We will be arriving in warnemunde on a cruise shortly and am wondering if taking the train to berlin for basically 6 hours is worth it or is there enough to do in warnemunde to warrant staying in the port town/near by. I am vague on what are the must sees in berlin so any advice would be accepted.
Posted by
Edmonton Canada
327 posts
In September 2014 on a Baltic cruise, we chose to enjoy a relaxing day on our own strolling the beach and charming seaside town of Warnemunde Germany (bonus: it was a beautiful sunny day). The Rick Steves' Northern European Cruise Ports guide book has a chapter on things to see and do there, as well as in Berlin.
It is really a personal preference as to how much travel time you are willing to endure to see Berlin for a few hours (3 hours train ride each way). Berlin is one of the great cities of Europe and if you think this will be your "one and only chance" to see it, then by all means, go for it. Bon voyage! The Baltic cruise ports are magnificent.
Mardan
Posted by
Germany
868 posts
Close to Warnemünde are:
- three cities of the Hanseatic League whose old towns are World Heritage Sites (Stralsund, Wismar, Lübeck)
- one former capital of a duchy with a preserved old town surrounded by lakes and a fairytale castle just like Neuschwanstein (Schwerin)
- one of the most beautiful Brick Gothic churches of the Baltics (Bad Doberan)
- several beautiful seaside resorts with many examples of the so called resort architecture of the 19th century and cute fishermens houses
- a nostalgic steam train that connects the summer residence of a duchy (Bad Doberan) with the first seaside resort of the continent (Heiligendamm)
The Baltic Coast is actually Germanys most popular summer destination, and not just because of the beaches but because the region is so diverse. To most Germans it sounds pretty odd to waste more than 6 hours on the road to spend 5 hours in Berlin when you are so close to so many interesting places.
There is a local company with very good reviews, Friends of Ed, which offers great tours. The best one, I think called "Mega Mecklenburg Tour", connects Warnemünde with Wismar and Schwerin. IMHO a great mix, because you see a bit everything: a preserved Hanseatic town, a beautiful romantic castle, and a typical seaside resort.
BTW: it's also possible to do these trips on your own, although it will be impossible to see three places. But two are manageable. And it would be very cheap, because you could use a "Länderticket", which costs less than 30€ for two.
Posted by
OP
27 posts
thanks for all the good advice. I think we will stay in warnemunde - especially if it is a nice day. I might try a dip in the water too.