The Warnemünde Church is a Lutheran church located in the Baltic seaside resort of Warnemünde, Germany.

The church welcomes visitors and during the summer months many musical events are offered.

Warnemünde Church History

It originated from about 1200, mostly to serve and protect the fisherman who settled in the Warnow area, later called Warnemünde.

Since that time, four Warnemünde Churches have been built. The first church was destroyed by war in the 14th century.

The second church was again destroyed by war in the 15th century. The third church served the community for about 400 years.

The congregation numbers grew steadily as the population of Warnemünde transformed from a fishing village into a popular seaside resort.

The new Warnemünde Church’s construction began in 1866. It is built of brick in a Neo-Gothic style, inspired by medieval architecture.

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a Neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church, and because it is situated in a coastal area, it has votive ships hanging inside. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Warnemünde Church Votive Boats

In the church there are two votive ships.

The votive ships are presented to churches by seaman or ship builders as an offering in return for protection and a safe return home from sea.

The votive boats displayed date from 1825 and 1887. The oldest one is located in the northern aisle.

These types of offerings can be found in coastal regions of Northern European churches in Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

The recently restored Gothic carved altar dates from 1475. The crucifix in front of the altar is the oldest piece in the church, dating from the early 15th century.

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside.

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church, and because it is situated in a coastal area, it has votive ships hanging inside.

Warnemünde Church House Marks

There are 60 wooden house marks displayed on a wall of the church which had been carved into the pews of the previous church.

These house marks represent local residents from the time of the old church.

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside.

Warnemünde Church wooden house marks represent local residents from the time of the old church. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Warnemünde Church Organ

The organ played during church services and concerts was built in 1975.

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside.

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside.

Warnemünde Church Tours

Guided tours are available during the summer season and tourists are welcome to join any of the services.

Special music events are also scheduled during this season. For more information check the Warnemünde Church website.

The church is open daily from 10 am – 6 pm.

Historic neo Gothic style Warnemünde Church 364A1579 8

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside.

inside Warnemünde Church

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside.

Historic neo Gothic style Warnemünde Church 364A1589 9

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside.

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside.

Warnemünde Church is built of brick in a neo-Gothic style. The building dates from 1866. It is a Lutheran church and because it is situated in a coastal area it has votive ships hanging inside.

View more photos of the church, Warnemünde and Rostock, Germany.

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Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.

Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.

She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National PD Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW & NATJA.