Planning a whole day full of excitement in such beautiful cities as Rostock or Warnemünde seems easy. For many tourists, however, they are just a stopover on the way to the heart of Germany - Berlin. Just as we do not deny the Berlin experience and even encourage you to visit this historic city, perhaps we can inspire you to explore the charms of Rostock and Warnemünde in more depth. These seaside towns hide in the shadow of Berlin's fame and many tourists overlook their wealth of attractions. They represent an intimate representation of German culture, with a relaxed atmosphere and a whiff of sea breeze. Below, we have collected some of the most interesting attractions of these towns, which you can easily see in one day.
Rostock
One of the oldest and largest cities in northern Germany, with a history stretching back over 800 years. Once an important trading post, it now boasts beautiful architecture and a relaxed atmosphere. Let us take you through some of the gems Rostock has to offer.
1. Market Square (Neuer Markt)
It is ideal to start your tour at the Neuer Markt, as most of the sights are within walking distance. Surrounded by the ornate townhouses of wealthy aristocrats, it is the beating heart of Rostock. The square combines different architectural styles, each unique in its own way. Of particular note is the town hall. A striking pink building, it is an architectural masterpiece of North German brick Gothic - one of the few to survive in such fantastic condition.
2. The churches of Rostock
Yes, we found it difficult to choose just one, so here are the three most interesting churches in Rostock: St Mary's Church, St Nicholas Church and St Peter's Church. We leave it up to you to decide which one is the most interesting, although we encourage you to see them all, at least from the outside. And it won't be difficult, as St Mary's Church can be seen from the Market Square. The interior is just as beautiful as the exterior. It is known for its impressive towers, the tallest of which is about 262 feet. You can climb it and enjoy a panoramic view of Rostock. St Mary's Church also houses an astronomical clock. This complex device is over 500 years old and is a marvel of medieval engineering.
Another church, St Nicholas Church, is about a 10-minute walk from the Market Square. It is best known for its stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes and saints, the work of great artists.
The last church, St Peter's Church, is about 5 minutes walk from St Nicholas Church or 10 minutes walk from the Market Square. Like the other churches, it is a perfect example of German Gothic, with a richly decorated interior and colourful stained glass windows. It has the distinction of being the oldest church building in Rostock and was the inspiration for other churches.
3. Kröpeliner Straße
Our next suggestion is University Square. However, it is worth getting there via Kröpeliner Straße. This is a charming street that connects the Market Square with the University Square and will give you more memories of Rostock. A variety of shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants line both sides of the street. This is an ideal opportunity to try some German delicacies or buy some souvenirs.
4. University Square
After crossing Kröpeliner Straße you will reach University Square. Surrounded by academic buildings, it is a popular place to meet and relax. Of particular interest is the University Church, which is often used for celebrations and academic events. Interestingly, the University of Rostock is one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded in 1419!
5. Kröpeliner Tor - City Gate
Continue along Kröpeliner Strasse to the Kröpeliner Tor. Rostock's historic city gate is a remnant of the fortifications, elements of which can be seen throughout the city centre. The gate is a reminder of the city's membership of the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trading alliance, and is also one of the main symbols of the city of Rostock. It is well worth visiting and taking some souvenir photos.
6. Rostock’s Culture History Museum
If you are curious about Rostock and would like to get to know the city better, the Rostock Museum of Cultural History is the place to go. Located less than 10 minutes from the Market Square, it is a collection of interesting exhibitions that present the cultural and historical development of Rostock and the surrounding area. The history of the city through the centuries and its role in the Hanseatic League may be of particular interest. It is a must for history lovers.
Warnemünd
Warnemünde is a seaside resort best known for its tourist harbour. No wonder, its excellent location and calm waters make for a relaxing holiday. Let us suggest some of the activities that this charming place has to offer.
1. Schifffahrtsmuseum
When travelling between Rostock and Vermunade, it is worth stopping off at a certain fascinating museum. The Schifffahrtsmuseum is Germany's largest floating museum, located on board a ship anchored in the Warnow River. The Rostock Maritime Museum contains more than 12,000 maritime exhibits that tell the story of the world of shipping and shipbuilding. And you can experience it all at first hand by taking a tour of a 10,000-tonne ocean-going freighter, including the engine room, the bridge or the sailor's cabin.
2. Old Stream (Alter Strom) Promenade
The Alter Strom is a 1,100 metre long canal that connects Warnemünde to the ferry terminal at the mouth of the Warnow River. Once an important trading post of the Hanseatic League, it is now a charming place with shops and small cafés serving local delicacies. Many bridges cross the canal, allowing you to walk along both banks. An ideal place for a quiet stroll in a seaside atmosphere.
3. Bicycle trails
If you want to get a little more active, Warnemünde has something for you. How about combining a challenging bike ride with views of the Baltic Sea and the Warnow River? There are many recommended cycle routes in Warnemünde, such as the Baltic Sea Cycle Route or the Warnow Cycle Route. For ambitious cyclists there is even a route that connects Warnemünde with Rostock: the Rostock-Warnemünde coastal path. The routes are well signposted and bike hire is generally available. Remember to take your passport with you, however, as you will need it to hire a tourist bike.
4. Warnemünde Leuchtturm
The most recognisable symbol of Warnemünde. The lighthouse of Warnemünde is about 118 feet high and is one of the most important buildings of the town. The key location of the lighthouse allowed it to effectively warn sailors of approaching land. Nowadays its function is more symbolic. It is open to visit and it is also possible to climb it and admire the beautiful coastline of Germany.
5. Teepot (Teapot)
The name alone is intriguing. And the building is even more interesting. Teepot is the more modern element of Vermunde. It was built in the 1960s and is known for its unique design, resembling a teapot with a curved roof. It was built as an inviting restaurant overlooking the sea, and you can still enjoy a meal there today.
6. Wismar and Schwerin
Nearby Warnemünde and Rostock are two other German cities that attract tourists with their beauty. Wismar and Schwerin are about an hour away by train or hire car. Wismar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic centre is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Schwerin's main attraction is Schwerin Castle, located on an island in Schwerin Lake. The castle is an architectural mix dominated by Romantic Historicism. Surrounding the castle is the Duchess Garden, designed in the style of an English landscape garden.
We hope that this collection of attractions and different ways to spend your time in Warnemünde and Rostock will give you a good basis for planning an exciting day out. You can choose from active explorations of historic architecture to peaceful walks along the Baltic coast.
However, if you are tempted to visit the heart of Germany, fabulous Berlin, you may be interested in the All-in-One Berlin Shore Excursion Tour. With the certainty of passing out in time and a tour of the capital's highlights, like Charlottenburg Castle or the Brandenburg Gate, this would be the perfect choice for those wanting to see Berlin. We invite you to take a look and wish you a successful tour :)
