Warnemünde: My Gateway to Berlin

We took the first train to Berlin at 7:30 a.m. and were at Brandenburg Gate by 10:15 – the city still quiet enough to feel intimate. Walked Unter den Linden to Museum Island, cried at the Pergamon Altar (even reconstructed), then Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery where the Wall still stands covered in murals. We had currywurst at Curry 36 that tasted exactly like freedom and mustard.

We arrived back in Warnemünde at golden hour – the beach was full of locals in strandkorb chairs drinking Astra beer while the sun set over the Baltic. The pros: you actually get Berlin in a day. The cons: six hours on trains, but the German rail system makes it painless.

The Moment That Stays With Me: Standing alone under the Brandenburg Gate at 10:30 a.m. while a street musician played "Imagine" and the whole history of the 20th century washed over me.

Getting Around Warnemünde

Direct trains every 30 minutes from Warnemünde station (5-minute walk from ship) to Berlin Hbf.

Positively Worded Word of Warning

The Berlin day is long but perfectly doable – an early start and comfortable train seat make it one of the best port days possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Warnemünde/Berlin worth it?
A: The only realistic way to see Berlin by cruise ship.

Q: Best thing?
A: Brandenburg Gate + Reichstag dome (pre-book).

Q: How long in Berlin?
A: 6–7 hours on ground is perfect.

Q: Walk from port?
A: To Warnemünde beach yes; Berlin needs train.