Warnemunde, Rostock and Wismar

[caroleleblanc]

Hi there. I think we have opted not to go to Berlin because of the long ride back and forth. Instead, we would like to see a few of the smaller towns closer to port. I was thinking of going to Wismar first (might even go to Poel), then come back to Rostock and end the day with Warnemunde. Has anyone ever done this? Is the train easy to find without any german language skills? Any idea how much it would cost to hire a driver for the day? Any idea if there are bike tours for any of these places? How difficult would it be to rent a car and drive? Thank you in advance.

[ikesyd]

Agree that the trip to Berlin is a long day and you would not have much time “actually” in Berlin.

Last November we stayed in Rostock for 5 nights and took day trips to various towns via train. There are some beautiful towns in that area including Wismar where we spent a day.  
If travelling by train it would take about 1.45 hours as you need to change at Rostock(Warnemünde is at the end of a branch line). Trains only run every hour. Check the Deutsche Bahn website - it is very helpful for train timetables etc. We travelled 1st class on most of our train journeys - less people, always a seat. On the regional trains it was often a glassed in area of 4- 6 seats.

I would forgo visiting Rostock and spend the time in Wismar and Warnemünde. You will find plenty to see and do in both towns.

Not sure about car hire but sure that could be a possibility as with the bike hire. Take in mind what day of the week you will be there(Sunday most shops etc are closed in Germany). Also the availability of parking - there is a large parking station in Wismar near the bus terminal and close to the waterfront area.

I’m sure you will have a great day! Here are 2 photos taken in Wismar.

 

[ikesyd]

Another option may be a  day trip Mega Mecklenburg with Friends of Dave Tours(appears to be sold out for 2024). We were to take this tour in 2020 however Covid changed everything. They were very good to deal with and quickly refunded when we had to cancel. 

[Scottishclover]

Wismar is an easy 1 hour trip on the train. Catch the train to Rostock (20 minutes) then change to Wismar. I’m pretty sure it leaves from platform 11 at 5 past the hour from Rostock Hbf ( main station). It’s a small regional train the RB11- no need for 1st class. 

You would have time for Wismar then return to Warnemuende for a walk around. Try some fish from all the boats on Alter Strom. In truth as it’s probably a very long port day for you,   on return from Wismar, you can catch a tram from Rostock station to Neuer Markt and have a look around the historic centre for an hour or 2. Tram 5 towards Mecklenburger Allee and Tram 6 towards Neuer Friedhof will take you to the centre. Get off at the stop by the pink town hall. 

The most convenient and probably cheapest ticket for you would be a Mecklenburg - Vorpommern  Ticket. Up to 5 people can travel on the one ticket all day on regional and local transport  for around €25 depending on the day. Easiest thing to do is download the Deutsche Bahn app and buy on there. Whatever you do, buy a ticket before getting on the train or tram. On most trips your ticket will be checked and I have seen people fined for travelling without a ticket. 

Whatever you decide, enjoy your day.

 

[edinburgher]

On 7/23/2024 at 2:15 PM, caroleleblanc said:

thinking of going to Wismar first (might even go to Poel), then come back to Rostock and end the day with Warnemunde.

There have been a number of past threads for both Warnemunde and Rostock and you might want to browse a few for ideas or suggestions.

 

Warnemunde

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=warnemunde&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=116

 

Rostock

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=rostock&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=116

 

Very little for Wisman, possibly because most passengers will choose only two locations for a port day and Schwerin/Warnemunde is another popular option.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=wismar&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=116

 

 

We have hardly a half dozen words of german between us and managed perfectly well as we did our research before we left home.  (You will arrive at Rostock train station on an upper level, you need to go down to street level for the tram) We bought day tickets for our Rostock/Warnemunde day as we usually do, as we find these easier than trying to figure out tickets for each stage of a journey and having the correct fare for each when we do not speak whatever the local language is, and if you decide on only Rostock and Warnemunde, you will need two train tickets, one each way, and two tram tickets in Rostock, again one each way, so the day ticket is the easiest option.

 

We did not see a ticket office as such in Warnemunde, buying them from from the ticket lady who was sitting at a desk inside Warnemunde train station which is next to where your ship will dock.

 

 

Edited July 29 by edinburgher

[Scottishclover]

For tickets, there are machines at the platforms in Warnemuende. You won’t find day tickets available from Deutsche Bahn so you need to click the button for WVV tickets

( Warnowverkehrsverein) to get your day ticket. You can still use it on the train to Rostock. The trains, trams and buses are all linked in the greater Rostock area.

[edinburgher]

On 7/30/2024 at 9:58 AM, Scottishclover said:

For tickets, there are machines at the platforms in Warnemuende.

That would explain the lack of an actual "ticket office" when we were there, but perhaps "the lady selling tickets at the table" is there only on days with cruise ship calls? it could be that it is an easier option for staff than trying to help passengers use the machines but I do not know.