Travelanni
-
Posts
1,056 -
Joined
Content Type
Forums
Store
Blogs
Downloads
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by Travelanni
-
-
We are taking our first Baltic cruise and have never been to Berlin. So we signed up for the all day free time in Berlin.. Now, we need advice on what to see, how to get there, and how to schedule these sights. My German is primitive, but passable. I have some problems with exended walking, but my wife is in top shape. We can afford to take cabs. We also like to eat well.
We will appreciates any advice you can give us.
Danke und Thank you
Hi, Berlin is a big city and only a small part of what there is to do and see can be covered in one day so what you choose very much depends on your personal interests and what you feel are the 'must do's'. This website has some good ideas for visitors with limited time.
www.visitberlin.de/en/see/sightseeing
The Hop-on-hop-off buses cover all the major sights and start from the Hauptbahnhof (I assume that you are going by train) Cabs are a possibility but unless you know your way around, where the cab ranks are etc, I think you would spend a lot of time finding a cab and I personally would be a bit wary of getting 'taken for a ride' as it were. At least with the HOHO bus that cannot happen. There are some areas, Unter den Linden for example, where a large number of sights are within walking distance but once again it depends on your interests.
If you would like to give me a list of your 'must do's' I could work out a possible route or maybe another cruiser who has done Berlin independently in one day will be able to give you the benefit of their experience.
Sorry I can't be of much help but, although I am a confirmed DIY tourist, Berlin (because of the time limit) and St. Petersburg (because of the visa difficulties) are the two Baltic ports in which I would advise a guided tour, tailored to suit your interests, with one of the private companies recommended in these threads.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
-
Hi Anni,
First, let me thank you for ALL your hard work providing so much information for us. :)
My inquiry is about Hamburg. We are looking into visiting the Miniatur Wunderland . I have written through the reservation section to get more information about 'group reservations', which they have, I haven't heard back.
My question is about how long it takes to tour ? I know everyone goes at their own pace, but just a general idea ? ( I know my husband will be there all day !! LOL :roll eyes: )
We want to plan our day to see more of Hamburg. There is a phone # I considered calling,but.. although my Dad was from Berlin, unfortunately my German is very minimal .
Danke for any help. my email zipcat@aol.com
Hi, thanks for the appreciation. I love Hamburg and visit often but must confess to never having visited Miniatur Wonderland. Always meant to, maybe this year. I notice you have asked the queston elsewhere, hope a local or someone who has been can help.
Please look at your e-mails, I am sending one that might interest you.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
-
We will be going to Rostock from Warnemunde.
Thank you for all your info. It makes it easier to plan an outing with confidence.
Hi, I did not thank you for your appreciation, my apologies. A word of acknowledement makes it all worthwhile
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
HI Anni,
My wife and me will arrive on the Celebrity Constellation docking at Warnemunde at 9.30 AM on (Sunday) 3/6/12. After I have studied your helpful information from your thread.
My plan is
1. Take the S-bahn to Rostock for seightseeing and join the 1 hour walking tour orgainized by Historical Society. After that, we will visit Marienkirche to watch the astrological clock . At noon and midnight the innermost right door opens and six of the 12 apostles march out to parade around Jesus (Judas is locked out). and then walk back to Rockstock hbf
2. Take the 13.07 RE train to Schwerin and visit this city and catch the 15.53 train back to warnemunde.
My questions
1. You advised us to select single ride when we purchase lander ticket on line. Do you mean the return time to be open because it is valid for unlimited number of journey on day of validity and therefore we don't need to choose return trip
2. Do we need to buy a single ticket for tram to Rostock downtown from Rostockhbf after we have bought the lander ticket. If tram ticket is required, Can I buy in a tram and how much. If not, where ?
3. We take the RC train to Hamburg via Schwerin but how about vice versa (Is it the train to Rostock ?)
Cheers
Stephen:):)
Hi Stephen,
1. Single ride is correct as the Lander ticket is a single ride, lasting all day! You are correct, the return (and any other rides you care to take during the day) are open. If you choose return you will not be given the Lander ticket option only standard tickets.
2. Yes, with a Lander ticket you do need a single ticket downtown from the Hbf. You can buy from the machines at Warnemunde, on the tram platform at the Hbf or on the tram. The ticket you require is a single costing 1.80€. The machines all have touch screens in English, just hit the British flag.
3. The return train from Schwerin is to Rostock, usually from platform 2.
Just a couple of observations if I may.
You are not allowing yourselves a great deal of time do the tour, see the clock and walk to the Hbf. There is very little to see between the Market Place and the Hbf. so maybe a return on the tram would be better, once again #s 5 & 6.
If it comes to choosing between seeing the clock and catching the train to Schwerin I would personally choose the latter! The astronomical clock itself is an incredible piece of machinery and very, very interesting but the movement of the figures is not as exciting as the cruise lines would have you believe and because of the publicity the church is extremely crowded with tour groups at mid-day so often you get a glimpse of the figures but cannot see the actual clock.
Maybe you would like to consider getting off the tram at Neuer Markt, visit the church to see the clock itself (minus the figures but also minus the crowds!) and then walk up the main pedestrian street to the Kröpeliner Tor to join the 11am Historical Society walk which often goes over the hour but will finish back at the Neuer Markt in plenty of time for you to catch the tram back to Hbf. Just a thought.
I notice that Constellation is not scheduled to sail until midnight so you could consider a later train back from Schwerin to Warnemünde. Your timetable only gives you one and a half hours in Schwerin and it takes at least 15 mins to walk to or from the station. It is such a lovely place and there is so much to see that it would be a pity to travel all that way and then not have enough time. The 17.53 (5.53pm) arrives in Rostock at 19.03 and the connection to Warnemünde arrives there at 19.36 (7.36pm) Even the 19.53 from Schwerin would get you back before 10pm.
Thanks for your appreciation, it makes it all worthwhile.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
We will be going to Rostock from Warnemunde. Which tram would I take after getting off the train to go to the historical sociey? Also how would I find the historical society? I would like to do that tour. Then we would like to go to the brewery and take the boat back to Warnemunde.
Thank you for all your info. It makes it easier to plan an outing with confidence.
Hi, the Historical Society is again running the 1hr walks, more details here and on the blog when they are finalised.
From the lower level of the Hauptbahnhof, tram platform A-City, take #5 or #6 to 'Kröpeliner Tor'. This is the 5th stop from Hbf. Cross the tracks at the lights and walk up the slope (or steps) to the tall brick tower. This is the Kröpeliner Tor, HQ of the Historical Society and starting point for the walk.
The information given out by certain cruise lines infers that the main Rostocker Brewery is open to the public which is not so. The only one in the city is the mini-brewery attached to the restaurant 'Alten Fritz' but I am not certain if they do tours. The other mini-brewery is out near the zoo, reachable by a 15min, #6 tram ride, tram stop "Zoo". They have a website in English
If you do go to the brewery take the #6 tram back to the city, get off at Langestrasse and walk down the street opposite to the river, the boat dock is right there.
Happy cruising :) Anni
-
Is it difficult to change trains at Rostock? This July, our cruise ship (Celebrity Eclipse) arrives at the Warnemunde Cruise Terminal. We will walk to the train station in Warnemunde and take the train to Rostock. We need to change trains at Rostock for Lubeck. Is the Rostock station a big station? Is it difficult to switch from the train from Warnemunde to the train to Lubeck? We cannot read German.
Hi,
Rostock is not a big station, 8 platforms, but I would advise that you take the 8:12 or at the latest 8:22 from Warnemünde if you are aiming for the 9:07 from Rostock. The advised timetable, ie 8:37 from Warnemünde, does not allow enough time if you are not familiar with the station. There is no need to be able to read German, important words are in three languages (German/English/French) and place names are the same.
The s-bahn from Warnemünde arrives on either track 1 or 2. Take the stairs 1 flight down to the main concourse. The electronic departure boards are on the walls on each side.
The train you require is the RE to Hamburg. Lübeck is not mentioned as there is no direct train, a change must be made in Bad Kleinen.
The departure time and track will be indicated, normally track 6. Take the elevator marked 3-6 or the central stairs up to the platform (level 0) If a different track is indicated (never happened as far as I can remember) take the appropriately numbered elevator or set of stairs. The platforms are clearly numbered and there are electronic indicator boards showing the departure time, destination and intermediate stops of the next train on each.
RE trains on which the Länder ticket is valid:-
Depart Rostock Hbf. 9:07, 11:07, 13:07
Arrive Bad Kleinen. 9:52, 11:52, 13:52
Change trains in Bad Kleinen - 5th stop on the route.
Take the stairs down into the tunnel. The Lübeck train usually departs from platform 3.
RE Bad Kleinen to Lübeck
Depart Bad Kleinen. 10:03, 12:03, 14:03
Arrive Lübeck Hbf. 10:54, 12:54, 14:54
To return to Warnemünde
RE trains on which the Länder ticket is valid:-
Depart Lubeck Hbf. 15:04, 17:04, 19:04
Change in Bad Kleinen
Arrive Rostock Hbf. 16:51, 18:51, 20:51
Take the s-bahn (every 15 mins) from platforms 1/2 to Warnemünde.
The rest of the information for Lubeck, along with that for Wismar, Bad Doberan, Hamburg and Berlin will appear on the web site during the next week or so but it is a huge job. Please bear with me. Thanks.
Happy cruising, :) Anni
travelanni.webs.com
-
Anni,
Thank you so much for all your help. I have been reading your posts since last summer to prepare for our trip in July. I was hoping so much to take your tour of Rostock and have the chance to meet you, but I'm afraid it may not work out. We will be in Rostock on Friday, July 20th, and I see that you are leaving on a cruise on July 12th.
Am I correct to assume that you will not be back and giving tours on Friday the 20th?
If you are not there, is there someone else who gives tours of Rostock in English?
I see that many people are also visiting other towns in the area, but we don't want to be running around and worry about missing a train. I was wondering if there are enough things to do in Rostock for us to keep busy all day (we are in our 60's) and then return to Warnemunde and walk in that town for an hour or two?
I looked at your website and it is coming along very well. Congratulations! I will check it again once you have the chance to write the section about Rostock.
Thanks for all you do for us. Lise
Hi Lise, thank you for your appreciation. It makes it all worthwhile.
The Rostock Historical Society will once again be offering the tours in English, the format has not been finalised as yet but is expected to be the same as last year - watch for it on the website. I am only one of the volunteers who do tours in English for the Society so they still happen when I am away.
I think you could find enough in Rostock and Warnemunde to fill a leisurely day. I have put the first draft of the Rostock page on site with web addresses for what to see and do. They only give general information but most of the sites belonging to the attractions themselves are in German. I am happy to answer any questions you may have after you have browsed them.
Happy cruising :) Anni
travelanni.webs.com
-
Anni - Great site!!
I just used Google maps to see the distance from Blaue Flotte, where the boat lets you off, to the Rostock Zoo. It seems too far to walk (shows a one hour walk), but it is 7 minutes by taxi. If we take the boat to Rostock, would there be taxis where the boat docks so that we can get to the zoo, then would there be taxi at the zoo to get back to the boat? I feel better with the boat option. It will be myself and 2 girls. My husband is going to Berlin with our older children. The boat seems less complicated.
Also, if there are taxis, would they speak enough English to get us to where we need to go?
Hi,
Glad you like the site. I am adding to it every day, it is becoming an addiction!
Google maps are very good but they can be misleading as to times and distances without local knowledge. No one but an athlete would even consider walking from the city to the Zoo.
The nearest taxi rank to the Blaue Flotte landing point in the city, is a 10min, uphill walk away on Lange Strasse. After you disembark walk across the carpark to the main road. Cross at the lights (it is a very busy road), cross the next 2 streets and take the pedestrian steps up to the main street. The taxi rank is 50m on the right. There are no taxis at the Zoo, you would need to call one. Some of our taxi drivers speak English and some do not, it is a matter of luck I'm afraid.
Also the boats do not start until 10:30 so you would be wasting valulable time as you could be at the Zoo when it opens by train/tram and have time in Warnemunde later.
The boat fare would be 40euros return for your family plus about 20euros each way for the taxi. Train/tram would be just under 10euros return for the family.
The boat/walk/taxi option would take about 1hr 25mins against the train/tram option of about 50 mins.
The train/tram option is much easier as the train station in Warnemunde is literally alongside the ship and you get off the tram at the Zoo gates. Believe me you will not be the only cruise ship passenger changing from the train to a #6 tram as this is the most common route used to get into the city.
Changing from train to tram at Rostock main station is very, very easy. After you leave the train take the stairs one flight down to the main concourse, then take the stairs marked 'A - City' one more flight down to the tram platform. The tram you need is #6 - Zoo - Neuer Freidhof. They run every 12 mins.
The trams have electronic indicator boards inside and announcements for each stop, just watch for Zoo. It is the 13th stop from the station and the journey takes 20mins. The Zoo gate is across the track on the opposite platform.
For the return journey exit the Zoo by the same gate and you are on the tram platform where you catch the city bound tram, #6 - Mensa. Leave the tram at Hauptbahnhof, go to the extreme right hand end of the tram platform and take the lift direct to platforms 1 & 2 for the train to Warnemunde.
Happy cruising, :) Anni
travelanni.webs.com
-
:) So much info posted here by Anni.... quite simply... sehr groß danke! :)
I am a bit confused re Warnermunde' port vs Rostock, but have checked port site, and our ship berths at P7.
I think we are going to rent a car and head out to Schwerin via Rostock and then loop back the scenic way by the coast.
My questions:
-is there a better web site for the Stasis Prison in Rostock? I'm trying to find which days they have an English speaking tour. Are there 2 prisons or am I confused with the vs the old?
-how is parking near the Marienkirsche in Rostock? (want to time it correctly for the hour mark :)
-We berth on a Sunday, and I've read that shops in Rostock will be closed. Do you think that will be the same for Schwerin?
Thanks again Anni.
Hi, thanks for your appreciation.
The Port of Call is officially Rostock and the Cruise Terminal, which is part of the Port of Rostock, is at the mouth of the river, in the suburb of Warnemünde.
Berths P7, P8 and P4 are located in the Cruise Terminal but berth LP41 (which is only used when we have three or four big ships in together) is located in the ferry/cargo port on the other side of the river.
There is no port called Warnemünde,but for some reason the cruise companies like to imply that Warnemünde and Rostock are two separate places or, even worse, create confusion by advertising the Port of Call as 'Berlin' which is ridiculous as Berlin is 230 klms inland. People read the advertising and assume that either Warnemünde is a city like Helsinki and Tallin or that the ship docks in Berlin. Hope that this clears up the confusion.
Stasi Documentation Centre and Museum (Prison) - There is only one in Rostock but I am afraid it is closed on Sunday.
Parking near the Marienkirche - There is very little in the way of street parking in the city but there is a good underground car park opposite the church on Lange Strasse.
Sunday Trading -In general, right across Germany, shops are closed on Sunday. The exceptions are bakeries with a cafe, convenience stores in railway stations/airports/petrol stations and shops in tourist towns like Warnemünde and Berlin. Rostock and Schwerin are not classed as tourist towns but of course restaurants, cafes and bistros are open. However, there are three 'Shopping Sundays' per year which are fairly random so you may be lucky.
Happy cruising :) Anni
travelanni.webs.com
-
Hi Anni!
Yes & Yes.
Let me know if you need my email address. I am very excited to hear that you have created a web site That is great!
Kind regards,
Ellen
Hi Ellen, yes please may I have your e-mail address. Still building the site but if you want to watch it grow try www.travelanni.webs.com
I intend to stay on Cruise Critic for specific questions but let me know if you think the site will be a useful addition
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
Liebe Anni,
It's Ellen again. Hope you are doing well.
As you know, we are on HAL Eurodam and will arrive in Warnemünde on Monday, 2 July at 6 AM; departing at 22:00 (10 PM).
I am laying out an itinerary for:
-
Warnemünde - Rostock - Schwerin - Wismar - Rostock -Warnemünde
Per your advice we plan to take the 8:22 am to Rostock, get the Länderticket Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and travel on to Schwerin Hbf. Walk to the castle, see the market.
Estimate 4 hours for this.
Next, take train from Schwerin to Wismar - using this link for info:
http://www.wismar-stralsund.de/en
Estimate 2 hourse for Wismar.
Then train to Rostock -- see the Stasi Prison (Monday & Closed as you kindly let me know earlier.)
Then back to Warnemünde and the Eurodam.
But, I do need a reality check from you please. Will this itinerary work with the train schedules? I sometimes find the destination boards confusing.... and obviously on DIY travel, knowing timetables and which way to walk is critical. I have been meaning to look at the Michellin site for walking directions.....
Dankbar :):)
Ellen G
Hi Ellen, I am well thankyou. Very busy at the moment creating a web site of info for cruisers travelling in this area. Up and running next week I hope.
The 9.07 from Rostock arrives Schwerin 10.03 so with your schedule you would need to depart Schwerin either 1.53 arriving Wismar 2.46 or 2.22 arriving 3.15. Trains to Rostock depart Wismar hourly. The 4.42 arriving Rostock 5.51 and so on. With sailing time of 10 pm I presume you would need to be on board by 9pm so would need to leave Rostock Hbf no later than the 8.16.
Bear in mind that the walk from the station to anything of interest in both Schwerin and Wismar takes between 10 and 15 mins at a reasonable pace. If you finish at the castle in Schwerin the walk back to the station is at least 20mins.
The tram ride between Rostock Hbf and Rostock City takes about 10 mins with about 10 mins between trams.
Please do not think I am trying to put you off, it is do-able but 4 hours in Schwerin, especially if you want to tour the castle, or 2 hours in Wismar are not really enough to see very much when you take away the walking time from and back to the station and the few minutes before the train etc. (German short distance trains leave on the dot!)
My personal recommendation would be to choose one or the other and combine Schwerin with Rostock or Wismar with either Bad Doberan or Rostock then finish off with an evening stroll around Warnemuende. This typical, small, North German seaside resort and fishing town is a gem not to be missed and is unique on a Baltic Cruise as all the other Ports of Call are cities.
If you want detailed directions for Rostock Hbf or to and from the stations in the other cities please let me know. If the web site is not finished I will e-mail them to you.
Happy Cruising, :) Anni
-
Warnemünde - Rostock - Schwerin - Wismar - Rostock -Warnemünde
-
- DB Bahn takes the hassle out of group travel!
DB Bahn offers several discounts for group travel throughout Germany and even internationally. Whether you are travelling with friends, schools or colleagues, DB Bahn wants to help you save money on your journey.
A German regional ticket for up to 5 persons from just EUR 28.00For unlimited travel for a whole day within a certain region, one of DB Bahn's "Länder-Tickets" is the best choice.
Travel can be on any day of the week within one of the German states. The ticket can be used on all local trains ( RegionalExpress, RegionalBahn, S-Bahn) and several other transport systems.
Save up to 70% on rail travel
Six adults or more travelling together can save up to 70% on rail travel in Germany and beyond!
Group contingents can be booked up to 12 months in advance.
The group discounts are subject to availability.
Deutsche Bahn offers five convenient discount categories:
Gruppe&Spar PricesGruppe&Spar 3030% discountGruppe&Spar 4040% discountGruppe&Spar 5050% discountGruppe&Spar 60 60% discount
Gruppe&Spar 70 70% discount
Gruppe&Spar - always up-to-the-minute with the fare and availability indicator
With the fare and availability indicator for groups, you can conveniently check from your home which Gruppe&Spar offers are available for the group travel you wish and also what the journey will cost. You can request the information both for national as well as for international group journeys by rail.
You are welcome to send your availability-checked group journey to our DB customer support agents via the online enquiry form. They will contact you within 24 hours.
IS THIS AN ALL DAY PASS?
Also, how much is it to rent a van for 6 people for one day?
Hi, thanks for the info, I guess it is on the offers page but I have never looked at it because, as I said before, Group Travel is only a saving if you are using ICE, IC or EC trains on longer routes where Lander tickets are not available and is designed specially for larger groups. Six persons is the minimum.
According to DB themselves a Mecklenburg Lander Ticket is the best choice for what you wish to do. (Your quote - paragraph marked in red). Details and 2012 prices are in my post of January 18th.
You can buy the ticket on-line (full explanation of how in my post of January 16th 2012), from a ticket office, from a machine or on the train. No need to pre-select trains, book seats or decide your itinerary in advance, just get a ticket and go. Even with your group of 6 adults it is still cheaper to buy a Lander ticket for 5 + a Lander ticket for 1 (which would also cover 2 children) than a Group ticket for 6.
Most Cruisers travelling in this area have used the Lander tickets and many have bought them on line without any trouble using the advice offered on this thread. The DB pages are very good but there are so many variables and the information is rather complicated which is why I try to help by using my local knowledge to work out which is the best deal and offering a simple explanation in my posts.
Sorry, I cannot tell you the cost of a van but Europcar, Hertz and Sixt all have web pages in English and facilites at the Cruise Terminal (see previous post).
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
Hi Anni,
Im arriving on May 26th on Emerald Princess. Id like to rent a car at the cruise terminal for one day. On the Sixt website, it implies the car rental is only open until noon. Are there other companies I can look at? Thanks.
Hi, you are right, Sixt is open only for pick-ups until noon in Warnemuende but all the paperwork is completed on pick up so when you return the car you just park it in the designated area and drop the keys in the box provided. No need for an office.
Two others you could try:
Hertz - English language web site
http://www.hertz.co.uk/rentacar/car-hire/germany/rostock
Europcar - English language web site
http://www.europcar.com/car-rental-GERMANY-ROSTOCK.html
Both companies have pick up and drop off facilities at the cruise terminal.
Just a word of warning if you require an Automatic. Most cars in Germany have manual transmission and the hire companies only have a limited number of Automatics so you may need to book early.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
Is it necessary to go first class on the train? What is the difference?
Below is the schedule we have planned let me know your thoughts?
Hi, I would be interested to know the address of the website as I have never seen one offering to plan group travel.
The difference between 1st and standard on Regional and local trains is virtually nil - the seats are a different colour and there are less of them! On most of these trains 1st class is less than half a wagon.
This plan requires booking specific trains so you cannot change your plans and if you miss a train you will be charged the full fare on a substitute but with a Mecklenburg ticket you travel all day wherever and whenever you wish.
Group tickets are a saving if you are using ICE, IC or EC (Inter City Express, Inter-City or Euro City) trains where there are no day tickets but this plan is all on RE, Regio or S-bahn trains (Regional Express, Regional or local) for which the Mecklenburg day ticket is valid.
Using a Mecklenburg Day ticket exactly the same plan (identical trains and times but Standard class) would cost as follows;-
One Mecklenburg ticket for 5 persons = 33 eros + one Mecklenburg ticket for 1 person = 21 euros.
Tickets to travel from Warnemuende to Rostock before 9am, 6 x 1.80 = 10.80 euros.
Total cost for 6 people to travel all day, anywhere in Mecklenburg, on any regional or local train 64.80 euros.
Advantages :- Less than half the cost, full flexibility to change your plans as you go, no penalty if you miss a train.
The first part of the plan is very tight and does not allow for any mistakes or holdups in Rostock which is a small station but not so easy to navigate for the first time so I would recommend the 8:22 from Warnemuende if possible.
Bear in mind that the walk from the station to anything of interest in both Schwerin and Wismar takes between 10 and 15 mins at a reasonable pace. If you finish at the castle in Schwerin the walk back to the station is at least 20mins.
The tram ride between Rostock Hbf and Rostock City takes about 10 mins with about 10 mins between trams.
Please do not think I am trying to put you off, it is do-able but I personally do not think that three and three quarter hours in Schwerin or two hours in Wismar are enough to see very much when you take away the walking time from and back to the station and the few minutes before the train etc. (German short distance trains leave on the dot!) Neither is it a good idea to be restricted to specific trains and having to worry constantly about the time.
I am, however, always ready to stand corrected and would be interested to hear the comments of someone who has actually done this trip.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
Thanks for the info. I may have to play it by ear. Doesn't really sound like it would be of interest to them. It is really hard to find something Warnemuende for tweens. My teens are going to Berlin with my husband. I would rather not go to far with my girls. We are considering a tour that does Rostock and Warnemuende but really, what the ideal thing would be is, just a walking tour of Warnemuende to get familiar with the area, then the rest of the day to explore and go to the beach. All tour seem to inlude Warnemuende and something. Anyone know of just a walking tour of Warnemuende? I like to learn a little bit about an area this way.
Also, are taxis near the dock in case we do decide on Karl's?
Hi, Len and 'Sauer Kraut' are both right, unfortunately there is not much for this age group in Rostock/Warnemuende but how about the Rostock Zoo? It is set in a wooded area on the edge of town, a 15 min tram ride from the central station. Not world class but a very pleasant Zoo in the process of being modernised with some of the animals in very natural habitats. They do have the guide pamphlet in English if you ask.
Internet: http://www.zoo-rostock.de/english/
With a local transport day ticket (4.60 for an adult, 3.30 for school student) take the train from Warnemuende to Rostock Hbf and the No 6 tram to the Zoo where the stop is right outside the gate. On the way back you could stop off in Rostock city and then finish the day in Warnemuende. In summer it is light and warm enough for the beach until late evening.The day ticket also allows you to use the cross river ferry near the ship.
As far as I know the walking tours of Warnemuende alone are in German only but the tourist office has English information on what to see etc. There are taxis right outside the ship and also at the railway station, 5 mins walk.
Hope this helps with your planning
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
I will be arriving in Warnemunde on the Emerald Princess. I am interested in touring some combination of Wismar, Lubeck, and Schwerin. I'd also like to have some free time in Warnemunde on my own before or after (no need for a tour). I don't feel comfortable renting a car and going off on my own by train. Can anyone recommend options for tours? I have seen information from Friends of Dave and Taxi-Harry. If anyone has any information on those options, I'd appreciate it. Price? Quality of tour etc?
Hi, as a local resident I am not allowed to recommend or comment on tour companies, sorry.
Warnemuende,Wismar and Schwerin lend themselves to DIY tours, they are all compact towns with lots of pedestrian only areas, well signed and simple to navigate. The same applies to Luebeck but as it involves over twice the travel time, either by road or rail, it requires a day to itself.
I can sympathise with you not wanting to hire a car but travel by train is easy and inexpensive on a day ticket. If you look back on this thread you will see all the information on train times, prices, how to get to and from the railway stations and what to see in both Wismar and Schwerin by yourself.
Most people from whom I have had feed-back have commented on how very easy it was and also on the fact that they were not the only ones on the train. Try your Roll Call forum, maybe you could team up with others planning the same trip. It would make the tickets cheaper too.
The choice between the two towns is one of personal preference. Good sites for maps and information are
www.germanplaces.com/germany/wismar
http://www.wismar.de/media/custom/1800_335_1.PDF?1258626002
If you do choose DIY the best way to make the most of the time available is to go to either Wismar or Schwerin first, arriving around 10am when everything opens, and visit Warnemuende in the late afternoon/evening when it is at its best and you can finish the day relaxing within a short stroll of your ship and not have to worry about catching a train or getting back late.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
-
Mein Freund Anni,
I didn't really want to go to a prison or a concentration camp, that was for my husband! Too bad, it's castles and Schwerin for us. Coudn't be happier!!!
You have been so helpful, so much good information. If you ever need help with Philadelphia just send me an email please let me know. I still haven't figured out how to subscribed to your thread on Cruise Critic.
Dankbar,
Ellen
Moin, so glad you have decided on Schwerin, if you need any more info please ask.
To access all the posts written by anyone just hit their name at the top of any post, then press 'Find all posts by.....' in the drop-down menu. All posts written by that person on all threads appear in date order with the title.
Thanks for the offer of help re Philadelphia. I have been there once with a cargo ship. We were berthed in Camden/Gloucester and I had one day in the city. Went to all the historical places and the covered market where the Amish sell their scrumptious produce. Loved it! Also have friends in Lewisburg, he teaches at the Uni there and they spent one year in Rostock on an exchange. I am planning a visit late this year or early next.
Tschuss, bis bald,
Anni :)
-
I am sorry to correct you but the ferry does indeed take passengers by foot and the sailing time is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
As you said the most easy way is to take either a RE train or ICE train (the same to Hamburg) and get off at Nykøbing F. from here there is a bus with number 740.
Take a train from Copenhagen departing at lets say 08:13, get off in Nykøbing F at 10:03 and get bus number 740 at 10:10 this bus will be at Gedser Ferry station at 10:46 and the ferry departs at 11:00 so plenty of time to get to the ferry.
The ferry departs from Gedser at 05, 07, 09, 11 and so on every second hour.
Hi, thanks for the correction, it was a typo - missed out the '1 hour'. Sorry if I was misunderstood, I know the ferry takes foot passengers as I use it frequently to visit friends in Denmark. I simply meant that the powers-that-be, especially on the German side, don't consider us very much in the way of public transport once we get off the ferry. Until the introduction of the special bus to Rostock CBD the buses did not coincide with the ferry times and the train station is a long walk. The buses to Warnemuende via Lutten Klein still do not connect. Even when the ferry is on time you just miss the bus and have a long wait for the next
Anni :).
-
Hi Anni
We were in Rostock 2 years ago and we will be in Copenhagen this year, Ive tried to fine a ferry from Copenhagen the to Warnemunde.
Do you think this could be possible.
Regards from Oz ...Albert.
G,day Albert, what a lovely simple question but I am afraid I have an equally simple answer, No. Sorry.
There are two ways to get from Copenhagen to Warnemuende (which is a suburb of Rostock)
Train to Hamburg (the whole train actually rides on the ferry) and then train from Hamburg to Rostock. You then need to take a local, suburban train to Warnemuende.
Bus all the way from Copenhagen to Gedser or the train to Nykobing and the bus from there to Gedser and then the ferry to Rostock. A short bus / train ride brings you to Warnemuende.
A bit complicated but this is principally a car/truck ferry and the powers-that-be don't seem to consider foot passengers.
Of course if you are making the journey by car it is an easy drive from Copenhagen to Gedser. The ferries run every two hours and the trip takes about 45 mins. The ferry terminal is a 10 min drive from Warnemuende.
Please say Hi to Oz for me :)
Anni
-
Hi Anni,
My wife and I will be docking in Warnemunde June 22 and want to take the train into Berlin on our own. Has anyone done this? How far is the train station from the pier? Will the station people understand English? How much is the train fare? How do we find out the schedule? How often do the trains leave and return?
We want to take the Berlin Walks tour once we get to Berlin. Where is it located in regards to the train station? Is it walkable?
Would appreciate any info on the port.
Thank you for any assistance.
Regards, Ed
Hi Ed,
Getting to Berlin independently has been covered in the thread 'Walking tours in Berlin' but here are answers to your more specific questions.
In Warnemuende the ships dock literally alongside the railway station, 5 min walk from the gate to the platforms.
The ticket machines all have English screens and sometimes there is someone who speaks a little English. The best way to get information and tickets is on-line at http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
Arriving on HAL at 6am you have several options.
ICE direct from Warnemuende at 6.58 arr Berlin 9.48, depart Berlin at 18.13 arr. Warnemuende 20.42.
Fare - 106 euros return pp
RE - two hourly service departing Rostock Hbf. 8.34 arr Berlin 11.14 etc., departing Berlin 16.45 arr. Rostock Hbf 20.01 etc. up to 20.45 departure
Standard fare valid anytime on Regional trains, 89.60 euros return pp
Quer-durch-Land ticket valid after 9am, 48 euros for two persons, travel anywhere on Regional trains all day.
I am sorry but I do not know where the Berlin Walks meet. Maybe the web site (which I am not allowed to quote) or someone who has done this tour can tell you.
Good information on the port of Rostock (of which city Warnemuende is a suburb) can be found at either
http://www.rostock-port.de/en/cruise-shipping.html or
Happy cruising :) Anni
-
Dear Anni,
Since we will not be able to visit Stasi Prison on a Monday, is Wöbbelin (a concentration camp I believe) something we might be able to do in combination with Schwerin. That may seem an odd combination. What do you think? If it is possible, would you be kind enough to provide some public transportation directions or links?
Danke, Tschuss,
Ellen
Hi Ellen,
I just hate having to pour cold water on your ideas once more but am afraid I must.
Wöbbelin is the site of a small concentration camp south of Schwerin but there is very little to see. Memorial stones and boards explaining what was where etc. There is a small section of the village museum devoted to the camp but same old story, closed on Monday. It is also impossible to get to except by car. There is no bus service from either Schwerin or Ludwigslust (nearest train stations). Please see my post "WWll in Rostock Area", this thread, Jan.5th for more details.
If you are really set on visiting a concentration camp or similar the next nearest is Sachsenhausen, in the town of Oranienburg near Berlin.
The RE trains from Rostock stop at Oranienburg and the camp is about a 20 min walk from the station. It is open on Mondays until 6pm. However, the train time tables being as they are it would be not be possible to visit any castles as well in the time available, maybe you could sqeeze in a quick look at Rostock or a stroll around Warnemünde. I will be happy to provide more detailed train times if required.
Tschuss, :) Anni.
-
G'Day and guten Tag Anni,
We're on the Eurodam arriving 2 July, a Monday. While I prefer castles my husband will be more intrigued by Statsi Prison in Rostock.
Would you help me with an agenda? Is there any possbility (I am directionally challenged) to see Statsi Prison then go to Güstrow (I don't think we have time for Lübeck) and return to Warnemünde.
We have from 6 AM (ideally) until 1O PM.
We have limited German, but love to take trains, buses, and appreciate what there is to see and enjoy.
Thank you so much for your response.
mit freundlichen Grüßen
Ellen G
Moin,
Although you have chosen the best line (HAL) in terms of time in port unforunately Monday is the day on which most museums in Germany, including the Stasi in Rostock, are closed.
You would have time to visit Luebeck but the same applies there, mostly closed.
As you have plenty of time may I suggest a visit to the lakeside city of Schwerin. The castle there, on an island in the lake, is open on Mondays in the tourist season, as is the Cathedral.
Schwerin is the State capital of Mecklemburg vor Pommern. and the castle was, until 1914, the residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg. It now houses the State Parliament as well as the restored Ducal Apartments which, along with the extensive lakeside gardens, are open to the public.
There is a very good web site in English - http://www.schwerin.com/english/
With the time you have in port it would be quite feasible to have a look at Rostock in the morning, take the 11.07 train to Schwerin and still have time for a stroll around Warnemuende in the evening, something not to be missed.
Please see my post of 23rd January - Trains to Schwerin for the timetable.
The castle in Guestrow is much smaller, it belonged to a minor branch of the family, the town is not as attractive and the other places of interest there are closed on Monday too.
Sorry to disappoint your husband re the Stasi but hope this suggestion helps with your planning.
Happy cruising :)
Tschuss, Anni
-
Anni - will the above schedule for Warnemuende to Schwerin Castle also work for a Saturday visit?
Hi, most certainly, there is no difference and the MvP ticket is valid on the S-bahn Saturdays before 9am too.
Happy cruising :)
-
Ok, let me see if I have the correct info:
We want to go from Warnemunde to Schwerin Castle on a Sunday, July 22. There are 4 of us. We can walk about 5 minutes to the train station thanks to the directions on this board and buy a ticket for 30€ for all of us. We want to get on the train around 8:00 and I think we can only take regional trains. We will change trains at Rostock and then have a 1.5 hour ride to Schwerin Castle.
Here are my questions:
When we change trains at Rostock what is the name of the station we need for Schwerin Castle?
Is there a web site I can see the times of the train routes to see what time the first train leaves Warnemunde and what is available coming back from Schwerin Castle?
Thanks so much!!
Hi, you have it in one!
The DB timetables can be a bit confusing as there are trains on which the Mecklenburg ticket is valid and trains on which it is not so I will try to simplify things and give you only the trains on which the ticket is valid.
S-bahn trains depart Warnemuende every 15 mins from 5.07 (eg. 8.07, 8.22, 8.37, 8.52 etc) and arrive Rostock Central station 21 mins later.
On a Sunday the Mecklenburg Lander ticket is valid on the S-bahn before 9am.
From Rostock the train you require is the RE to Hamburg, via Schwerin.
Departs Rostock Hbf. 9.07, 11.07 and every two hours thereafter until 21.07. Journey time from Rostock to Schwerin is 58 mins.
Leave the train at the Schwerin Hbf, 6th stop on the route.
Return from Schwerin to Rostock.
Depart Schwerin Hbf 15.53 - arr. Rostock Hbf 16.51
" " " " " " " " " " " " " " 17.53 - arr. Rostock Hbf 18.51
" " " " " " " " " " " " " " 19.53 - arr. Rostock Hbf 20.51
S-bahn to Warnemuende departs from track 1 or 2 every 15 mins (17.01, 17.16, 17.31, 17.46 etc)
Changing trains in Rostock is quite simple. The s-bahn from Warnemünde arrives on tracks 1/2. Take the stairs 1 flight down to the main concourse. The electronic departure boards are on the walls on each side. The departure time and track will be indicated, normally track 6. Take the elevator marked 3-6 up to the platform (level 0) If a different track is indicated (never happened as far as I can remember) take the appropriately numbered elevator. The platforms are clearly numbered and there are electronic indicator boards showing the departure time, destination and intermediate stops of the next train on each.
Schwerin is a very compact town and ideally suited to walking. The walk from the train station to the castle takes you past one of the many lakes and through the pedestrian only area with the Dom, the Market Place, Tourist Information etc - as well as old streets with beautiful buildings and pavement cafes.
Once in Schwerin go out the main station entrance, cross the square to the small street in the far right hand corner, go left down to the lake, turn right and follow the waterfront (about 200m) until you come to the pedestrian street on the right. You are now in the tourist area and from here all the attractions are clearly signposted. The walk from the station to castle takes about 15 mins direct but don't expect to do it in that time, there is too much to see on the way.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
Live in Rostock/Warnemüde - happy to help you enjoy.
in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea
Posted · Edited by rostocker
Hi Stephen,
when you buy a Mecklenburg Lander ticket it is for a days travel in the whole of Mecklenburg, plus Hamburg and Lubeck, at any time on any local train, ie RE, RG or S-bahn. (These trains are all painted red as opposed to the IC trains on which the Lander ticket is not valid which are grey.)
The ticket costs 24euros for two people to travel all day, anywhere in Mecklenburg on the local (red) trains.
I know it sounds a bit too good to be true but, believe me, it is so. The beauty of these tickets is once you have printed them out all you have to do is hop on a red train and go wherever, whenever you wish all day. That one ticket will cover your plans ie Warnemunde to Rostock Hbf, Rostock Hbf to Schwerin and return from Schwerin to Warnemunde. The only extra you need is the tram tickets downtown.
1. So you do not need to book specific trains meaning that you can go into Rostock on any train using the Lander Ticket to the Hbf and a tram ticket downtown then return to the Hbf, take any RE train to Schwerin and return to Warnemunde from Schwerin on an RE at any time. The trains for which I have given the times are all RE services.
You have obviously got nearly there on the internet - on the page you quote you need to choose the second option 'Special fares - second class. Mecklenburg Vorpommern ticket'. As you can see from my highlight in the quote the times do not matter.
The difference between the two types of train is minimal, both modern, airconditioned and comfortable. Actually for seeing the countryside the RE is better as it is double-deck. However the difference in cost is substantial. On an IC Rostock - Schwerin would cost 40euros per person return for a journey time difference of only 2mins.
Hope this is now clear
2. With a Lander Ticket you can get on and off the train at any station, as many times as you like during the day.
3.You do not buy a ticket from the driver on the tram, there is a ticket machine on board, beside the door in the first car. The price is the same wherever you buy a ticket.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
www.travelanni.webs.com