old stream

old stream
Promenade in Warnemünde with Baltic Sea charm

The Old stream of Warnemünde is an atmospheric promenade located directly on the water arm of the same name. Strollers can still feel the atmosphere of the former fishing village with its captain's houses, rustic pubs and fishing boats moored on the shore. Experience the maritime flair of the Alter Strom, where past and present meet in a special way. 

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Alter Strom: From the historic harbor entrance to a tourist attraction

As a former estuary of the Warnow, the Old stream Excavated in 1423 and remained the only one for almost 500 years Ship access to the Baltic Sea. The architectural style of the houses is a Relic from the early settlement of Warnemünde. It was first inhabited by Slavs, later by Frisians and then by Lower Saxony, who built the first houses west of the Alter Strom around 1100. The 320 meter long stone embankment, which children today climb up to the pier, was built to protect the harbor entrance at the end of the 16th century.

west pier
View of Warnemünde: Maritime walk on the Steindamm and the west pier. | © pixabay

Up until the 19th century there were only two streets in Warnemünde: Vörreeg and Achtereeg – the front row and the back row. They ran parallel to the Alter Strom and provided accommodation for the fishermen and their families. Today there are rustic ones in the charismatic rows of houses Accommodation.

achterreeg Warnemuende
"Achterreeg": The "back row" is one of the sights of Warnemünde. | © Norbert Kaiser

In 1903 the New Stream was added, which serves as an entrance for incoming ships and replaced the Old Stream in its function. Today, the Alter Strom has turned into a colorful promenade that is not just for visitors Rostock offers a nice excursion destination, but also guests who have to travel further afield Holiday on the Baltic Sea sweetened.

Warnemünde's promenade: Holidays with Baltic Sea flair

The locals call the Alter Strom the heart of Warnemünde. There is a different mood here at any time of the day. In the early hours of the morning, the fishermen land with their catch, which they later sell at the fish market. During the day you can experience the tourist hustle and bustle on the Alter Strom and in the evening hours the day sounds rustic Restaurant or in one fisherman pub .

Where exactly is the old stream in Warnemünde?

Map Alter Strom Warnemünde
Map: The Alter Strom - so close to the Baltic Sea.

The Alter Strom stretches from south to north, where it flows into the Baltic Sea at Warnemünde Mole. Visitors are automatically taken to the promenade if, for example, they cruise terminal or the historic train station walk over the swing bridge. To the left of the bridge is the quiet and tranquil south end of the river. It gets busier on the right hand side with restaurants and souvenir shops, cafes, boutiques, fishmongers and harbor cruises.

Our advice:
The hungry seagulls in Warnemünde know all the tricks to snatch the fish sandwich from the visitors' hands. So hold on tight. Feeding the seagulls is strictly forbidden!

Captain's houses, holiday apartments and hotels around the old river

The fishermen's cottages, which were built by the first residents of the fishing village, are still inhabited by Warnemünde veterans today. Some houses are also called Accommodation rented. There are also numerous around the Alter Strom Hotels, from which the promenade is easily accessible.

Even those on holiday in Rostock or the tranquil Diedrichshagen can easily get to the Alter Strom by public transport, car or bicycle.

Tip:
Many hotels in Warnemünde have their own bike rental. You can easily reach the promenade from there via tranquil cycle paths. There are opportunities everywhere on the Alter Strom to lock up your bike and continue on foot.

An attraction for all seasons

Warnemunde has its charms in every season and the Old stream presents visitors with its changeable face. In the spring, the flower borders on the sides are freshly planted and everything smells of awakening and the salty sea air. The summer hustle and bustle breathes life into the boutiques and shops and you can sit comfortably with Prosecco, coffee or sundae on the terraces of the bars, pubs and restaurants and enjoy the sociable flair. In the autumn it gets quieter again, the shops gradually close and the stormy coastal weather also has its charms. In winter, on particularly cold days, the Alter Strom is covered with a layer of ice on which seagulls land.

Shore of the Old Stream
Warnemünde: Attractive in every season. | © pixabay

Events and seasonal highlights at the Alter Strom

The Alter Strom is not only worth seeing and experiencing in the high season. It is also animated in the off-season with numerous events. A visit is therefore also worthwhile for anyone who wants to combine wellness and sights in spring and autumn.

Don't miss these events:

  • Power Awakening (late April/early May)

  • Craft markets (seasonal)

  • Warnemünde Dragon Boat Festival (July)

  • Warnemünde Week (July)

  • Hanse Sail (August)

  • Electricity festival at the end of the season (September)

Tall ship
Highlight in August: tall ships cavort at the Hanse Sail in Warnemünde. | © pixabay
Pretty old houses, quaint shops and traditions that are kept alive: the Alter Strom invites visitors to the Baltic Sea resort of Warnemünde to enjoy all of this all year round. The maritime flair and the tranquility that emanate from the surrounding streets are difficult to describe. You should therefore experience the Alter Strom personally!

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