Warnemunde & Rostock
ABOUT
Our first visit to this area was aboard P&O Cruises Aurora.
Founded in about 1200, Warnemünde was for centuries a small fishing village with minor importance for the economic and cultural development of the region. In 1323 Warnemünde lost its autonomous status as it was purchased by the city of Rostock in order to safeguard the city’s access to the Baltic Sea.
Rostock meanwhile dates back to the 7th Century when it was known as `RozToc’ which means the River that Widens. It is the only member of the Historic Highlights of Germany that is situated on the coast.
There are many historic attractions across the area as Rostock was a thriving member of the medieval Hanseatic League. Many fine buildings still remain from that era.
Today the area still has thriving industries in shipping, manufacturing, tourism and the cruise industry.
THINGS TO DO
There is much to do in and around Warnemunde and Rostock. Some ideas include guided tours of each town, memorials and museums.
Warnemunde has a Heritage Museum and the lighthouse is an interesting stop. There are tours to the lighthouse but there is a minimum height restriction to enter the tower. It is an easy town to walk through and of course there are beaches nearby.
Rostock is nearby and within easy reach of the port. Points of interest include a local distillary and walking tours of this historic city.
Of course you may wish to venture further into some of the museums including the Maritime Museum, a culture museum or an Adventure Village.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
Rostock
This was our first visit to the area of Warnemunde and Rostock, so we decided to take an organised tour.
The tour started in a siding where we boarded a vintage tram which network was originally opened in 1881 as a horse-car operation. It was converted to electric operation in 1904. Today they provide a nostalgic 25-minute ride into the heart of the city.
Our guide was very knowledgeable so was able to give us first hand information of living in the area. He was even able to let us see some East German coins.
The journey does not take long but is quite interesting travelling through the streets and having to join onto the general city tramlines. Be prepared for the seats to be a little uncomfortable!
City Walk
The next part of our tour took us on a walk through the central part of the city. A call at the Rathaus (Town Hall) enabled the guide to show us a little of the historic building and a model of the old city. The latter was very interesting to show the development of the city through the centuries. Meanwhile the building itself was originally constructed in 1270 and was a two-storey house with vaulted cellar. Its look is vastly different as it is built of red brick and various architectural features whether they be Gothic, Renaissance or Baroque. We were able to walk freely into the foyer area of the Rathaus and there are public convenieces available too.
Astronomical Clock
Our visit also took us to St Mary’s Church. The first reference to a church on this site was in 1232, which is thought to be the predecessor of the current building. It was enlarged at the end of the 14th Century to the basilica as it it stands today.
Beautiful as the church is, the most interesting feature is probably the Astronomical Clock. Built in 1472 it is one of few of its kind still working in the world (there is another in Wells Cathedral, Somerset that pre-dates the one in Rostock). It was fascinating to hear of its history and how it is maintained today.
A brief stop in a square for a take-away coffee also gave us the opportunity to have a good look at the Joy of Life Fountain. This symbolizes the unity and interrelationship between man, animal and water qith its groups of figures, 26 bubblers and 18 fountains. During the evenings, weekends and bank holidays it becomes a central point for local families to meet.
From there we walked to the jetty where we boarded a river boat which took us along the Warnow River back to Warnemunde.
Together with some light refreshment on board this was a nice way to complete our trip and to see our ship from the wa
Warnemunde
We decided to walk through the streets of Warnemunde (as it looked as if rain may arrive soon). What a lovely little place it was. There are many bars and restaurants that line the river on either side of a central bridge. Some are on river boats or barges.
It really doesn’t take long to walk to the residential area with its little streets and beautifully maintained houses. A small market square also had vendors selling Bratwurst sausage hot dogs and other local foods – well it would have been rude not to try.
Warnemunde hosts the annual Sandwelt or Sand World competition in May. The contest attracts a handful of talented artists from across Europe creating incredibly detailed sand sculptures. When the festival week is on you can see the sculptors at work. For a period of time afterwards, their art remains on exhibition in a sculpture garden under protected canopies. Some examples below along with some other photos taken on the day.
This is definitely an area we would like to visit again and perhaps spend more time in Warnemunde.
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