Lübeck’s renowned medieval old town, a UNESCO world heritage site, is situated in Schleswig-Holstein, around 65km north-east of Hamburg. You can get to the city via the A1 or A20 motorways. If you’re arriving by train, you can choose to begin your journey by getting off either at the main train station or at six other stops. You also have the option of arriving into either Lübeck or Hamburg airport.
The famous Travemünde spa resort is also situated in the area of Lübeck. It has made a name for itself with its glorious sandy beach and elegant promenade. In summer you can combine your city visit to Lübeck with a relaxing mini-break by the sea. The idyllic district of Schlutup lies on the Trave river and the fishing boat, the Schlu. 2a, in the centre of St. Andreas’ churchyard heralds the town’s heritage as a fishing village. Admire the thatched cottages on a walk through the estate of Gothmund in the St. Gertrud district. Some of the fishermen’s houses are listed buildings. There are a few more fishing boats to see at the port.
The main attraction on a city trip in Lübeck is the old town. It was the first in northern Europe to be listed as a heritage site by UNESCO. Lübeck’s old town contains lots of historic buildings like the city hall, castle abbey, St. James’ Church and the Hospital of the Holy Ghost. The salt warehouses will grab your attention on the western banks of the Trave river. The famous Holsten Gate demarcates the old town to the west. The striking building was depicted on the 50 Deutsche Mark note and can now be seen on the German 2 Euro coin from 2006. Inside, it houses a museum about the history of the city. The Holsten Gate Museum exhibits artifacts from the old days in Lübeck and information about the development of the city.
Lübeck has a wealth of museums that are worth a visit on your short trip. The Museum for Natural History and the Environment is right next to the cathedral. A skeleton of a sperm whale will grab your attention in the cathedral courtyard, and the museum’s collection will show you many exhibits on the nature and environment of the region. Just down from St. Peter’s Church is the Lübeck Theatre Puppet Museum, which displays different puppets from Europe, Africa and Asia. The Indonesian shadow puppets and the abstract figurines by the Kassel art professor, Harry Kramer, are particularly worth a visit. A museum quiz shares the world of puppet shows with both big and small visitors alike in an entertaining way.
