Warnemünde / Rostock 2020

[Travelanni]

Hi, further to my previous reply re trains Munich to Berlin.

I have just found some better prices available 6 months in advance but they are train specific and seats must be booked separately.  It would be worthwhile to look again at https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de//bin/query.exe/en > Booking Information  6 months before your travel date.

I hope I have not confused you too much but they do offer so many variables.

Anni

[itsanita]

1 hour ago, Travelanni said:

Hi, further to my previous reply re trains Munich to Berlin.

I have just found some better prices available 6 months in advance but they are train specific and seats must be booked separately.  It would be worthwhile to look again at https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de//bin/query.exe/en > Booking Information  6 months before your travel date.

I hope I have not confused you too much but they do offer so many variables.

Anni

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to explain.   

 

My last question is about 'returns'.  I have tried to go in to book, but it keeps asking for my return.  We will be flying out of Berlin, so our train trip will be one way.  How to I choose 'one way'?

[gnome12]

33 minutes ago, itsanita said:

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to explain.   

 

My last question is about 'returns'.  I have tried to go in to book, but it keeps asking for my return.  We will be flying out of Berlin, so our train trip will be one way.  How to I choose 'one way'?

I'm not sure if it works the same way for group travel, but for individual I just ignored the choose return trip and hit the To Offer Selection button. I had no problem booking a one way from Frankfurt airport to Koblenz.

 

[Travelanni]

2 hours ago, gnome12 said:

I'm not sure if it works the same way for group travel, but for individual I just ignored the choose return trip and hit the To Offer Selection button. I had no problem booking a one way from Frankfurt airport to Koblenz.

 

 

2 hours ago, itsanita said:

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to explain.   

 

My last question is about 'returns'.  I have tried to go in to book, but it keeps asking for my return.  We will be flying out of Berlin, so our train trip will be one way.  How to I choose 'one way'?

 

Hi, Gnome is right.  And the same applies to any type of booking.  Good luck.

Anni

Edited January 16, 2020 by Travelanni
missing word

[itsanita]

Tried it and it worked without putting in a return.  Thanks

 

I am not yet at the 6 month mark, so will watch the dates and then give it a try.  

 

I also found this website    https://www.thetrainline.com/      Is this legit?   Or a 'second party' that makes reservations outside the official site.  

 

I can't thank you enough for all your help.   

[gnome12]

6 minutes ago, itsanita said:

Tried it and it worked without putting in a return.  Thanks

 

I am not yet at the 6 month mark, so will watch the dates and then give it a try.  

 

I also found this website    https://www.thetrainline.com/      Is this legit?   Or a 'second party' that makes reservations outside the official site.  

 

I can't thank you enough for all your help.   

Stick to bahn.com. They are quite easy to use. You don't need any other site for booking rail travel in Germany.

 

You can also check out https://www.seat61.com/ for a ton of information on train travel.

 

You used to be able to get tickets without an additional charge through loco2.com, but since they became raileurope.co.uk (the English language version) they charge fees for all tickets. However, you can still get a lot of information here.

[itsanita]

I found this on the bahn.com site.    A regional day ticket for all of Germany.   https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/regional/day-ticket-for-germany.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0060_REGIO-INDEX-QDL-DESKTOP_LZ01

 

For the 6 of us it would end up being 20 euro a piece unless I am missing something. And I am also assuming that it covers the fast trains to Berlin

 

However, no seat assignment.   We could not stand for the 4 1/2 hours to Berlin, so not sure we could take a chance, even though we are traveling on a Saturday.  We are 'seniors'.  LOL 

 

.   

[gnome12]

3 hours ago, itsanita said:

I found this on the bahn.com site.    A regional day ticket for all of Germany.   https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/regional/day-ticket-for-germany.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0060_REGIO-INDEX-QDL-DESKTOP_LZ01

 

For the 6 of us it would end up being 20 euro a piece unless I am missing something. And I am also assuming that it covers the fast trains to Berlin

 

However, no seat assignment.   We could not stand for the 4 1/2 hours to Berlin, so not sure we could take a chance, even though we are traveling on a Saturday.  We are 'seniors'.  LOL 

 

.   

You can probably book reserved seats in addition for a few euros. At the bottom of the ticketing page is a spot for seat reservation only. For my trip from Frankfurt airport to Koblenz (1:13 hours) it cost 4 euros to reserve a seat on top of the fare. 
 

There might also be a supplement for the fast train. 

Edited January 17, 2020 by gnome12

[Travelanni]

4 hours ago, itsanita said:

I found this on the bahn.com site.    A regional day ticket for all of Germany.   https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/regional/day-ticket-for-germany.shtml?dbkanal_007=L04_S02_D002_KIN0060_REGIO-INDEX-QDL-DESKTOP_LZ01

 

For the 6 of us it would end up being 20 euro a piece unless I am missing something. And I am also assuming that it covers the fast trains to Berlin

 

However, no seat assignment.   We could not stand for the 4 1/2 hours to Berlin, so not sure we could take a chance, even though we are traveling on a Saturday.  We are 'seniors'.  LOL 

 

.   

Hi, I have also looked up the deal which you found.  As I said in my original reply a Regional Day Ticket is for Regional Trains only, it is not valid on fast, direct trains. Using this ticket the journey from Munich to Berlin would take between 8 and 10 hours and involve 3 - 6 changes of train !  The ICE takes about four and a half hours direct, same train all the way.

You did not give your travel date but I see from your chat with Gnome that you are not yet within the 6 months.  However, if you give me your date I will see what I can find.  At the moment there is a Super Saver offer which works out at under 10euros each for a party of six including seat reservation on the ICE (Inter City Express) but of course that is a winter special.

Please do not use a third party, most of the time they have no idea how to find the cheaper fares. Rest assured that any advice I give is from experience as I have lived here for over 10 years and in that time have travelled by train all over Europe,  always seeking out the best possible deals.

Happy to help you in any way I can.

Anni

www.travelanni.webs.com

 

PS In future could you please quote the post to which your reply is addressed. Otherwise it is confusing when two people are giving advice.Thank you

Edited January 17, 2020 by Travelanni

[fluffybunny22]

Is there anywhere in the area where we would be able to get bratwursts? That's really the only thing my in laws want to do while we are in port.

[itsanita]

On 1/17/2020 at 1:43 PM, Travelanni said:

Hi, I have also looked up the deal which you found.  As I said in my original reply a Regional Day Ticket is for Regional Trains only, it is not valid on fast, direct trains. Using this ticket the journey from Munich to Berlin would take between 8 and 10 hours and involve 3 - 6 changes of train !  The ICE takes about four and a half hours direct, same train all the way.

You did not give your travel date but I see from your chat with Gnome that you are not yet within the 6 months.  However, if you give me your date I will see what I can find.  At the moment there is a Super Saver offer which works out at under 10euros each for a party of six including seat reservation on the ICE (Inter City Express) but of course that is a winter special.

Please do not use a third party, most of the time they have no idea how to find the cheaper fares. Rest assured that any advice I give is from experience as I have lived here for over 10 years and in that time have travelled by train all over Europe,  always seeking out the best possible deals.

Happy to help you in any way I can.

Anni

www.travelanni.webs.com

 

PS In future could you please quote the post to which your reply is addressed. Otherwise it is confusing when two people are giving advice.Thank you

 

Thanks for pointing that out.  I missed it on your first email....that it is not valid on the fast trains. 

 

My 6 month window opens in April, so I will follow your instructions and give it a try.  May I tap your knowledge at that time if I have difficulty?   We are traveling during Oktoberfest, so the fares may be higher than normal?    Again, thanks so much for everyone's help.  We are not train travelers here, so a bit confusing for me.   

[Travelanni]

3 hours ago, fluffybunny22 said:

Is there anywhere in the area where we would be able to get bratwursts? That's really the only thing my in laws want to do while we are in port.

 

Hi, the quick answer is just about anywhere they sell food.  But the traditional, local way to eat bratwurst is served in a bread roll with mustard and/or onions while standing at a street stall.  No seating, just high tables on the footpath. There are several of these around the Rostock city centre and in Warnemuende, both free standing stalls and shops which serve through a window straight onto the street.  One particularly good one is built, grill and all, on a tricycle and can usually be found in University Square or cruising the surrounding streets.  

Enjoy.  

Happy planning and cruising,

Anni

www.travelanni.webs.com

Edited January 18, 2020 by Travelanni
Missing fact

[Sauer-kraut]

1 hour ago, itsanita said:

 

Thanks for pointing that out.  I missed it on your first email....that it is not valid on the fast trains. 

 

 We are traveling during Oktoberfest, so the fares may be higher than normal?    Again, thanks so much for everyone's help.  We are not train travelers here, so a bit confusing for me.   

Oktoberfest really doesn't affect Northern Germany, so fares probably won't change. 

 

3 hours ago, fluffybunny22 said:

Is there anywhere in the area where we would be able to get bratwursts? That's really the only thing my in laws want to do while we are in port.

Such a shame as this is the area where Fischbroetchen (fish sandwiches) are famous.  Purchase one right off the little boats that float along side the canal, that is something special just for this area.

[cardbucfan]

Thank you for all the wonderful information!

 

I have a question and I know the answer is very subjective but I'm hoping you all will give me your opinions.

 

My friend and I are sailing in August and will be in Warnemunde on a Monday (so Schwerin is closed).  We've looked at the Friends of Dave tour and it looks great but neither of us has ever been to Berlin before (and honestly don't know when/if we will).  I know that Berlin is far from Warnemunde and I am also aware that it's a great city and really requires more than a 6 hours to "do it".  But I'm having a really hard time passing up the opportunity to see it!  I love history and typically don't "go back" to places.  

 

Can you all help me with this decision with the pros/cons as you see them?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Travelanni]

13 hours ago, cardbucfan said:

Thank you for all the wonderful information!

 

I have a question and I know the answer is very subjective but I'm hoping you all will give me your opinions.

 

My friend and I are sailing in August and will be in Warnemunde on a Monday (so Schwerin is closed).  We've looked at the Friends of Dave tour and it looks great but neither of us has ever been to Berlin before (and honestly don't know when/if we will).  I know that Berlin is far from Warnemunde and I am also aware that it's a great city and really requires more than a 6 hours to "do it".  But I'm having a really hard time passing up the opportunity to see it!  I love history and typically don't "go back" to places.  

 

Can you all help me with this decision with the pros/cons as you see them?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Hi, my advice to anyone asking this question is - if you have any hope of a few days in Berlin in the future then forget the day trip.  If, however, this is your only chance then go for it.  I'm working on the principle that anything is better than nothing here

 

Just a few tips in case you do decide to go.

Do not use a train tour.  You will find the reasons for this advice on several posts!

Use a private company rather than a ships tour.   Once you are in Berlin the groups are smaller.

Do a private, or semi private, tour if possible.  Most standard tours try to please everyone and you end up with an impossible itinerary, driving past the things which interest you and wasting time on the things which do not.

Use the same company you intend to use in St. Petersburg.  Not only will you get a discount but you will have  established a relationship with them arranging your St. P tour.

Berlin has history covering so many different eras;Imperial, Weimar, National Socialist,DDR; that it is a good idea to choose which really interests you and let the tour people put a tour together covering relevant sights.

BTW you do not say where your cruise starts/finishes but if it is in UK or Northern Europe have you considered a few days in Berlin either pre- or post-cruise.  It is sometimes only a little more expensive than  a day tour from Warnemünde.

I hope this helps with your planning

Anni

www.travelanni.webs.com

 

Edited January 20, 2020 by Travelanni
missing words

[cardbucfan]

Thanks @Travelanni-that’s where I’m leaning. We are using Best Guides in St. Petersburg so would definitely use them. Our cruise is round trip out of Copenhagen and flights are booked giving us a couple of days in Copenhagen pre-cruise and an overnight in London at the end so Berlin isn’t an option. I always look at cruises as an opportunity to “taste” a place and see if it warrants a full trip. I’d love to do a full trip to Germany-just so many places on the bucket list and so little time!!

[GRBlizz]

Thank you for your advice! We are arriving in Warnemunde on 18 April. My husband uses a power chair full time. We do not plan to go to Berlin, but would like to explore some of the nearby towns. Will we be able to do this using the train, or would we have to find a wheelchair accessible van or something?

 

 

[Travelanni]

21 hours ago, GRBlizz said:

Thank you for your advice! We are arriving in Warnemunde on 18 April. My husband uses a power chair full time. We do not plan to go to Berlin, but would like to explore some of the nearby towns. Will we be able to do this using the train, or would we have to find a wheelchair accessible van or something?

 

 

 

Hi, thank you for your appreciation.

All our public transport, regional (red) trains and most of the stations in this area are barrier-free.  Unfortunately your visit will be just a month before the re-opening of the main station in Warnemünde but Warnemünde Werft where the trains terminate at the moment is only a 10mins walk from the cruise centre along good smooth pavements.

The trains and trams all have wheel-chair areas with good access even for a larger vehicle.  Just look for the painted symbol on the side of the appropriate carriage.

Warnemünde Werft, Rostock, Schwerin, Wismar and Stralsund stations and the tram-stops are all wheel-chair friendly. However, although most of the pavements are smooth you will find that a few streets, especially in the older interesting areas, are still cobbled. 

I, myself, ride a small disability scooter which for sure does not handle kerbs, cobbles etc. as well as a powered chair and find no difficulty in any of these towns.

Of course hiring a van would give you much more flexibility and a wider range of places to visit but you can see a lot by train.

Happy planning and cruising

Anni

www.travelanni.webs.com

[GRBlizz]

3 minutes ago, Travelanni said:

 

Hi, thank you for your appreciation.

All our public transport, regional (red) trains and most of the stations in this area are barrier-free.  Unfortunately your visit will be just a month before the re-opening of the main station in Warnemünde but Warnemünde Werft where the trains terminate at the moment is only a 10mins walk from the cruise centre along good smooth pavements.

The trains and trams all have wheel-chair areas with good access even for a larger vehicle.  Just look for the painted symbol on the side of the appropriate carriage.

Warnemünde Werft, Rostock, Schwerin, Wismar and Stralsund stations and the tram-stops are all wheel-chair friendly. However, although most of the pavements are smooth you will find that a few streets, especially in the older interesting areas, are still cobbled. 

I, myself, ride a small disability scooter which for sure does not handle kerbs, cobbles etc. as well as a powered chair and find no difficulty in any of these towns.

Of course hiring a van would give you much more flexibility and a wider range of places to visit but you can see a lot by train.

Happy planning and cruising

Anni

www.travelanni.webs.com

Thank you so much! We like to explore, so I think we will do just that! And a 10 minute walk to the train doesn't sound bad at all. I really appreciate having someone on the ground to give advice. It sounds as though northern Europe has made huge strides in accessibility since we were last there in 2007, and I can't wait to be there!

[Host Bonjour]

Happy retirement and we are glad you'll be able to spend more time here in our community! When I first moved to these boards from our sister site Independent Traveler, I remember noticing your posts and wishing I'd seen them when I was planning my visit to the region some years ago. I visited Gûstrow, Rostock, and Berlin with some Parisian friends, one of whom was long friends with the person in Germany. Not everyone spoke every language, but enough of us spoke two languages...it was interesting!

 

I had previously only been to Bavaria and so it was an exciting and unique experience, as can happen when visiting another region in a country with long and rich history. It was beautiful and I received some unforgettable hospitality and have timeless memories, but I could have used you to have informed myself even better back then, so I am glad everyone has you here now. I'm not sure I'd have thought I'd be at the Baltic Sea until...there I was. So wonderful. 

 

Look forward to your continued presence! Thank you Anni. 🙂 

 

 

[Travelanni]

5 hours ago, Host Bonjour said:

Happy retirement and we are glad you'll be able to spend more time here in our community! When I first moved to these boards from our sister site Independent Traveler, I remember noticing your posts and wishing I'd seen them when I was planning my visit to the region some years ago. I visited Gûstrow, Rostock, and Berlin with some Parisian friends, one of whom was long friends with the person in Germany. Not everyone spoke every language, but enough of us spoke two languages...it was interesting!

 

I had previously only been to Bavaria and so it was an exciting and unique experience, as can happen when visiting another region in a country with long and rich history. It was beautiful and I received some unforgettable hospitality and have timeless memories, but I could have used you to have informed myself even better back then, so I am glad everyone has you here now. I'm not sure I'd have thought I'd be at the Baltic Sea until...there I was. So wonderful. 

 

Look forward to your continued presence! Thank you Anni. 🙂 

 

5 hours ago, Host Bonjour said:

 

Hi,  thank you very much for your welcome back and your appreciation.

When I first visited here 17 years ago I had been to other areas of Germany but never the North East.  I was just passing through and stayed for a couple of days to catch up with someone I had met on a cargo ship voyage.  I fell in love with the place and the rest, as they say is history.  I visited often and then about 10 years ago I decided to stay permanently.

Mecklenburg is not a well known part of Germany but it has a great deal to offer in beauty and history so I enjoy helping visitors, through this forum, to make the most of the short time they have here.

I do'nt plan to go anywhere soon, I'm much too busy in retirement

Anni

www.travelanni.webs.com

 

 

[azbirdmom]

Thank you for providing the link to the port information.  We are embarking on the Sky Princess on the 9th of May from Warnemunde.  The port schedule shows that we will be at berth LP41 and a search of the port website indicates this is at the "seaport".  Would you happen to know the train stop that would be closest to LP41?  And would this be a stop in Rostock or Warnemunde?  Thank you!

[Travelanni]

3 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

Thank you for providing the link to the port information.  We are embarking on the Sky Princess on the 9th of May from Warnemunde.  The port schedule shows that we will be at berth LP41 and a search of the port website indicates this is at the "seaport".  Would you happen to know the train stop that would be closest to LP41?  And would this be a stop in Rostock or Warnemunde?  Thank you!

 

Hi, thank you for your appreciation.  

LP41 is in the commercial port on the opposite side of the river to Warnemünde. The nearest station is Lütten Klein, on the rail line between Rostock Hbf and  Warnemünde

and a ten minute bus ride from LP41.  This would be a difficult route with luggage and the bus service is only once per hour. Some cruise lines run a special bus from Rostock Hbf (main station) for embarking passengers and their luggage, IMHO the best way to go but failing that I would recommend a taxi.  Fare is about 25-30 euros.

For more details on the port please see my web site.

Happy cruising 

Anni

travelanni.webs.com

[Travelanni]

4 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

Thank you for providing the link to the port information.  We are embarking on the Sky Princess on the 9th of May from Warnemunde.  The port schedule shows that we will be at berth LP41 and a search of the port website indicates this is at the "seaport".  Would you happen to know the train stop that would be closest to LP41?  And would this be a stop in Rostock or Warnemunde?  Thank you!

 

Hi, thank you for your appreciation.  

LP41 is in the commercial port on the opposite side of the river to Warnemünde and Rostock.  The nearest station is Lütten Klein, on the rail line between Rostock Hbf and  Warnemuende and a ten minute bus ride from LP41.  This would be a difficult route with luggage and the bus service is only once per hour. Some cruise lines run a special bus from Rostock Hbf (main station) for embarking passengers and their luggage, IMHO the best way to go but failing that I would recommend a taxi.  Fare is about 25-30 euros.

For more details on the port please see my web site.

Happy cruising 

Anni

www.travelanni.webs.com

Edited February 3, 2020 by Travelanni
Spelling

[azbirdmom]

1 hour ago, Travelanni said:

 

Hi, thank you for your appreciation.  

LP41 is in the commercial port on the opposite side of the river to Warnemünde. The nearest station is Lütten Klein, on the rail line between Rostock Hbf and  Warnemünde

and a ten minute bus ride from LP41.  This would be a difficult route with luggage and the bus service is only once per hour. Some cruise lines run a special bus from Rostock Hbf (main station) for embarking passengers and their luggage, IMHO the best way to go but failing that I would recommend a taxi.  Fare is about 25-30 euros.

For more details on the port please see my web site.

Happy cruising 

Anni

travelanni.webs.com

 

Thank you for providing the details.  I had read your website but wasn't quite sure about the distances or the reference to the tram so you've clarified this for us.  It turns out that we are embarking from LP41 and will disembark 11 days later from P8.  We are going to discuss the situation with our friends and we may just end up picking up the Princess transfer from the Berlin given the logistical challenges.  Will also look into FlixBus as that may be a viable option for us.  Thanks again for the information!

Edited February 3, 2020 by azbirdmom