The town of Lübeck in northern Germany has a lengthy past. When it was referred to as “Queen of the Hanse,” it was the most significant city in the Hanseatic League. It was and still is a significant Baltic Sea port. Because of Lübeck’s greatness, Emperor Charles IV of 1375 called it the “glories of Europe,” ranking it among Venice, Rome, Pisa, and Florence.
The city boasts an intriguing historic center that begs to be strolled through. Although World War II bombs destroyed much of the old core, Lübeck nevertheless has sites that offer visitors a taste of the city’s past grandeur.
17. Willy Brandt House
The Willy Brandt House, which is situated in the center of Old Town, provides you with an in-depth look at the personal and professional life of one of Germany’s most significant leaders.
You can discover more about Brandt’s early years, ascent to political prominence, and enduring influence on German and global affairs as you browse the displays. His opposition to National Socialism, his impact on the Social Democratic Party, and his crucial role in the Cold War are among his career’s high points.
The Willy Brandt House is an interesting and educational stop for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike thanks to its interactive displays, personal possessions, and richness of knowledge.
16. Salzspeicher
Beside the Holstentor stands a cluster of six old brick structures known as the Salzspeicher, or Salt Storage Warehouses. Originally intended to hold salt imported from the neighboring salt mines, they were constructed between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries.
The enduring buildings in Lübeck bear witness to the economic might that the city possessed when it was one of the main Hanseatic League members. Beautiful examples of the Brick Gothic architectural style, which was popular in the area, may be found in the warehouses.
With local fishermen’s boats bordering the River Trave in front of the warehouses, the Salzspeicher provides a stunning backdrop for Instagram-worthy shots. Additionally, there is a small museum within one of the warehouses where you can go through the history of the Hanseatic League and how it relates to the salt trade.
15. Eat Marzipan
Lubeck is renowned for its mouthwatering marzipan confections. Marzipan has a lengthy history in the city, having been brought to Europe from the East during the Middle Ages.
Niederegger, the most well-known marzipan producer in Lubeck, is situated in the center of the city. A range of marzipan creations are available at the store, ranging from basic bars and shapes to elaborate, handcrafted masterpieces. Visit their little museum to discover more about the history of the craft and Lübeck.
Apart from Niederegger, there are a few additional marzipan stores and cafés that are well worth exploring. Seek out marzipan items made in the area, and follow your palate to experience the best Lubeck has to offer.
14. Gunter Grass-Haus
Located in Lübeck’s old town, the Günter Grass-Haus is a fascinating attraction honoring the life and writings of Nobel Prize–winning novelist Günter Grass. This museum provides an interesting look into the life and works of art of the writer.
The museum, housed in a stunning ancient structure, features a sizable collection of Grass’s original manuscripts, drawings, and photos. Grass’s literary universe is brought to life through multimedia exhibits in the interactive exhibition section, which visitors can also explore.
There are guided tours available at the museum for individuals who would like to know more about the well-known author. Unsurprisingly, there’s a bookstore on the premises where you can get all of Grass’s books along with souvenirs and other relevant literature.
13. Gothmund
Situated close to Lübeck, the sleepy fishing village of Gothmund provides visitors with a delightful experience of beautifully maintained old houses and attractive scenery.
The Wakenitz River runs right alongside the village, making it the perfect place for leisurely strolls and laid-back picnics. Make sure to stroll around the charming, cobblestone streets and take in the vibrant thatched-roof homes. These classic houses, which are a reminder of the rich architectural history of the area, were built in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Gothmund offers an abundance of bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts who like birding. Additionally, tourists can engage in leisure pursuits in the river, such as kayaking or fishing.
12. European Hansemuseum
A fascinating tour through the history of the Hanseatic League, a potent economic union that ruled Northern Europe from the 13th to the 17th century, can be found at the European Hansemuseum in Lübeck. You will learn about Lübeck’s rich and varied cultural legacy as well as its significance as a major actor in the Hanseatic world as you visit the contemporary, interactive museum.
A painstaking reconstruction of a medieval merchant’s home and a number of interactive exhibitions that vividly depict the day-to-day lives of traders, seamen, and artists during Lübeck’s Hanseatic heyday are among the highlights of the European Hansemuseum.
Take a leisurely stroll through the museum’s lovely gardens and pause to see the breathtaking views of the city’s historic skyline from the rooftop terrace of the café.
11. Burgtor
The northern city gate of Lubeck is called Burgtor. Constructed in 1444, it is one of the two surviving gates out of the four that were constructed during the Middle Ages. The castle over the Trave River is where it gets its name.
The castle gate, which is in the ancient part of Lübeck, has structures built around and on top of it. The Late Gothic gate was augmented with a Romanesque tower. This medieval gate is really striking, even though the concrete roads that are used by cars seem out of place given its rich history. Napoleon’s entry into the city in 1806 is commemorated by a plaque on the gate walls.
10. Passat Ship
Built in Hamburg in 1911, this tall sailing ship traveled between Europe and South America. This graceful sailing ship, which serves as the nautical emblem of the Baltic town of Travemünde, reminds tourists of the period when the Passat battled strong waves while sailing at full sail, even if she is no longer used to transport heavy cargo across international waters.
Discover the history and customs of the maritime industry, take a leisurely stroll over the spacious deck, and study the ship’s four masts when you visit the Passat Ship. Exhibitions describing the ship’s previous exploits, such as its involvement in the global grain trade and her use as a teaching ship for aspiring sailors, are located within.
The Passat Ship also accommodates special events and parties, including weddings, fairs, and marine festivals.
9. Buddenbrookhaus
In Lubeck, on Mengstrasse 4, sits the beautiful home known as Buddenbrookhaus. It was the childhood home of authors Thomas and Heinrich Mann, who had it built in 1758. The home, which stood across from St. Mary’s Church, was nearly completely destroyed by World War II bombing; only the façade survived.
Though the façade was preserved and a museum dedicated to Thomas Mann was constructed behind it, the home was not restored to its original state. The home served as the backdrop for the family drama Mann described in Buddenbrookhaus. Fans of Mann should definitely visit this exhibit.
8. Lubeck Cathedral
The history of Lubeck Cathedral begins in the 12th century, when the Romanesque building was constructed for the Lübeck bishop by Henry the Lion. It is an impressive building and one of Lübeck’s oldest monuments. During World War II, an air raid partially destroyed the Lutheran cathedral.
A magnificent organ and an altar from 1696 were destroyed, but several medieval polyptychs and a sizable crucifix survived and are still visible today. The church’s reconstruction was completed in 1982. An elevator was installed as part of the restoration work to allow tourists to reach the top of the bell tower.
7. Travemunde
At the mouth of the Trave River, which empties into Lubeck Bay on the Baltic Sea, is the historic coastal resort known as Travemünde. This charming, tranquil area of Lübeck was established in 1187 and was once a major hub for the Hanseatic League. Today, it serves as a port for ferries to Scandinavia and other Baltic states.
Less than 15,000 people live in the community permanently, but thousands of visitors come here on weekends. The main draw for visitors is the sandy beach. Strolling about the old town with its streets named after ships is a worthwhile experience. Numerous episodes in Nobel laureate Thomas Mann’s book Buddenbrooks were place in Travemünde.
6. Explore the Altstadt
Strolling about Lubeck’s stunning Altstadt, or Old Town, is one of the most enjoyable activities to do there. The region welcomes you to explore its numerous treasures and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Start your adventure with the well-known Holstentor, a gate from the fifteenth century that has come to represent Lubeck. Its unique twin-tower style makes it hard to miss.
You will pass by a number of striking churches while meandering through the Altstadt’s cobblestone streets, including St. Mary’s and St. Peter’s, which both have stunning artwork and Gothic-style architecture. Other noteworthy locations include the exquisite Willy Brandt House and the elaborate Rathaus, a structure combining Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.
The Buddenbrookhaus, a museum devoted to the writings of one of Germany’s best writers, Thomas Mann, may be of interest to history buffs. If you have a fondness for marzipan (and who doesn’t? ), you can visit the renowned Niederegger Café to savor delectable marzipan sweets and discover the background of this delightful dessert.
Don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll along the gorgeous Trave River promenade while touring the Altstadt. It’s the ideal place to unwind and take in Lubeck’s distinct appeal because of its beautiful surroundings and lively environment.
5. Lubecker Rathaus
One of Germany’s most remarkable and significant town halls is the Lübecker Rathaus. It is especially magnificent at night when it is illuminated. When the town hall was first constructed in 1230, it was just three gabled homes on the marketplace. Over time, it grew until it could accommodate Hanseatic gatherings.
There are daily guided tours available to see the town hall’s interior. Once inside, guests should take note of the various courtroom door heights. Criminals exited the courthouse through the shorter door, while those judged not guilty left through the taller door.
4. Heiligen-Geist-Hospital
With its pointed roof and skyscraping spires, Heiligen-Geist-Hospital doesn’t appear to be a hospital from the outside. However, since the 13th century, the Holy Spirit Hospital has provided medical care for the ill and elderly. It is still in operation as a hospital in certain parts today.
The stunning chapel and original frescoes are highly praised by visitors today, who claim that the church-like structure is one of Lübeck’s must-see sights. Every year, the city has its Christmas market here, where customers may see the cubicles that once housed pensioners.
Situated in the historic district, the hospital also holds an annual crafts market in November that showcases goods created by elderly folks.
3. Marienkirche
The towers of Marienkirche, or St. Mary’s Church, rise more than 120 meters (400 feet) into the sky, dominating the Lübeck skyline. This 700-year-old Brick Gothic church served as the inspiration for numerous other churches in the Baltic region.
The most significant church in Lübeck is the Marienkirche, which is situated in the former Hanseatic merchant district. The church, which has the world’s largest brick vault, resounds with music from organs, eleven antique bells, and the Lübeck Boys Choir, which is well-known for performing St. John Passion on Good Friday.
The 1942 air strike damaged several significant works of art as well as the church. Nonetheless, a large number of paintings were preserved and are on display in the rebuilt church.
2. St. Petri zu Lubeck
If you want to enjoy some of the best views of Lübeck, visit the St. Petri. This 12th-century church was severely damaged during World War II bombing, and restoration work is currently ongoing, primarily on the inside. The greatest time to visit is around dusk. As part of the reconstruction efforts, an elevator has been built to take guests to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree views of this medieval city.
Explore the church’s remarkable organ, its elaborate medieval carvings, and its intriguing blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural components if you’re interested in architectural details.
Although regular church services are not yet held, this majestic building serves as a location for artistic and cultural events.
1. Holstentor
One of the two city gates that still stand in Lübeck is the Holstentor. Constructed between 1464 and 1478, its two enthralling circular towers and arched gateway have made it an icon of Lübeck.
Strangely enough, in 1863, a majority of just one vote opted against demolishing the gate and in favor of a thorough restoration. The gate was in terrible shape since it had been sinking a few inches further into the earth each year. The movement was stopped and the Holsten Gate was fully restored.
A fascinating museum housed within the Holstentor provides information on the history of the gate, its armaments, trade, and Lübeck’s heyday as a medieval mercantile city. Explore genuine relics and engaging displays that breathe life into the past.
Map of Lubeck
There are exciting events like the yearly Medieval Fair and the well-liked Lubeck Christmas Market for visitors who are eager to experience Lubeck’s rich culture. Apart from that, Lubbock offers a variety of other activities, including quaint cafes and restaurants that serve delicious delights like the well-known Lubeck marzipan.
Where to Stay in Lubeck
There are numerous lodging options in Lübeck that can accommodate a range of spending limits and tastes.
Consider booking a room in a typical Altstadthaus (Old Townhouse) or a guesthouse in the traditional Lübeck style if you value charm and history. These lodgings provide a window into the rich history of the city and frequently include distinctive architectural elements like exposed wooden beams and elaborate stucco work.
There are a number of chain hotels and boutique properties located all across the city if you desire contemporary amenities.
Situated in the city center, the four-star Atlantic Hotel Lübeck is easily accessible by foot from the well-known sights and the historic Market Square. The hotel offers contemporary, roomy accommodations with every convenience you might need.
For those on a tight budget who want a cozy place to stay in Lübeck, Hotel KO15 is an excellent choice. This boutique hotel features luxurious furnishings, modern decor, and an elegant ambiance. It is situated in the heart of everything, adjacent to Buddenbrooks House and the Marienkirche.
How to get there
It is simple to reach Lübeck using a variety of transportation options. It is situated in northern Germany, not too far from Hamburg, a well-known city. Hamburg Airport is the closest international airport, situated around 67 kilometers away. You can go to Lubeck via train or rental car from the airport.
Hauptbahnhof, Lubeck’s major train station, connects the city to other German cities like Hamburg, Kiel, and Berlin. Regional and intercity express trains regularly arrive and depart from Lubeck Hauptbahnhof, offering a comfortable travel experience.
If you’d rather drive, the A1 and A20 highways will get you to Lubeck. While the A20 links Lubeck with Rostock and other places along the Baltic Sea coast, the A1 travels from Hamburg to Lubeck.
Approximate travel times:
30 minutes by train, 45 minutes by drive to Hamburg
Train and car travel to Kiel take one hour each.
Rostock: 2 hours by driving and 2 hours by train
Two hours and thirty minutes by train to Berlin, three hours by vehicle
3.5 hours by vehicle, 3 hours by train, and 3 hours by ferry from Copenhagen, Denmark
Six hours by automobile and six hours by rail will get you to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Frankfurt: six hours by automobile and four hours and thirty minutes by train
Best Time to Visit Lubeck
The bodies of water surrounding Lubeck, which is located at the mouth of the Trave River, just inland from the Baltic Sea, have a significant influence on the city’s climate. Its winters are long, chilly, damp, and rainy, while its summers are generally bright and sunny.
The best months to go are May through September, when average temperatures range from 17 to 22°C (62 to 71°F). The weather is ideal at this time of year for sightseeing and leisurely riverboat cruises. If you don’t mind the rather cool water, you may even relax on its Baltic beaches and go swimming in the ocean! Even in the summer, rain is possible, so bring a lightweight jacket.
Just along the coast, the Travemunder Woche festival hosts concerts, a sailing regatta, and other activities throughout the summer, while the Duckstein Festival concentrates on art and food. But this is also the busiest and most expensive time of day in the Altstadt.
Although weather-wise, April and October can still be enjoyable, November through March should be avoided owing to the cold and more rain. The lone exception is in December, when there is the fantastic Weihnachtsmarkt and the well-known Christmas market for handicrafts.
