The tiny fishing villages turned historic coastal cities of Rostock and Warnemunde provide Germany cruise passengers a jumping-off point to the invigorating city of Berlin. Yet it’d be a mistake to hurry off to the country’s capital without considering the small-town charm of the less-visited side of Germany while visiting on a Scandinavia cruise.
You could take a bus or train ride past scenic countryside to the city to explore Berlin’s beautiful and historically significant sites. Or you could linger in the port towns, located on the northern coast of Germany off the Baltic Sea, or head to other sights in the northern region of the country.
Whether you choose to stay in the port cities or venture into the capital city of Berlin, you’re in for an exciting cosmopolitan day filled with historic and cultural attractions. You can also choose to leave the cities behind and explore the German countryside.
Berlin is the capital of Germany and is a city with a long, varied history punctuated by strife. Today, Berlin is a bustling multicultural metropolis home to an extensive arts and culinary scene whose residents haven’t forgotten its past or how far the city has come in the past century.
Though many passengers on a Germany cruise are eager to explore Berlin, don’t discount the impressiveness of Rostock, a historic coastal town with remnants of its past as a Hanseatic harbor city. You’ll find lovely gardens and an interesting mix of architecture styles in a picturesque riverside location.
In Warnemunde, visit the local fish market for some fresh seafood, then amble down the scenic beach promenade, gaze at its iconic lighthouse, and see Warnemunde’s scale model of the solar system.
If you’ve been there, done that when it comes to Berlin, or you want to venture beyond the cities during your Germany cruise, there are other places to visit in the vicinity. Witness the historic grandeur of the area at Castle Schwerin, or pay your respects at a nearby concentration camp.
On roundtrip journeys from Southampton, England on Celebrity Silhouette, venture to legendary cities like Amsterdam and Stockholm, and of course, a stop in Berlin. While you’re there, see the Berlin Wall up close at the Berlin Wall Memorial. Pose for photos at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a gorgeous 18th-century structure that’s come to symbolize Germany’s reunification. There’s no shortage of picturesque, Old Europe experiences along the way in cities Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Stockholm, Sweden.
A shore excursion during your Germany cruise is an excellent way to ensure you have an easy going, memorable day in port. A knowledgeable guide will provide background information on the sites you’ll be visiting during the tour, giving you a better understanding of Germany’s history and present-day vibe.
A city tour that takes you all around Berlin is a great shore excursion for those who want to soak in the culture and history of this great city. See the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, and beautiful walking trails and memorials within Tiergarten park.
Gain a better understanding of the northern coast culture of Germany with a shore excursion to the top sites of Rostock, such as the 13th century town hall, Stone Gate, the Gothic and Baroque architecture of the Rathaus, and St. Mary’s Church and its centuries-old astronomical clock.
Experience Germany’s countryside on the Molli steam locomotive train, a historic railcar and route that whisks you between the towns of Bad Doberan and Heiligendamm. You can also take a train ride from the port of Warnemunde to Berlin to see remnants of its Cold War past and other important historic sites.
Traveling in Germany and other cities in Europe requires some advanced planning, particularly if you want to book the best deals and popular shore excursions during your cruise. Here are a few tips for your Scandinavia and Germany cruise.
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