German shepherd in front of the lighthouse on the western pier in Warnemünde

by Silva Wischeropp

I discovered this maritime nature motif of a strong, magnificent German shepherd sitting in the sea water of the Baltic Sea during my summer photo trip on 29 August 2009. The photograph was taken in the early, late summer evening hours with a NIKON D90 (lens: NIKKOR 80.0-200.0 mm f/2.8). In the background, you can see the green and white striped pier tower on the western pier. The pier lights are two small lighthouses on the western and eastern piers of Warnemünde. The active West Pier light is a green and white steel tower that was moved to a new arm of the pier head in 1998. The East Pier light is a white and red tower that was built at the same time as the West Pier light. It is very interesting to take photographs there on stormy days.

Warnemünde is the best known of the four seaside resorts, alongside Markgrafenheide, Diedrichshagen and Hohe Düne. The former fishing village and "captain's quarter" of Warnemünde has become a popular hotspot for beach holidaymakers, cruise passengers, water sports enthusiasts and thalasso therapy enthusiasts. As you stroll through the charming alleys, take a peek into the windows of the lovingly maintained captains' houses. And Warnemünde has much more to offer: fresh Baltic Sea fish, majestic cruise ships and Warnemünde beach, the crowning glory of every holiday. The 14 km long and widest sandy beach on the German Baltic Sea coast scores highly with its size, visual appeal and lively promenade. Take a deep breath and treat yourself to a well-deserved break with a conscious pause by the sea.