On foot
The Hanseatic Way runs between Hamburg and Szczecin, passing through Rostock. If you are on the European long-distance hiking trail E9, you will pass through Warnemünde.
On the way in...
On the way in..
By public transport
In Rostock there are trams, buses, the S-Bahn and several ferries that cross the Warnow. The service is very good and you can reach most destinations easily.
Tickets can be bought from ticket machines. You can find them at many stops and also in trams and buses.
The Rostock fare zone covers the urban area of the Hanseatic and university city of Rostock, of course including the seaside resorts of Warnemünde and Markgrafenheide.
On foot
Warnemünde is best explored on foot.
Toll
Warnow Tunnel
The Warnow Tunnel runs under the Warnow River and provides a direct connection to Warnemünde. The use of the tunnel is subject to tolls.
Parking
Parking
Especially in the high season, the few parking spaces in Warnemünde are in great demand. Many large hotels offer their guests their own parking spaces. If you are a day-tripper, it is advisable to park your car in a Park&Ride car park outside the town.
At the cruise ship terminal you will mainly find short-term parking spaces during the season.
At the ferry terminal in the seaport there are sufficient parking spaces (also long-term parking spaces) for visitors and passengers.
