Germany: Warnemünde I – Relax at the Baltic Sea

The small fishing village of Warnemünde was founded in 1200 and its name indicates its location at the mouth of the Warnow to the Baltic Sea. In 1323, the village became a part of the nearby Hanseatic city of Rostock, in order to give the city direct access to the Baltic Sea. It was only in the 19th century that Warnemünde began to develop into a remarkable and popular seaside resort and spa center on the Baltic coast. Villas, hotels and bath complexes have been constructed here.

The tradition of seaside baths in the northeast of Germany was founded by the Grand Duke Fridrich Franz I, who in 1793, in the nearby town of Heiligendamm, believed that the salt water healing power was thrown into the waves of the cold Baltic Sea. Although his bath lasted only briefly, he liked it enough to repeat it regularly. Since 1821, tourists have been searching for this area and bathing culture has begun to develop here. On the entire Baltic coast of Germany we can find a number of seaside health resorts and luxury wellness centers with a typical spa architecture.

This area of Germany with the least salty sea of the world, with a mild coastal climate and clean air with high iodine content and a microclimate beneficial to the airways has become an ideal place for yearlong rest. The coastal forest, unspoilt reefs, wind-drenched dunes strewn with desert grass and especially white sandy beaches are inviting for relaxation. From the sea you may enjoy the views of the dunes, the beach and the floating boats.

During warmer days, beaches are full of people. Typical beach sheds protect people from sharp wind. During the former regime, this coast was a popular resort for tourists from the entire Eastern block. It was also a famous destination for many visitors from former Czechoslovakia.

The beach and the sea in Warnemünde, it may not just be a quiet beach laying down, which is usually associated with the idea of a baths. If you are adrenaline and sports enthusiasts, you will enjoy these new adventures.

In addition to beach volleyball and other beach activities, you can also try water sports, like stand-up paddling, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Wind weather wishes these sports, you can find many rentals and schools. If you do not want to stay just by the shore, rent a sailboat and set off for adventure directly to the sea.

The Baltic coast is also suitable for cycling. You do not have to take your bicycles with you, you can borrow them on the spot. If you do not decide and want to see everything, you may have difficulty selecting a route. There is a dense network of cycle paths that offer varying lengths and difficulty. Do you prefer walking or hiking? They even thought about you and you can take a hike on some of the hiking trails.

A walk along the beach promenade, lined with benches, is also beautiful. Seepromenade is a nearly 2-kilometer boulevard between the coastal forest in the west, the beacon and the characteristic Teepotto in the east of the resort. One side of the promenade is lined with hotel resorts, cafes, restaurants, and on the other is the seaside. The attractions of the beach are the breakwaters - several wooden pillars embedded in the seashore.

Art is also on the promenade. Here you can find a number of sculptures. One example is the bronze statue of lovers Liebespaar (Wilfried Fitzenreiter, 1979). Various events and concerts take place on the promenade. Particularly at the lighthouse there is a lively tourist attraction, which becomes more lively in the evening.

Any stay at sea will clear your head and airways, relieve work stress, fatigue, and strengthen your immunity. Not everyone can take the heat of seaside resorts, so Warnemünde is the ideal destination for people with vascular and heart disease, as well as for anyone who likes to find new places.

GPS: 54°10'31.0"N 12°05'19.9"E

Text and photos: Mgr. Anna Nociarová

Edited by: Infoglobe