Lübeck, Germany

The twin-towered Holstentor in Lübeck, Germany

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Lübeck Travel Guide

Introduction

Lübeck is famous for its Brick Gothic architecture, with most of its massive public buildings, particularly churches, built in that style. It also has a supremely interesting historic center with an original medieval layout with narrow streets and alleys which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with some 1,000 buildings listed. It's really quite a pleasant city to discover, with shops here offering marzipan, the local confection, and restaurants pouring locally-produced wine with a tradition that dates from Hanseatic times. Plus, Lübeck has three noteworthy universities that add to the city's youthful vibe.

Location

Lübeck is situated on the River Trave in Germany's northernmost State of Schleswig-Holstein, roughly 41 miles (65 km) northeast of Hamburg. Some 12 miles (20 km) north of Lübeck at the mouth of the river Trave, is Travemünde, a seaside resort since 1802 and Germany's largest ferry port on the Baltic.

How to Get There

Sightseeing

Neighborhoods

How to Get Around

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Where to Party

Essential Information

Nearby Destinations

How to Get There

Sightseeing

Priorities in Lübeck are the landmark, twin-towered Holstentor and the 13th-century Rathaus (town hall) and Marienkirche, all of them superb examples of Lübeck's Brick Gothic heritage.

Main Neighborhoods

How to Get Around

Where to Party

Where to Eat

Where to Stay

Trivia

Lübeck's most famous son is Thomas Mann, author of Buddenbrooks. Its most famous food is marzipan, to which it lays claim to having invented. It also makes a barrel-fermented wine, Rotspon, that has its roots in Hanseatic times.

Know Before You Go