Travelanni

Hi

We are planning to take train from Berlin to warnemounde to catch our cruise ship which is leaving at 10 pm.

 

There is only one ICE train arrives around 8:50pm. I want to know how realible is Germany train? I thought they are very reliable but some web site says that on time rate is only 72%.

Hi, German trains are generally very good but that 72% rate is probably fairly accurate for the final destination of long distance train journeys (that particular ICE starts in Munich) and the later in the day the more likely delays are to occur as they hold trains to make important connections.

Not sure how early you need to be on board before sailing but a train supposed to be arriving at 8.50 for a 10.00 sailing would be a bit risky. I certainly would not chance it.

The RE trains between Berlin and Rostock are nearly as fast as the ICE (12 mins difference as the track is not suitable for high speeds) and very comfortable. The train service between Rostock and Warnemunde runs every 15 mins, journey takes 20 mins or a taxi takes about the same time, cost around 25 euros.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Hi Anni,

 

Your many posts and explantions are super.

 

We arrive on the Eurodam on 15 August...probably not going to Berlin...will spend the day in Warnermunde and/or Rostok.

 

Do you know of any places with free WiFi in Warnermunde? In Rostok?

 

Is there a McDonalds in either city? I don't want to eat there, but around the world McDonalds has free WiFi internet access.

 

Also having free WiFi is Starbucks.

 

Thanks, Steve in San Diego California

Hi Steve, there are McDonalds in both places.

Warnemunde - turn right from your ship, along the quay, left through the underpass, straight ahead across the bridge, first right onto the street running alongside the harbour. McDonalds is about 500 yds on the left.

Rostock - in University Square, corner of Kropeliner and Breite Str, opposite the big fountain.

The only other place I know with 'hot spots' is the bookshop called Weiland, on the left between University Square and the Kropeliner Tor (big brick tower at the end of the pedestrian shopping street)

Thanks for the kind words, it is my pleasure to help others enjoy their visit to our beautiful city.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Does anyone have experience of docking in Rostock with Celebrity? I read earlier in the thread someone saying there was a shuttle to downtown? Is there a charge for that or since it is a more industrial port is there transport provided? I am trying to firm up our plans (maybe a train to Wismar or Schwerin) but since we are docking in Rostock it seems a bit more difficult as there isn't so much information floating about re the logistics of getting to the train etc. Thanks.

Hi,

Celebrity runs a shuttle bus from the Port of Rostock but on the last two occasions it has been to Warnemunde not into Rostock City. If you are catching a train from Rostock Hbf further afield this wastes time.

There is a train station at Seehfen Nord, about 10-15 mins walk from the berth. The trains are running normally again after track work and depart every hour at 6mins past arriving Rostock Hbf at 24 mins past.

Of course it would be worth enquiring if Celebrity are running shuttle buses to Rostock Hbf or into the city.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Hi again Annie

Don't think the train would quite do the trick, kids probably too old for that. Any ideas for anything more active/exciting? If not, don't worry and thanks for trying.

Best Wishes

Kaie

Hi Katie, I have asked around my young friends but Rostock/Warnemunde is a very quiet location without much in the way of activity or excitement. However one of the boys suggested the Kletterwald, a sort of adventure park with a tree-tops trail which involves a lot of climbing, abseiling and flying-fox elements. The web site is all in German but the pictures give you an idea what it is about.

www.kletterwald.de/content.php?category=2&page=1

It is open daily from 9.30am to 7.30pm and the entry price is 17euros for adults, 14euros for students (12-18yrs) This is if you want to participate and covers safety equipment etc. for 105 mins. Spectators are free!! To get there take the cross-river ferry in front of the cruise ship terminal then a #18 bus to Markgrafenheide, about half an hour altogether. The park is right beside the bus stop.

I would recommend that you visit the Tourist Office in Warnemunde first as they may have more information in English plus the bus time-table.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Thank you so much for pointing us toward the department store. We bought our sought after pillows and pillow cases. My mom even picked up a pair. The lady at the store didn't speak english, but was very helpful with our hand signals and our limited knowledge of numbers. Just wanted to let you know that we got our pillows. Thanks!

Hi, thanks for letting me know. I was in Kaufhof the other day and thought about you. Most people here are very nice and do try to be helpful even when they don't speak English.

Sweet dreams on your new pillows.

Regards, Anni

Anni:

 

I know this isn't about Rostock but perhaps you can help. I am trying to book a round trip from Kiel to Hamburg on Sat 30 July. I can get the schedule and pick out trains but the message is "not bookable via internet". Do you know why this would be?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Rich W

Hi, sorry but I have no idea why this should be, the different DB regions all have their own little peculiarities and Kiel is not in my region. Maybe someone who has already made the trip could help.

The trains are very frequent and there are plenty of machines on the station so it should not take too much time to buy a ticket in Kiel.

Incidentally, it may be worthwhile to enquire if a Schleswig-Holstein Lander ticket would be more economical as it also includes travel on the Hamburg public transport system.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Hello, thanks in advance for your help...my wife and I are thinking of a low key day here instead of a grueling trip to Berlin.Is it a walkable town,what are the highlights or suggestions for spending the day here??....how far from where Celebrity berths???? thanks again,Fred

Hi Fred, last question first. It depends on your date and which Celebrity ship. Usually all cruise ships dock at the Cruise Terminal right in Warnemunde, 5mins walk into the centre of town, 10mins to the beach. However, on 16th August Celebrity Eclipse will be docking in the Port of Rostock (the commercial docks). Celebrity does put on shuttle buses but I believe they charge for the 'service'.

Warnemunde is very walkable, compact and flat although there are a lot of cobbles. Highlights include a small museum, the lighthouse which you can climb for great views of the coast, a wide sandy beach and nice promenade. At the end of the promenade the path runs through forest along low cliffs for miles. There are plenty of small shops, restaurants and cafes to suit every taste and pocket; boat trips to view the Port and the shipping and the cross river ferry to Hohe Dune where you can stroll around the resort and marina or get good photos of your ship.

Warnemunde is a suburb of the city of Rostock, the city centre is a 20min train ride away. Once again flat and compact (although with the inevitable cobbles) the city is full of history. For what to see and do visit www.rsag-online.com/guests_visitors/places_to_go.

Hope this helps with your planning.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Hi Anni

Any suggestions for a British family of 6 in Warnemunde on 22 July? We are aged 10 - 64 and on the cruise will see a lot of beautiful cities and history so would like something a bit different. Don't want to go to Berlin as it would be easy for us to go for a longer trip another time. Not really a beach family either, apart from for a half hour or so stroll. Difficult I'm afraid. Any suggestions?

 

Thanks

Katie

Hi Katie, A ride on the Molli Bahn is something different. It runs from Bad Doberan to the coast. You can travel to Bad Doberan either by bus direct from Warnemunde or by train via Rostock using a day ticket, cost 35.10 euros for a goup of 5 + 7.30 euros for a child, which covers public transport (trains, buses, trams, ferries) in the whole Rostock region.

www.molli-bahn.de/Home.5.0.html this site has only one page in English but a look at the other pages gives a good idea of what there is to see. There are also some good videos and pictures on other sites.

It is a privately run train so there is an extra cost but it departs from the same station and the timetable connects with the buses and trains on the public system.

If you are interested I can give you more info. on times etc.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

plan to explore Warnemünde and Rostock on our own (by public transport and on foot). Rather than the S-Bahn both ways, I thought about taking the Hohe Düne ferry and then proceed with Bus 18 and Tram 4 into Rostock Stadtmitte and then come back in the afternoon by S-Bahn (is it worth to stop on the way at the IGA Park?).

I read that we can buy day tickets from the machine at the ferry.

 

Hi Ursula,

Good plan but you could also take a tram #1 or#2 from Dierkow Kreuz (the terminus of bus 18) straight to the City Centre. Stops are Neuer Markt, Langestr. and Kröpeliner Tor. Stadtmitte, as marked on the map, is not the city centre; very confusing. If you do take tram #4 you need to get off at Schröderplatz and walk into the city via the Kröpeliner Tor. I will be in the gate most of the day on 29th and would love to meet you.

The IGA park is quite a walk from the train at Lütten Klein and does not have much to see. Very pleasant parkland but I would not recommend it to anyone with limited time.

You can buy your day ticket from the machine at the entrance to the ferry.

Happy cruising, :).

Anni

How far is the beach from the port?

Presumably you are docking at the Cruise Terminal in Warnemünde, not in the Port of Rostock?

Hi,

 

We were looking around for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with the Jagdschloss Gelbensande. Is it worth a visit, since I don't see any people here talking about it? Also I tried to search for traintickets and it displayed 20 euros per person for a return ticket from Rostock. Is that true?

Hi, I have not been there myself so cannot comment on the worth of a visit but here is what I know.

Gelbensande is about 15mins from Rostock Central station and within the Rostock Regional transport area (Gesamt-netz VVW) so a day ticket (Tageskarte) for 11.70 euros per person allows you to travel on all forms of transport within the area all day. Train service is two hourly from 9.01am.

The Jagdschloss web site is all in German but the pictures give a good idea of what can be seen. Opening hours; daily from 11am to 5pm. I believe it is about a 15 min walk from the station.

www.jagdschloss-gelbensande.de

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Anni,

 

It looks like some car rental companies have desks at the Warnemunde port. Do you know how late they stay open and have any recommendations of one company over the others.

 

Vielen dank!

Hi,

When renting a car in Germany I have always used 'Sixt' or 'Europcar' both of whom have a desk in the terminal building on Cruise Ship days. Sixt are open 8am to 6pm weekdays and 8am to 12noon Saturdays. I imagine the others would have the same sort of hours.

You can also rent on-line with most companies and the car will be waiting for you in Warnemunde.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Anni, you are a rock!

 

I suspect I know what you will say, but...

 

With that Lander ticket, does everyone have to travel together (same place, same times)?

 

I just have to ask.

Hi,

As you are expecting, the answer is basically 'yes'.

The person whose name is on the ticket must be in the party at all times and ready to show ID if asked. If any members of the party split from the ticket holder (for example, to return by a different route) they must then pay the standard fare.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Thank you for your reply. We want to buy our own train tickets to Berlin and yet it doesn't seem possible to take it from Warnemünde all the way to Berlin, only Rostock. But there must be a way to change trains in Rostock. Anyway, it is cheaper than buying the excursion from Norwegian if we go 2nd class and do it ourselves.

All long distance and Lander tickets will show the start point as Rostock rather than Warnemünde as they are valid from either the Rostock Central Station or any suburban Rostock station. Warnemünde is a suburb of Rostock, served by local trains (s-bahn) and, with the exception of a couple of trains a day, a change to a main line train is made at Central.

Ani,

 

I wanted to thank you for your advice. We docked in Rostock in May on the Celebrity Constellation. The shuttle from the ship dropped us downtown and we took the the tram to the train station. We were able to purchase our Lander tickets on the train and took it to Wismar. You were right it is a wonderful walking town and we had a very pleasant stay. We stopped on the way back in Bad Doberan and we walked downtown and had a snack and watched the train roll right thru the middle of the street.

Thank you again for taking the time to answer all of our questions.

 

Kathy

Hi Kathy, I'm so pleased you had a good day and that my advice was of help. It is my pleasure to be able to help others to enjoy this beautiful area.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Thanks Anni

 

In a previous post you mentioned one hour walking tours by the historical society. You help them out yes? Could you tell me more about this please?

Thanks

Hi, my apologies, I seem to have missed this post, hope I am not too late.

The Historical Society tours leave the Kröpeliner Tor at 10.30am and 2pm. No need to book, just arrive a few minutes early and as long as there is a minimum of 4 people the tour goes. The walk, at a very leisurely pace, lasts about 1-1.1/2 hrs. taking in the history of the city, main points of interest and a few places not in the guide books, outdoors only. Guide is either English or German/American, both Rostock residents, cost is €5 per person.

From the Central Station take tram #6 or #5, platform A on the lower level, and get off at Kröpeliner Strasse (5th stop). Walk up the steps to the right of the Radisson Hotel, the gate-tower is right in front of you.

Please note that the train ticket from Warnemünde to the Central station also covers the tram ride into the city.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Does anyone know how long it takes to Rostock from Warnemünde by taxi?

Hi, it takes between 20 mins and half an hour depending on the traffic, the cost is around 20 euros.

There are usually taxis waiting at the entrance to the cruise terminal building but if they are all taken there is another taxi rank located on the station. Walk through the underpass from the quay, straight ahead and you will see them.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni.

So Wismar and BAd Doberan over Schwerin?

Is this on a different line from the train to Schwerin?

 

Thanks!

Hi, It is a matter of personal choice, after considering what you want to see and do really.

They are on different train lines. Schwerin is on the Rostock to Hamburg line with trains every two hours. Bad Doberan is on the local line between Rostock and Wismar with trains every hour.

Happy cruising :)

Anni

Dear Anni: I am getting so tired, confused etc. I have been reading your posts and those of others. I would appreciate if you can tell me exactly which is closer to Warnemunde--Schwerin or Wismar? We would like to go to Rostock and also either Schwerin or Wismar. We know to go to one or other furthest then backtrack back to Warnemunde and see it last. Can u give me name of train from either, time, what to see in area, time to leave to Rostock, what to see there, time to leave and train time, back to Warnemunde. In other words, i need help! Could u please give me all info i need for the day from ship. From Warnemunde to ????, time, train #, etc, then to Rostock time, train #, etc, then back to Warnemunde time, train#, etc. To do roundtrips from Warnemune type of train ticket name, price, etc. Really hope this isnt much for u to do. Help!

Hi Elaine, I will try and compact all the previous information.

Wismar and Schwerin are equal travelling time but the train service to Wismar is more frequent.

All main line trains depart from Rostock Hbf (Central station)

The ship berths literally alongside the railway line and from the gate to the station platform is a 5 minute walk. Trains depart every 15 mins and arrive Rostock Hbf (Central station) 20 mins later.

For Schwerin the train you require is the RE to Hamburg, via Schwerin which departs Rostock every two hours from 9.07am. The trip takes just under 1 hour.

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 tourist information office is in the Market Place.

RE trains to Rostock Hbf depart Schwerin every two hours at 53 mins past (11.53 etc)

The trains to Wismar depart Rostock Hbf every hour at 6 mins past (9.06 etc.) and the trip takes just over 1hr. It is a 10-15 min walk from the station to the centre of Wismar. Once again the tourist information office is in the Market place.

The trains to Rostock Hbf depart Wismar at 42 mins past every hour (15.42 etc.)

After returning to Rostock Hbf take tram #5 or #6 (every few minutes,lower level, platform A) into the City centre. Museums etc are open until 6pm, shops until 8pm.

Trains from Rostock Hbf to Warnemunde depart every 15 mins from platforms 1/2

The Mecklenburg Lander ticket is valid on all trains, including the s-bahn after 9am. (€20 for one person plus €3 for each additional person up to 5, travel all day) but if you intend to use a Mecklenburg Lander ticket and take either the 9.07am to Schwerin or the 9.06 to Wismar you will require a single journey Rostock local transport ticket between Warnemünde and Rostock (€1.70) as the Lander ticket is not valid until 9am. You will also require tram tickets @1.70 each for the journeys between Rostock Hbf and the City.

Site to get more precise train information including numbers etc:-

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

What to see and do sites:-

www.schwerin.com/english/Schwerin

www.rsag-online.com/guests_visitors/places_to_go

www.wismar-stralsund.de/en/tourism

Happy cruising :)

Anni

Dear Anni: I am getting so tired, confused etc. I have been reading your posts and those of others. I would appreciate if you can tell me exactly which is closer to Warnemunde--Schwerin or Wismar? We would like to go to Rostock and also either Schwerin or Wismar. We know to go to one or other furthest then backtrack back to Warnemunde and see it last. Can u give me name of train from either, time, what to see in area, time to leave to Rostock, what to see there, time to leave and train time, back to Warnemunde. In other words, i need help! Could u please give me all info i need for the day from ship. From Warnemunde to ????, time, train #, etc, then to Rostock time, train #, etc, then back to Warnemunde time, train#, etc. To do roundtrips from Warnemune type of train ticket name, price, etc. Really hope this isnt much for u to do. Help!

Hi Elaine, Wismar is

Dear Anni,

Thank you so much for the information about Schwerin. Does the admision for the Palace include a tour or is a tour not necessary? Also if we arrive in Rostock about 5, is anything still open-churches, town hall etc.? We are trying to decide if we should return to Warnemunde, have

dinner on the ship, and then stroll around Warnemunde until the ship sails.

Thanks again!

Hi, sorry for delay, have been sick for a couple of days but info from Sauer Kraut re Warnemunde was good (thanks)

The entry to the Palace in Schwerin does not include a conducted tour but there are audio guides for hire, 2euros last time I was there. Probably better as tours are minimum 15 people and with an audio guide you can talk to each other and only listen to what really interests you.

In Rostock churches are open until 6pm, shops until 8pm. Museums are closed all day Monday but most of the interest in the city is in the architecture etc. which can be viewed any time.

Warnemunde on a fine, summer evening is magic!

Happy cruising :)

Anni

Hi Anni,

 

We will be in the area on Aug.29th and would like to see Schwerin. I've read the posts and we will try to take the 9:07 from Rostock. We'll probably pop into some of the churches on our way to the castle and then we were thinking of eating at the Orangerie. It looks like the restaurant is on the other side of the palace so which train station should we use to return to Rostock. Do you know anything about that restaurant? Also when do the trains return to Rostock?

Hi, sounds like a good plan. The Dom is especially good to visit and the organist usually plays at around noon each day. Sometimes there is a short concert too; school choirs and bands, that sort of thing but good music. The church within the castle is also open to the public at certain times, certainly worth investigating while you are there.

You are thinking of eating in my favourite restaurant in Schwerin. I always take overseas guests there, the setting is really beautiful and the food is good. Eating outside, in the courtyard with a view over the lake is magic in summer.

You can only leave the castle one way as it is on an island so which station you choose is up to you. The walk up-hill to Mitte takes you through the commercial and shopping areas. Unless you cut through the modern shopping mall and use the escalators to the car park above the station it is quite steep. The walk to the Hbf is through the older part of town, mostly pedestrian precinct and alongside the lake.

Trains to Rostock depart Schwerin Hbf at 3.53, 4.53, 5.53 and 7.53pm. If you choose Mitte the departure time is 7mins earlier but please note that the 4.53 does not run through Mitte, it starts in Hbf. In the late afternoon the train will still be quite full but most people get off in Hbf so seats become available then. Journey to Rostock Hbf is about 1 hour.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

 

Thanks for that info. I was also asking about purchasing the day pass too. Can one buy that over the counter in Warnemunde?

 

Thanks

 

Sorry, I misunderstood.

The Tageskarte can bought either from the machine on the station or from the ticket office. The machine is the best way to go. It has touch screens in English, is very easy to follow and gives change.

If you do decide to use the office my tip would be to write what you want ie 'Tageskarte-4 Zone-7.60 euros x2' (or however many you require) just so there is no mistake.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni

Hi, the local transport 4 Zone Tageskarte (Day Pass), cost 7.60€ per person, would cover all trains, trams and buses in the area which includes Warnemünde, Rostock and Bad Doberan except of course for the Molli which is a private railway. The boat between Rostock and Warnemünde is not part of the transport system either, it is a private tour boat.

 

Greetings,

 

I appreciate the info on the zone day pass. If I understand correctly, this is what I would use to get from Warnemunde to Rostock to Bad Doberan to ride the molli train. I understand I would need a separate ticket to ride the Molli.

 

Can this ticket be bought from a ticket agent in Warnemunde, or do I need exact change in Euros.

 

Thanks.

 

Hi, You are correct regarding the Zone Tageskarte.

The ticket for the Mollie is purchased in their ticket office on the station in Bad Doberan. It is an over-the-counter transaction so you do not require the exact change.

Happy cruising :)

Anni

I was looking through the Wikipedia entry for Schwerin. It makes mention of a high crime rate, which seems odd for a small town. However, I can't read the linked PDF in German. I suspect this info is wrong, but have you heard of anything?

Hi, I am really shocked as I visit Schwerin regularly and have never heard before that it is dangerous let alone the most dangerous place in Germany!

Have just spoken to a police friend who lives there and he points out that these statistics are from 2007 and are a prime example of statistics proving anything you want them to prove. He says that law enforcement is very strict in Schwerin and the crime clean up rate is very high so ALL crime appears in the figures wheras in some places a great deal of crime goes undetected and does not appear in the statistics. Also the proportion of major crime is very small, most of it is petty crime, in contrast to big cities where major crime forms a large part of the total. More detail would give a different picture.

Shame that this appears on Wikipedia as it gives a totally wrong impression of a beautiful city. Don't let it put you off.

Happy cruising, :)

Anni