Bahnhofsbrücke Warnemünde
Historic swing bridge over the Alter Strom, linking Warnemünde’s station to its harbourfront with lively views, maritime history and timeless coastal atmosphere.
The Bahnhofsbrücke in Warnemünde is a historic steel swing bridge spanning the Alter Strom and linking the seaside resort’s railway station with its old fishing quarter. Opened in 1903 as the key pedestrian connection to the harbour, it is now a listed technical monument and one of Warnemünde’s defining landmarks. Street musicians, love locks and constant foot traffic create a lively maritime scene, with excellent views of boats, masts and the red roofs of Rostock’s northernmost district.
A brief summary to Bahnhofsbrücke
- Am Strom, Rostock, Ortsamt 1, 18119, DE
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in the early morning or around sunset for softer light, fewer people and the most atmospheric photos along the Alter Strom.
- Allow extra time in summer, when cruise days and harbour events can make the bridge very busy with foot and cycle traffic.
- Look for information plaques or local notices about swing demonstrations during festivals to see the bridge’s turning mechanism in action.
- If you are sensitive to uneven surfaces, watch your step on the wooden deck, which can be damp and slightly slippery after rain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Regional train and S-Bahn
From Rostock Hauptbahnhof, take the S-Bahn line to Warnemünde, which typically runs every 15 to 30 minutes and takes about 20 to 25 minutes. A standard regional ticket for this short journey usually costs in the range of 3 to 6 EUR one way in second class. Trains stop at Warnemünde station directly beside the bridge, making this the most convenient and weather‑independent option year‑round, though services can be busy during summer weekends and major events.
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Tram and S-Bahn connection within Rostock
If you are staying elsewhere in Rostock, use the city tram network to reach Rostock Hauptbahnhof first, then transfer to the S-Bahn to Warnemünde. Typical tram journeys within the city take 10 to 20 minutes, and combined local tickets for tram and S-Bahn generally fall in the 3 to 8 EUR range depending on zones and duration. This option is suitable in most weather conditions and avoids traffic congestion on coastal roads, but be prepared for some standing time on busy summer days.
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Car or taxi from central Rostock
Driving from central Rostock to Warnemünde usually takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, following the main urban and coastal routes. Expect to pay around 25 to 45 EUR for a taxi for this distance, with surcharges at night or on public holidays. Parking near the station and harbourfront is limited and often metered, and spaces can fill quickly in peak season, so allow time to locate a car park and walk the final stretch to the bridge.
Bahnhofsbrücke location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Bahnhofsbrücke
A classic steel bridge over the Alter Strom
The Bahnhofsbrücke stretches across the Alter Strom, the old shipping channel that once formed the main sea link between Rostock and the Baltic. Completed in 1903, the steel construction with its wooden decking was designed as a swing bridge to open for passing vessels, allowing even larger ships to reach the inner harbour. Today, you cross on sturdy oak planks under simple railings, with fishing boats and excursion ships sliding past almost at arm’s length. From the bridge, you look directly along the narrow waterway framed by gabled houses, café terraces and moored boats. The setting feels compact and intimate, yet the constant movement of water and traffic gives it an unmistakably nautical character, a reminder that Warnemünde grew as Rostock’s outer port.From vital transport link to cherished monument
When it opened, the bridge was a crucial part of a wider redesign of Warnemünde’s waterways. The newly created Neue Strom became the main sea canal, while the Bahnhofsbrücke linked the expanded ferry and railway facilities on the Mittelmole with the resort itself. As a swing bridge, it could pivot on its central pier, clearing a wide passage for shipping traffic using the Alter Strom. The turning mechanism remained in regular use until around 1940, when bearing damage meant the structure could no longer be safely moved. A comprehensive reconstruction in 1991 restored the bridge, including its swing function, and later repair campaigns replaced worn bearings and deck planks. Although ships no longer rely on its opening, the engineering survives, and on special occasions the bridge is still turned as a demonstration of early‑20th‑century ingenuity.Life and colour on a busy pedestrian crossing
Today the Bahnhofsbrücke operates as a dedicated pedestrian and cycle bridge, carrying thousands of people a day in the summer season. It is one of the main conduits between the station, ferries and S‑Bahn platforms on one side and the waterfront promenade, beach route and restaurant‑lined Am Strom on the other. The modest 42‑metre span and roughly seven‑metre width funnel this movement into a narrow band, creating a constant, gently bustling flow. Along the railings, you will often find buskers, small stalls and clusters of people pausing to watch the harbour traffic. The view is especially atmospheric in the late afternoon, when the low light picks out rigging, facades and the ripples on the water. Couples attach padlocks to the metalwork, adding to its reputation as a romantic meeting point and photogenic backdrop.Craftsmanship, materials and careful restoration
Structurally, the bridge is a straightforward steel girder construction, but details reveal the care invested in its upkeep. The deck is laid with wooden planks, traditionally oak in the central carriageway and larch at the sides. During major renovations in the early 2010s, these were replaced with timber sourced from the nearby Rostock Heath, a city‑owned forest managed to certified sustainable standards. This choice of local wood, combined with modern corrosion protection for the steelwork, ensures the bridge remains both authentic and robust in the harsh maritime climate. The use of regional materials ties the bridge tangibly to its landscape, turning a simple crossing into a small showcase of local forestry and engineering heritage.Experiencing the bridge in every season
Standing on the Bahnhofsbrücke, you are at a crossroads of Warnemünde’s daily rhythms. In high summer, ferries sound their horns, excursion boats advertise harbour tours and the quays hum with conversation. On quieter winter days, the channel feels more reflective, with seabirds drifting on the water and the wind carrying the smell of salt and tar from the fishing boats. The bridge’s modest height makes it accessible to most visitors, yet it still offers a slightly elevated vantage point, just enough to appreciate the pattern of roofs, masts and chimneys beyond. Whether you pause briefly en route to the beach or linger to watch the turning demonstration during a local festival, the Bahnhofsbrücke offers a compact but layered experience of Warnemünde’s maritime soul.A favourite spot for photos and quiet pauses
Because the bridge sits at the junction of water, railway and historic streets, it naturally frames classic Warnemünde scenes. Looking east, you capture the curve of the Alter Strom and the facades of old fishermen’s houses; looking west, the station area and harbour infrastructure tell the story of Rostock’s connection to the Baltic and beyond. There are no grand displays or exhibitions here, only the everyday theatre of boats, tides and people. That simplicity is part of its charm: a working piece of infrastructure that has quietly accumulated over a century of stories, from the heyday of steam ferries to present‑day holidaymakers rolling their suitcases across its weathered planks.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Warnemünde Church
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Warnemünde lighthouse
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Stoltera Nature Reserve
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Die beiden Krane
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Mönchentor
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Rostock Bronze
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Rostock Altstadt
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Sankt-Petri-Kirche
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Alter Markt
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Neuer Markt
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Kriegerdenkmal des Mecklenburgischen Füsilier-Regiments Nr. 90
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Lindenpark
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Die Trinkende
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Steintor
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Rostock City Wall
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Unmissable attractions to see
Liebesschlösser
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Heimatmuseum Warnemünde
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Warnemünde Cruise Center
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Spielplatz im Kurpark Warnemünde
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Kurhaus Warnemünde
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ehemaliges Zollfahndungsamt
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Kur Park
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Kurhaus-Garten
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Seepromenade
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Marina High Dune
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Warnemünde
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Hafenrundfahrt Warnemünde Rostock
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Shipbuilding and Maritime Museum Rostock
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Betonschiff Capella
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Der Traum des kleinen Smutje
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant Am Strom
0.1 km
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Restaurant Seekiste zur Krim
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Zuii's Restaurant Warnemünde
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Experience the perfect blend of flavors at Zuii's Restaurant in Warnemünde, where fusion cuisine meets vegetarian delights in a stunning seaside setting.
Karls PIER7 Warnemünde
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Experience coastal dining at Karls PIER7 Warnemünde - savor delicious food with stunning sea views in a charming atmosphere.
Restaurant „Zum Stromer“ Warnemünde
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Savor fresh seafood delights at Restaurant „Zum Stromer“, where culinary excellence meets stunning waterfront views in Warnemünde.
Restaurant Carls
0.4 km
Experience the essence of German and Mediterranean cuisine at Restaurant Carls – where every dish tells a story.
Der Butt
0.8 km
Experience exquisite fine dining at Der Butt in Rostock—where gourmet seafood meets elegant ambiance for an unforgettable meal.
Grillstube BROILER
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Ringhotel Warnemünder Hof
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Otto's Restaurantschiff
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Restaurant CarLo615
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Braugasthaus Zum alten Fritz
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Borwin - Hafenrestaurant
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Zur Kogge
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Experience authentic German cuisine at Zur Kogge in Rostock—where tradition meets flavor in a charming setting.
ALPORTO ROSTOCK
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
ICONIC - Rostock
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Rostock
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CITTI-PARK Rostock
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Explore CITTI-PARK Rostock, a vibrant shopping mall offering a unique blend of retail, dining, and entertainment for tourists and locals alike.
Calle/Fleggaard Rostock
7.9 km
Discover the finest selection of spirits and local brews at Calle/Fleggaard Rostock, your premier liquor destination in the heart of the city.
Beton-Kunst-Friedrich
8.3 km
Discover handcrafted treasures at Beton-Kunst-Friedrich, a unique gift shop in Rostock showcasing local artistry and creativity in every piece.
Fährliebe
8.4 km
Explore Fährliebe in Rostock for unique souvenirs and local crafts that capture the essence of this charming coastal city.
Streustoff UG
8.7 km
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Nordlichter
8.9 km
Explore Nordlichter in Rostock for unique T-shirts that capture the city's spirit. Perfect for souvenirs or personal style.
Goldammer Vintage Watches
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Neptun Shopping Center
9.3 km
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Tchibo im Supermarkt
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Hauptbild Makellos
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[gross_art_ich]
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Hanse Center
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Asia Markt Thang Long
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shark Bar - Rostock
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Strandoase
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Captain Cocktail
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Hafenbar Pier 615
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ROST-DOCK
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Pleitegeier2
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mash. - Rostock
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UNFUG
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Molotow - Rostock
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Planbar - Rostock
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Rooftop Bar - KAI40
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Craftbar Rostock
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Pub Mambo No. One - Rostock
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b sieben
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La Havanna Bar - Longdrinks - Cocktails - Cigars - Smokers Lounge
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Nachtclub Bienenstock
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Disco Da Capo
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Kulturkombinat Bunker - VEB GmbH Rostock
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The Camilla
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Studentenkeller Rostock e.V. -Club-Biergarten
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Helgas Stadtpalast
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Greifclub Rostock
10.6 km
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LT Sportpalast GmbH
10.7 km
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Zwischenbau
11.0 km
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ST-Club Rostock
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Klangkulisse
53.4 km
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Tanzlokal Ka
55.6 km
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Diskothek Erlebniswelt
60.5 km
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Billy Booze
66.9 km
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N.Y.K. Event
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly