Warnemünde

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Rostock - Warnemünde
—  Sea Resort & District  —
Rostock - Warnemünde (Germany)
Rostock - Warnemünde
Rostock - Warnemünde
Coordinates: 54°10′N 12°05′E / 54.167, 12.083
Country Flag of Germany Germany
Region Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Area
 - Total 5.57 km² (2.2 sq mi)
Population
 - Total 8,441
Postal code 18119
Area code(s) 0381
Website: www.warnemuende.de

Warnemünde (IPA[vaʁnəˈmʏndə], meaning Warnow mouth) is a sea resort and district of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, situated at the Baltic Sea in the northeast of Germany at the estuary of the river Warnow.

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[edit] History

Founded in about 1200, Warnemünde for centuries has been a mere fishing village with minor importance for the economic and cultural development of the region. In 1323 Warnemünde lost its autonomous status as it was purchased by the city of Rostock in order to safeguard the city’s access to the Baltic Sea. It was not until the 19th century that Warnemünde began to develop into an important sea resort. Today Warnemünde has approximately 8,400 inhabitants.

Beachpromenade with Hotel Neptun
Beachpromenade with Hotel Neptun

[edit] Economy

Once completely dependent on the fishing industry, Warnemünde’s economic alignment has shifted inevitably from the primary to the secondary and tertiary sector. Besides the Aker Warnow Werft ship yard, the economy largely depends on tourism. The construction of a modern cruise line centre in 2005 has contributed crucially to Warnemünde’s establishment as the most important harbour for cruise line ships in Germany.

Warnemünde was formerly the site of the original LFG aircraft factories during World War I. Prior to World War II a number of other companies, mostly related in some way to the now bankrupt LFG, started operations in the area. These included Heinkel and Arado Flugzeugwerke. The factories and surrounding living areas were bombed several times during the war. Many of these factories were used to form Warnow Werft.

[edit] Sights

Alter Strom at dusk
Alter Strom at dusk

Being a centre of maritime traffic, the district of Warnemünde comprises numerous navigational aids, the oldest of which is the lighthouse located near the beach promenade. The lighthouse, which is currently still in use, was built in 1897. In the summer, the 40m (135ft) high tower allows visitors to enjoy an impressive view over the Baltic Sea and the Northern districts of Rostock. The nearby Teepott (Teapot) with its slightly curved roof, the resort’s second famous landmark, is an interesting example of GDR-architecture. Built in the 1960’s and renovated in 2002, it today houses different restaurants and a sea voyage exhibition.

In the vicinity of the canal called der Alte Strom (Old Channel), with its various restaurants, pubs and traditional fishing boats, regional specialties are offered on a fish market.

Warnemünde’s broad, sandy beaches are the largest on the German Baltic Sea coast and stretch out over a length of 3 kilometres (2 miles).

Old lighthouse and Teepott in Warnemünde
Old lighthouse and Teepott in Warnemünde
A view of the town. Old Lighthouse partially seen on the right
A view of the town. Old Lighthouse partially seen on the right

[edit] Culture and sport

There are a lot of Musicians and Bands in Warnemünde who are involved in cultural events.

[edit] Sport

Because of the low current and good sailing conditions , Warnemünde is one of the best sailing grounds in Germany. The beach is especially good for kitesurfing, windsurfing, underwater diving, swimming and nordic walking. In the summertime there are a lot of international competitions.

[edit] Personalities

  • Stephan Jantzen (1827 – 1913), seaman, commander of the Pilots and Rescue Team
  • Klaus Lass (1950), singer and songwriter
  • Mathias Rieck (1979), sportsman
  • Karl Heinz Robrahn (1913 – 1987), lyricist

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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Coordinates: 54°10′N, 12°05′E