2023 - July - Warnemünde

Fine Baltic Sea sand on the beach, well-developed infrastructure, and plenty of fine restaurants and hotels, that's Warnemünde. But there is an additional advantage compared to other Baltic Sea resorts: Here you can watch many large (!) ships.

Granted, the last point might bother some people. Because the big boats that sail by from close up also make some noise, and when cruise ships anchor here, they also bring a lot of tourists. In the 6000-inhabitant town, it can quickly get even more crowded than usual.

But of course, everything here is geared towards tourism. The city of Rostock is pleased when the cash register rings because Warnemünde has been a district of Rostock since 1323. Even today, it is still said among the locals: The purchase of Warnemünde was the best deal Rostock ever made. A certain rivalry between the two districts can still be heard today.

It is also interesting that Warnemünde became a seaside resort relatively late, in the mid-19th century. But after that, the number of visitors grew rapidly, and various accommodations were built one after the other.

One of the most famous hotels in the entire former GDR still dominates the skyline of Warnemünde today. It is the 19-storey Hotel Neptun, which opened in 1971. The prestigious building was intended as a showcase object for visitors from all over the world. These guests were also welcome to bring foreign currency. Even today, the current 5-star hotel is very popular.

But of course, one can argue whether the object is more of a block or an architectural masterpiece. Either way, all rooms have a sea view, there are various good restaurants, and the Skybar offers a great view.

The old lighthouse and the adjacent "Teepott" are also landmarks of the seaside resort. Nowadays, the ensemble visually belongs together because the two buildings stand side by side at the beginning of the promenade. But of course, they have completely different functions. The lighthouse still serves as a beacon for shipping. However, it is operated electronically from a distance. We visitors can climb it today for 2 euros and enjoy the great view. The "Teepott" on the other hand is a restaurant that was built in 1968 and stands out, especially for its curved roof.

The old Warnemünde may be more inconspicuous, but it is definitely worth a visit. Away from the usual tourist paths, it is quiet and almost sleepy here. Where fisher families or relatives of sailors used to live in the tightest of spaces, everything is now well-kept and rented out to tourists.

Of course, the high season is in summer, and I admit that I also find it most beautiful then. But good sea air is here all year round.