Top 10 Things to See and Do in Lübeck, Germany

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Lubeck, Holstentor

Holsten Gate, Lubeck, scholty1970 @ Pixabay

Here are the top 10 things to see and do in Lübeck:

1. Holstentor: This iconic brick gate, dating back to the 15th century, is one of Lübeck’s most recognizable landmarks. Admire its impressive Gothic architecture and learn about its historical significance as a symbol of the city’s medieval power and wealth.

2. Lübeck Old Town: Take a leisurely stroll through Lübeck’s charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Wander along narrow cobblestone streets and tenement alleyways. Marvel at centuries-old merchant houses and explore quaint courtyards in the city once known as the Queen of the Hanseatic League.

3. St. Mary’s Church: Visit this imposing Gothic church, one of the largest in Germany. Marvel at its soaring spires and intricate stone carvings. Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

4. Hanseatic Museum: Learn about Lübeck’s history as a powerful member of the Hanseatic League at this fascinating museum housed in a restored merchant’s house. Explore exhibits showcasing the city’s maritime trade, craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

5. Buddenbrookhaus: Literature enthusiasts won’t want to miss a visit to the Buddenbrookhaus, a museum dedicated to the works of Thomas Mann and his family. Explore the author’s former home and learn about his life and literary achievements.

Old Town Lubeck, mareneinfeldt @ Pixabay

6. Lübeck Town Hall: Admire the grandeur of Lübeck’s Town Hall, an impressive Renaissance building located in the heart of the Old Town. Take a guided tour to explore its ornate halls, historic chambers and art collections.

7. Niederegger Marzipan Museum: Indulge your sweet tooth at this famous marzipan shop and café. Sample a variety of delicious marzipan treats. Don’t miss the chance to see marzipan sculptures and learn about the confection’s history. No entry fee.

8. Lübeck Cathedral: Discover the beauty of Lübeck Cathedral, also known as the Dom zu Lübeck, with its striking twin towers and ornate interior. Marvel at its medieval artwork, including the famous astronomical clock.

9. Trave River Cruise: Experience Lübeck from a different perspective with a leisurely cruise along the Trave River. Admire panoramic views of the Old Town landmarks while learning about its history and architecture. You will find many boat tour companies to choose from.

10. Lübeck Christmas Market: Explore Lübeck’s enchanting Christmas market, one of the oldest and most festive in Germany. Enjoy traditional treats, browse handmade crafts and soak up the festive atmosphere in the Old Town square.

From historic landmarks to cultural attractions and culinary delights, Lübeck offers a wealth of experiences for visitors to enjoy and explore.

More Things to See and Do in Lübeck

In the Old Town: Salzspeicher, St. Peter’s Church Tower by elevator, Rathaustreppe Staircase behind City Hall, Hospital of the Holy Spirit, Castle Monastery (Burgtor), St Jacobs Church, Half Tower, narrow tenement alleyways such as Füchtingshof, Thorweg and Rosen Hof.

Restaurant Schiffergesellschaft: unique maritime decor

Try: Marzipan produced by the Niederegger family business at the Café Niederegger on Breite Straße. You can also buy marzipan from Carstens, Marzipan-Speicher, Mest and Marzipanland. Lubeck is often called the Marzipan Capital of the World.

Near to Lübeck: Travemünde Beach

Holstentor, 14578371 @ Pixabay

Travemunde Beach, hpgruesen @ Pixabay

Visit Lübeck, Germany

Salzspeicher, Lubeck, Achim_51 @ Pixabay

Lübeck, nestled along the shores of the Trave River in northern Germany, is a city that exudes a timeless charm rooted in its rich history and cultural significance. As one of the most prominent members of the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages, Lübeck flourished as a major trading hub. The city created a legacy of architectural splendor and maritime heritage. Its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to this golden era. Wander its labyrinthine streets. Visit Gothic churches, and centuries-old merchant houses adorned with intricate facades. Visitors are transported back in time through the cobblestone alleys of a bygone era while discovering hidden courtyards, historic squares and bustling marketplaces.

Beyond its medieval allure, Lübeck offers a vibrant cultural scene that continues to thrive in the modern day. The city’s museums, galleries, and theaters showcase a diverse range of artistic and cultural expressions. Enjoy classical music concerts, contemporary art exhibitions and world famous marzipan treats. With its blend of history, culture, and picturesque landscapes, Lübeck invites visitors to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in one of Germany’s most enchanting cities.

Best Time to Visit Lübeck

The summer months of June, July and August are the best time to visit Lübeck. Winter is a good time to avoid the busy summer tourist season. Lübeck has a popular Christmas Market.

Getting to Lübeck Old Town

Train: The main train station for Lübeck is located right beside the Old Town. You can reach Lübeck from Hamburg in about 45 minutes by rail.

Cruise Ship or Ferry: Cruise Ships and Ferries dock at the Baltic port of Travemünde. Take the RE8 train to the Lübeck Main Station in about 25 minutes. Alternately, Bus #30 or #31 will take about an hour. Cruise ship passengers can also reach Lübeck from the Baltic port of Kiel by rail in just over an hour, if you pick the faster regional trains.

Air: The closest major airport to Lübeck is Hamburg. Low rates from regional airlines such as EasyJet make it easy to reach Hamburg inexpensively.

Lübeck Public Transit

You won’t really need local public transit to visit Lübeck, but the DB Navigator App is always handy when you are travelling in Germany. You will find tourist information centers at the main train station and at the base of the Holstentor as you enter the Old Town.