Once a sleepy fishing town, Warnemuende became one of East Germany’s foremost beach resorts in the 19th century. People flocked here for wide sandy beaches and picturesque Baltic architecture. Arrive by cruise boat or by train from Rostock and stay for the town’s natural beauty and German ambiance.

Head to Warnemuende Beach early, before crowds arrive, to appreciate the Baltic’s serene stillness. Participate in activities from sailing to soccer or simply relax on the fine sand and watch the waves. Climb the original 19th-century lighthouse at the end of the peninsula and watch cruise ships glide into port.

Walk along part of the Warnemünder Planetenwanderweg, a solar system model stretching 3.4 miles (6 kilometers) down the coast, with each planet at a scaled distance from the next.

After a long day in the sun and sea, stroll along Der Alte Strom, “The Old Channel,” the town’s beloved main street along the canal. Taste local specialties, such as eel in dill sauce, from one of the traditional restaurants or purchase fish and chips to go.

Stop at the Edvard Munch House, where the famed Norwegian painter lived between 1907 and 1908. Continue walking to reach the Teepott, a famous example of East German architecture with a curving roof. Have a meal in one of Warnemuende’s best restaurants, perfect for ending a day in this charming town.

Warnemuende is a 30-minute drive or 30-minute train ride north of Rostock, whose train station offers connections to other German cities and beyond. Fly to the closest international airport in Hamburg, a 2-hour drive from Warnemuende. Parking can be difficult in the summer, but Rostock offers a park-and-ride system. Warnemuende itself is easily navigable on foot. Ferry connections are available to other Baltic countries including Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Latvia or Poland.

As one of northern Germany’s most popular cruise ports, Warnemuende is the perfect place to start an adventure to other parts of the region, by land or by sea.