☰Warnemünde

Rostock is only 20 minutes away by S-Bahn and well worth a few hours. The old town has a handsome market square, the Gothic Marienkirche with its medieval astronomical clock, and a lively waterfront district along the Stadthafen (city harbour). The university gives Rostock a young, energetic atmosphere.

The Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula, a narrow strip of land between the Baltic and the Bodden lagoons to the west, is one of the most scenic stretches of the Mecklenburg coast. It is a designated national park; the village of Ahrenshoop has a long tradition as an artists' colony. Allow a full day and either hire a car or take the regional train to Ribnitz-Damgarten, then a bus.

Bad Doberan, about 20 km west of Rostock, is notable for its magnificent 13th-century Cistercian minster, one of the finest brick Gothic buildings in northern Germany. The Molli narrow-gauge steam railway runs from Bad Doberan through the forest to the beach resort of Kühlungsborn — a scenic and unhurried way to travel.

Warnemünde is small enough to explore entirely on foot. From the S-Bahn station it is about a five-minute walk along the Alter Strom to the lighthouse and the beach. The beach promenade (Strandpromenade) runs parallel to the shore for several kilometres, making it easy to walk as far along the coast as you like.

Bicycles can be hired from several rental outlets near the station and along the Alter Strom. Cycling is a pleasant way to explore the beach strip and the quieter streets behind the dunes.

A small pedestrian ferry crosses the mouth of the Alter Strom, connecting the main resort area to the quieter western bank where the cruise terminal is located. It runs regularly throughout the day in summer.

The S-Bahn line S1 runs directly from Rostock Hauptbahnhof to Warnemünde in about 20 minutes, with trains running frequently throughout the day. This is by far the easiest and most practical way to arrive — the station drops you right in the centre of the resort, a short walk from both the Alter Strom and the beach.

By car, Warnemünde is roughly 12 km north of central Rostock via the B103. Parking near the beach and Alter Strom can be difficult and expensive in summer; the train is strongly recommended during peak season.

Warnemünde is also the starting and ending point of ferry crossings to Gedser in Denmark, operated by Scandlines. The ferry terminal is at the northern tip of the Alter Strom, a short walk from the lighthouse.