Another Hanseatic city (like Bremen, Rostock and Stralsund), Lübeck is one of the main ports in Germany and everything seems to revolve around its connection to the water.
Brief history of Lübeck
The city was founded in the 12th century as a trading post on the Trave river that leads to the Baltic Sea. The oldest section of Lübeck is on an island, completely surrounded by the river.
Its strategic location allowed the city to flourish and by the 14th century it was the largest and most powerful member of the Hanse (Hanseatic League). Emperor Charles IV placed Lübeck on a par with Venice, Rome, Pisa, and Florence as one of the five “Glories of the Roman Empire.”
World War II had a dramatic effect on Lübeck, just as it did on the rest of the country. RAF bombs destroyed about 20 percent of the city, including the cathedral, but miraculously spared many of its 15th and 16th century residences and the iconic Holstentor (brick gate).
After the war, as Germany was divided in two, Lübeck fell in the West, but it remained near the border of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). The city grew rapidly with the influx of ethnic German refugees from former eastern provinces. To accommodate its growing population and reclaim its importance, Lübeck rebuilt the historic center and in 1987 was rewarded by UNESCO which designated the area as a World Heritage Site.
Lübeck World Heritage Center
Today’s Lübeck looks a lot like it did in medieval days and has regained its throne as Königin der Hanse (Queen City of the Hanseatic League). The World Heritage site is the best place to start exploring.
The Burgkloster (Castle Monastery) contains the original foundations of the city’s lost castle. Next, the Koberg area is a good example of a late 18th century neighborhood that includes the Jakobi Church and the Heilig-Geist Hospital. More churches, Petrichurch to the north and Dom (cathedral) to the south, surround the patrician residences of the 15th and 16th centuries. There are actually seven church steeples that mark the city’s skyline, with the Marienkirche (Saint Mary’s) one of the oldest from the 13th century.
The Rathaus (town hall) and Markt (market) are also here and although they show the effects of the bombings of WWII, they are still quite spectacular.
On the left bank of the river there are elements of Lübeck’s working past with the Salzspeicher (salt deposits). Also on this side of the river is Holstentor , one of the most identifiable structures in the city. Built in 1478, it is one of the two remaining city gates. The other gate, Burgtor , is from 1444.
A visit to Lübeck is not complete without taking time to enjoy the seafront. The historic ships, Fehmarnbelt and Lisa von Lübeck, are moored in the harbor and welcome visitors. To dive into the water, visit one of the best beaches in Germany at Nerby Travemünde.
If the weather is more parka than bathing suit, Lübeck has a lovely Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) from late November to Silvester (New Years Eve) .
Lübeck Specailty
After a classic German meal of sausage and sauerkraut, satisfy your sweet tooth with an original treat from Lübeck. The proud Lübecker claim that the marzipan is theirs (although contrary theories place its beginnings somewhere in Persia). No matter its origin story, Lübeck is famous for its marzipan with renowned producers like Niederegger. Eat something now and buy something for later.
Get to Lübeck
The closest international airport is in Hamburg, about an hour and a half away. The city is well served by highway and train. If you are traveling by car, take Autobahn 1 which connects Lübeck with Hamburg and up to Denmark. If traveling by train, the Hauptbahnhof is located within the city, to the west of the island, and offers commuter trains to and from Hamburg every 30 minutes on weekdays, as well as connections throughout the country and abroad.
