Cruising German Waterways

A delightful seaside town with excellent links to many of Germany’s gems, such as historic Rostock and vibrant Berlin, Warnemünde (Warnemunde) is a wonderfully rewarding destination.

With its wide, sandy beaches, traditional pubs and fantastic restaurants serving delicious, locally caught seafood, it is no wonder that pretty Warnemünde – situated on the coast of the Baltic Sea – is one of Germany’s most popular holiday resorts and busiest cruise ports.

While many visitors to Warnemünde choose not to stray away from the coast here, especially in summer when the beach becomes a haven for sun-worshippers, there are plenty of highlights to uncover elsewhere in the town. Those who opt to explore are rewarded with interesting attractions such as Warnemünde Church, the 19th century Lighthouse, and the quaint cottages and marina of the idyllic Alter Strom old river district, all of which are within easy reach of your ship’s docking location closer to the town centre.

And, thanks to its close proximity to a number of attraction-packed towns and cities, Warnemünde is also a gateway to some of Germany’s most famous sites. Berlin’s iconic monuments, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the remains of the Berlin Wall; the gabled houses and Brick-Gothic structures of UNESCO-listed Wismar; and the Hanseatic-era treasures of Rostock can all be uncover on tours.

Connecting the North Sea, at the mouth of the Elbe River, to the Baltic Sea at Holtenau, the Kiel Canal is one of the world’s busiest and most important shipping routes. Slicing a man-made path through the German countryside, this 61-mile-long marvel of engineering allows vessels to avoid 250 nautical miles of sea sailing on average, ensuring a faster and safer passage through Europe.

As picturesque as it is important, the Kiel Canal is a popular route for ‘pleasure’ crafts and smaller-sized cruise ships such as those in the Fred. Olsen fleet. Sailing slowly along the canal presents an opportunity to take in gorgeous scenes of lush-green countryside and a collection of interesting villages and towns flanking the still waters, and marvel at several impressive bridges. Maritime enthusiasts will delight at the various shapes, sizes and sheer volume of the ships and vessels navigating this busy waterway too.  

The River Elbe is one of the main waterways in Central Europe. Stretching from the Czech Republic all the way to the North Sea via Germany, this beautiful waterway winds its way through tall hills, past vast plains and alongside pretty towns and cities.

The Lower Elbe – known locally as Unterelbe – is Fred. Olsen's route into Hanseatic Hamburg, Germany's historic second city. This 110 kilometre stretch of water serves as a vital shipping link between Hamburg's busy container port – the second largest in Europe – and the North Sea, but is also very picturesque – perfect a relaxing scenic cruise.

As you sail to and from the very heart of Hamburg, you'll take in views of the lush-green German countryside, pass by pretty river islands and nature reserves such as Schwarztonnensand and Pagensand and see the delightful towns of Glückstadt and Brunsbüttel.

Located on the River Elbe, Hamburg is the country’s largest port and regarded as Germany’s gateway to the world.

A vibrant, historic city boasting an impressive Hanseatic League heritage that harks back over 700 years, Hamburg’s maritime soul permeates the city. From its architecture to its cuisine, water is ever present in Germany's principal port. The city is crossed by hundreds of canals, and spanned by 1,000 bridges. Near its centre, the charming Inner Alster Lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by divine cafes.

Hamburg is awash with historic buildings and monuments typical of Hanseatic culture. The steeple of St. Nikolai – a church almost destroyed in World War II, the 17th century Zollenbrücke Bridge and Hamburg Rathaus are must-visit sites. The central Jungfernstieg Boulevard connects the Neustadt (new town) with the Altstadt (old town), home to the impressive 18th century St. Michael’s Church.

In the city centre, the amazing Miniatur Wunderland museum is highly recommended, as is the ocean-liner-shaped Chilehaus, the crowning glory of the UNESCO-listed Kontorhaus District. The flourishing swathe of stylish shops, excellent restaurants and legendary nightlife – a celebration of cosmopolitan Hamburg – add more exciting dimensions to this city.

Hamburg's waterfront district offers much to enjoy. Visit the popular Fischmarkt, discover an array of lively bars and restaurants at the harbour, watch Europe's second largest port in action or head to Hafen City, a newly developed urban quarter.

The key maritime role played by the city of Bremen, which straddles the Weser River in northwest Germany, is underlined by its impressive Hanseatic buildings. Bremen’s Hanseatic Gothic architecture in the Marktplatz and narrow timber buildings in the Schnoor Quarter are the standout highlights in the oldest part of the city. The ornate Gothic Town Hall, originally built between 1405 and 1410, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a restaurant with original Hanseatic era décor, as well as the Bremer Ratskeller, a public house in the basement.

The Town Hall is also home to a number of large model ships in its upper hall and 12 of the oldest wines in the world. Nearby is the Roland Statue, a giant stone figure that symbolises freedom of trade.

In contrast, Überseestadt – the former docklands – offers a completely different experience and is a fine example of modern Bremen. Here, a selection of trendy bars, stylish cafes and fine restaurants can be found, as well as a beautiful harbour and yacht-filled marina.