Lübeck – The Western City On The Baltic Coast

Founded as far back as 1143, Lübeck was a leading city in the Hanseatic League, a group that was a commercial and defensive confederation in Germany. Still characterised by its medieval appearance and wonderful ancient buildings, Lübeck has many attractions for visitors to the Baltic coast.

The Holsten Gate that marked the entrance to the city still stands and this is only one of four magnificent gates which all all built within the city walls.

A City Of Freedom And Culture

The position of Lübeck in the Hanseatic League showed how important this small city was in days gone by. Laws regarding maritime regulations and land laws were established right here. The city was soon surrounded by over 100 other towns along the Baltic coastline which helped the area to become one of the largest trading powers in that era.

There are several museums in the city such as the unique Lübeck Museum of Puppets, the St Annes Museum Quarter and there is one at the Holsten Gate. You can also visit the Lisa von Lübeck, a reconstruction of a 15th century caravele.

A City Surrounded By Beauty And Water

Lübeck is a beautiful old city surrounded by water and the old town has seven towers and five churches. With history going back for over 1,000 years, the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo Classical buildings are all within the city walls. There are also old merchant’s houses lining the very narrow lanes and alleyways.

The Church of St Mary is a brick Gothic building that is the model for the other 70 churches that are dotted around the Baltic Coast. This church has the highest brick vaulted roof in the world.

Noted for many things including two Nobel prize winning authors and for being the birthplace of the former Chancellor of Germany, Willy Brandt, Lübeck is a city like no other. Oh, and it produces excellent marzipan as well.

Travelling To Lübeck

By Air

Luckily Lübeck airport is only 7.6 kilometres from the city so flying there makes it easy to get to this fantastic place. Then you simply get a bus, taxi or drive into the city. The journey on the bus takes 25 minutes.

By Bus

Every 30 minutes there is a shuttle bus from Lübeck airport to the city. It is just 13 stops and will take you right to the centre at Kohlmarkt, Lübeck. A one way ticket costs just a few euro.

By Road

There are plenty of taxis at the airport but if you are picking up a hire car you can easily get to the city. Just follow the B207 road and this will take you to Markttwiete 5-7 in the centre. Parking is available at designated spaces. But, bear in mind that the city has a large pedestrianised area.

Other Things To Do At Lübeck

Points Of Interest At Lübeck

There are over 1,000 stunning buildings to see and investigate at Lübeck so you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to sightseeing. The highlights are the Holstentor, the large gate in the city walls and the Burgtor Castle with history, archtitecture and lovely gardens.

In the city, which is famous for making marzipan, there are lots of shops and one of the best is Niederegger (Breite Str. 89) which has amazing displays that change every season so even if you do not like marzipan, the shop is well worth a visit.

Go To See The River

The River Trave has barracks, canals, sailing and much more. At Lübeck it is linked to the Elbe–Lübeck Canal and this means it is navigable for large ships right up to the ports. There are some very busy parts of the river but also some tranquil havens so if you want to take a walk and see some countryside, visit the River Trave in Lübeck.

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