Warnemunde Sea Resort

Warnemunde is a sea resort and district of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, situated on the Baltic Sea in the northeast of Germany at the estuary of the river Warnow. The meaning of the word Warnemunde is Warnow mouth.

Warnemunde is a fishing village with minor importance for the economic and cultural development of the region. In 1323 Warnemunde lost its autonomous status as it was purchased by the city of Rostock in order to safeguard the city’s access to the Baltic Sea. It was not until the 19th century that Warnemunde began to develop into an important sea resort. Today Warnemunde has approximately 8,400 inhabitants.

Warnemundes economic alignment has shifted inevitably from the primary to the secondary and tertiary sector. Besides the Aker Warnow Werft ship yard, the economy largely depends on tourism. The construction of a modern cruise line centre in 2005 has contributed crucially to Warnemundes establishment as the most important harbour for cruise line ships in Germany.

Warnemunde was formerly the site of the original LFG aircraft factories during World War I. Prior to World War II a number of other companies, mostly related in some way to the now bankrupt LFG, started operations in the area. These included Heinkel and Arado Flugzeugwerke. The factories and surrounding living areas were bombed several times during the war. Many of these factories were used to form Warnow Werft.

Being a centre of maritime traffic, the district of Warnemunde comprises numerous navigational aids, the oldest of which is the lighthouse located near the beach promenade. The lighthouse, which is currently still in use, was built in 1897. In the summer, the 40m / 135ft high tower allows visitors to enjoy an impressive view over the Baltic Sea and the Northern districts of Rostock. The nearby Teepott / Teapot with its slightly curved roof, the resort’s second famous landmark, is an interesting example of East German architecture. Built in the 1960s and renovated in 2002, it today houses different restaurants and a sea voyage exhibition.

In the vicinity of the canal called der Alte Strom, with its various restaurants, pubs and traditional fishing boats, regional specialties are offered on a fish market. Warnemundes broad, sandy beaches are the largest on the German Baltic Sea coast and stretch out over a length of 3 kilometres / 2 miles.

Because of the low current and good sailing conditions, Warnemunde is one of the best sailing grounds in Germany. The beach is especially good for kitesurfing, windsurfing, underwater diving, swimming and nordic walking. In the summertime there are a lot of international competitions.