Warnemunde, Germany

It is May 2, 2018 and we are at the port in Warnemunde, Germany. Our foreign exchange daughter (Corrina) and her fiance joined us for the day as we toured northern Germany by Bus. Warnemunde was founded in about 1200 and for centuries was a small fishing village with minor importance for the economic and cultural development of the region. In 1323 Warnemunde 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 Warnemunde began to develop into an important seaside resort. Today, Warnemunde has approximately 8,400 inhabitants.

Once completely dependent on the fishing industry, Warnemunde's economic alignment has shifted inevitably from the primary to the secondary and tertiary sector. Besides the Nordic Yards Warnemunde ship yard (the former Warnowwerft), the economy largely depends on tourism. The construction of a modern cruise line center in 2005 has contributed crucially to Warnemunde's establishment as the most important harbor for cruise line ships in Germany.

Being a center of maritime traffic, the district of Warnemunde comprises numerous navigational aids, the oldest being the lighthouse, built in 1897, and still currently in use. In the summer, the tower, approximately 121 feet high, allows visitors to enjoy an impressive view over the Baltic Sea and the northern districts of Rostock.

Rostock is the largest city in the north German state Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Rostock is on the Warnow river; seven miles south of Warnemunde. Rostock is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Rostock, founded in 1419.

Downtown Rostock, Germany and Schwerin Castle, Schwerin Germany

Telemarkstunet Norskfolk Museum

Castle