Hallo aus Warnemünde!

It was disappointing to miss our stop in Copenhagen, Denmark because of the Kiel Canal kerfuffle. But, it left time to discover this delightful town on the Baltic coast of Germany.

Warnemünde is a charming seaside town near Rostock. It is known for the long beachfront and marina. Nearby, the Alter Strom canal is lined with shops and fishing boats. The Edvard Munch Haus, former home of the renowned expressionist painter, is also here. The late-19th-century lighthouse and neighboring Teepott building display distinctive East German architecture.

The charm in this town comes from strolling the seaside promenade, people watching, and enjoying the many open-air beer gardens for a pint and local food. This sleepy town is a popular a holiday destination in the summer for locals.

Although I only had an afternoon to experience Warnemünde, I was able to pack a lot in. So, let’s begin the journey…

It is a quick walk from the cruise ship port to the heart of this community, which lies The Lutheran Church of Warnemünde. This church has been serving its local congregation since October 1871. The old church, which burned down twice, stood on the Warnow riverside for close to 600 years and was demolished upon this completion of the new church, in 1871.

The construction of the new church began in 1866 on the western side of the old fisherman's village and was designed by architect, Krueger of Schwerin. It was originally erected on the western outskirts of the settlement, which is now the center of town. The church therefore is decorated with major furnishings inherited from the earlier building. Originally three narrow lancet windows were planned for the transept facades. But, Frederick Francis II, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, patron of Warnemünde Church insisted that a single large window would be much more appropriate; the architects designed the rose windows, which dominate this icon of the central part of town.

From here is was on a stroll of the cobble stone streets lined with traditional German homes. It was a treat to see flowers coming into bloom and see the flow of people and commerce as the city was buzzing at the end of the work day.

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If you are looking for a German coastal menu, look no further than Herberts!

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After a short promenade along the along the fishing docks, it was time for some good old German food. We lit upon Herbert’s as a recommendation from a local in Rostock. He noted that Herberts was a quintessential stop in this dreamy town. This was a top recommendation. The atmosphere was casual and the service impeccable. Our waiter, Regino, suggested I try the Plaice.

Like many of you, I had never heard of this fish. But, as in all travel the language barrier made its description a little more entertaining. Between my lack of German and Regino’s lack of English, we found a middle ground in the French language. He explained to me that Plaice is a traditional Baltic flatfish. In North German and Danish cuisine Plaice is one of the most commonly eaten fish. It has as tender white flesh that is subtly flavored.

Well, I was sold and had Whole Fried Plaice served with a divine cucumber salad and warm fried potato slices. Looking to compliment this meal with a glass of wine, I went with another suggestion from Regino and had a glass of the 2015 Markgräfler Grauer Burgunder Trocken. This mostly dry, medium-bodied wine enhanced the flavors on my plate and provided a lighter side to German cuisine.

From here it was a lazy stroll past the fishing boats and railway station. It was a perfect European afternoon and a great way to rest up before Berlin!

Stay tuned for more of my German adventures and World War II discoveries.

Until next time,

Your Polite Adventuress