With our cruise ship's first stop at this coastal city, we decided to do a walking tour on our own. Exiting the vessel along the Neuer Strom, we were immediately greeted by a tourist information center/gift shop. Outside, several large, water-themed sand sculptures decorated the area. The cruise pier is conveniently located next to the train station for cruisers wanting to travel on to Lübeck, Berlin, or beyond.
This attractive seaside resort is a popular destination not only for cruise passengers but for German tourists as well. Idyllic, wide, white sand beaches offer the opportunity for long walks or a cooling dip in the Baltic Sea....way too refreshing for us. Walking along the Middle pier, fish markets and fish restaurants line the way. Smoked and freshly caught fish are available from a number of vendors. Along Alter Strom (Old Channel) numerous shops, pubs, and restaurants grace the waterfront. Colorful working fishing boats and tour boats line the seawall. Nearby, Westmole (West Pier) runs 500 meters into the Baltic Sea to protect the harbor entrance.
The sea promenade, built over 100 years ago, runs along the beach, providing a long, wide walkway with hotels and guesthouses opposite the shore. Tucked into a corner near the old lighthouse built in 1897, we found a tiny ma and pa restaurant. Offering a limited menu, and with no English translation available, Alan managed to order a bratwurst and beer. Generally, we found that English was not as widely spoken here as in many other port cities.
Turning toward the city, we walked along lovely, clean streets lined with pensions and shops. Flower gardens were in full bloom. Discovering the Fountain of Procession, a local explained the 19 bronze figures in the sculpture represent a traditional, annual Warnemünde procession. The townspeople dress up and proceed to the tax office to pay their taxes, turning an inevitable obligation into a fun event.
Near the city center, we found the Neo-Gothic Protestant church built between 1866 and 1872. Gorgeous carvings decorate the gold-leafed altar and pulpit. Radiating out from the church, dozens of shops, open-air beer gardens, and restaurants provided for the needs of visitors.
All in all a delightful, easily walkable, small town.
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