Exploring Rostock and Bad Doberan from Warnemünde

Arriving in Warnemünde, Germany by cruise ship gave me a perfect opportunity to explore more of the surrounding Mecklenburg region. This charming seaside town, not far from Edinburgh, UK by Baltic cruise routes, is a popular jumping-off point for excursions into historic Rostock and Bad Doberan. Its mix of medieval architecture, seaside scenery, and laid-back atmosphere makes it a memorable port to discover.

I joined the Panoramic Mecklenburg excursion, a half-day bus tour designed to highlight some of the area’s key sights. Our first stop was in Bad Doberan, home to the striking red-brick Doberaner Münster, a Lutheran Kirchengemeinde church dating back to the 13th century. The soaring Gothic design and intricate details inside made it one of the most impressive churches I saw during the trip.

From there we continued into Rostock, where we passed the Friderico-Francisceum school building, complete with its whimsical Rapunzelturm tower, complete with a braid of golden rope dangling from a window. Driving further into the city, we caught glimpses of Sankt-Petri-Kirche and St. Mary’s Church, both landmarks of Rostock’s medieval past.

We had time to get out at Neuer Markt, Rostock’s central square, lined with colorful façades and historic buildings. I stepped into St. Mary’s Church, where the highlight was the astronomical clock, an ornate medieval masterpiece still in working order. Inside, I admired intricate altars, tall stained glass windows, and even listened to a brief pipe organ performance that filled the space beautifully.

Back in Warnemünde, I made time for a leisurely walk along the port. Shops, cafés, and market stalls created a lively atmosphere, while enormous sand sculptures caught my eye near the waterfront. Before heading back to the ship, I couldn’t resist stopping at Wurstliebe for a bratwurst served in a crusty roll. It was the perfect way to wrap up a day that blended history, architecture, and a taste of local tradition.