Warnemünde is Rostock's seaside district at the mouth of the Warnow river, about 12 kilometres north of the city centre and reachable by S-Bahn in 20 minutes. It has one of the finest beaches on the German Baltic coast — a broad, clean stretch of white sand backed by characteristic German Baltic resort architecture, with the usual complement of beach chairs (Strandkörbe) for rent.
The Alter Strom, the old fishing harbour, is the atmospheric heart of Warnemünde — a canal lined with painted fishermen's cottages, fish restaurants, and smoked fish stalls. The 1898 lighthouse at the harbour mouth is still operational and can be climbed for views across the Baltic. In summer this is a lively, popular destination; out of season it becomes quiet and pleasantly melancholy.