Lübeck Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein. The old town is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the famous Holstentor city gate and the Gothic-style St. Mary’s Church.
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History of Lübeck Old Town
Lübeck Old Town has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it was founded as a trading center. It quickly grew to become one of the most important cities in the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trade alliance that controlled trade along the Baltic Sea and North Sea. The Hanseatic League was a confederation of merchant guilds and market towns that played a significant role in the economic development of Northern Europe during the Middle Ages.
During the 14th and 15th centuries, Lübeck reached the peak of its power and prosperity. The city was home to many wealthy merchants and was known for its high-quality products, including textiles and salt. Its strategic location on the River Trave made it an important hub for trade and commerce.
One of the most notable aspects of Lübeck’s history is its well-preserved medieval architecture. Many of the buildings in the old town date back to the 14th and 15th centuries and are a testament to the city’s prosperity during this time. The Holstentor city gate, which dates back to the 15th century, is one of the most iconic landmarks and is a must-see for visitors. Other notable buildings include the Gothic-style St. Mary’s Church and the Buddenbrook House, a former merchant’s house that gives visitors a glimpse into the life of the wealthy merchants who once lived in Lübeck.
In addition to its historical significance, Lübeck Old Town also has a literary history. It was the home of the famous German author Thomas Mann and his family. The house where he was born and grew up is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
During World War II, Lübeck was heavily damaged by Allied bombing, but the old town was mostly spared. Thanks to the efforts of restoration, the old town was able to preserve the many beautiful buildings and monuments that have made Lübeck Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to See
There are many sights to see in Lübeck Old Town. Here are a few popular attractions:
- The Holstentor city gate: This is one of the most iconic landmarks of Lübeck and dates back to the 15th century. It is a well-preserved example of Gothic brick architecture and is one of the two remaining city gates in Lübeck.
- St. Mary’s Church: This is a Gothic-style church that dates back to the 14th century. It is known for its striking architecture and intricate carvings, as well as its astronomical clock, which dates back to the 15th century.
- The European Hansemuseum: This museum provides an in-depth look at the history of the Hanseatic League and its impact on Lübeck and the surrounding region. It features interactive exhibits and artifacts from the medieval period.
- The Buddenbrook House: This is a former merchant’s house that dates back to the 17th century. It gives visitors a glimpse into the life of the wealthy merchants who once lived in Lübeck.
- The Old Salt Storehouses: These are a group of medieval brick buildings that were once used to store salt, which was an important commodity during the Hanseatic League period. They now house shops, restaurants, and museums.
- The Thomas Mann House: This is the house where the famous German author Thomas Mann was born and grew up. It is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
- The St. Anne’s Museum: This is a museum that is housed in a former church and features exhibits on the history of the city.
- The St. Peter’s Church: This is a Gothic style church that dates back to the 14th century, and it features a beautiful altar and a fascinating astronomical clock.
- The Jakobikirche: This is a church built in 1230 in a Romanesque style. It features a beautiful altar and a fascinating astronomical clock.
- The Lübeck Cathedral: This is a Gothic style church that dates back to the 14th century and is one of the most important churches in the city.
These are just a few examples of the many sights to see in Lübeck Old Town. Visitors can explore the old town by foot, take a boat tour or visit museums to learn more about the Hanseatic League.
Things to Do
There are many things to do in Lübeck Old Town. Here are a few popular activities:
- Take a boat tour: One of the best ways to see the city is by boat. Visitors can take a tour of the River Trave and see the city from a different perspective.
- Visit museums: Lübeck Old Town has several museums that offer a glimpse into the city’s history, including the European Hansemuseum, which provides an in-depth look at the history of the Hanseatic League and its impact on Lübeck and the surrounding region.
- Shopping: Shopping is also a popular activity in Lübeck Old Town, with many boutiques and souvenir shops selling traditional crafts and products.
- Stroll around the old town: Lübeck Old Town is a great place to wander and explore. Visitors can discover hidden courtyards, charming streets and picturesque squares.
- Visit the Christmas market: Lübeck Old Town is known for its Christmas market, which is held annually in December. Visitors can enjoy festive lights, traditional crafts, and delicious food.
- Attend a concert or theater performance: Lübeck Old Town is home to several theaters and concert venues, including the Lübeck Theater, which hosts a variety of performances throughout the year.
- Visit the Lübeck Maritime Museum: The Lübeck Maritime Museum is a great place to learn more about the city’s maritime history and culture.
- Take a food tour: Lübeck Old Town is home to many delicious traditional German restaurants and cafes, visitors can take a food tour and try some local specialties like marzipan, a sweet almond paste confectionery.
- Attend a guided tour: Visitors can take a guided tour of Lübeck Old Town to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
- Relax in a park: Lübeck Old Town has several parks, including the Stadtpark, which is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
These are just a few examples of the many things to do in Lübeck Old Town. Visitors can choose from a variety of activities to suit their interests and preferences.
Typical Costs
The costs of visiting Lübeck Old Town will vary depending on the type of accommodation and activities you choose. Here are some estimates of typical costs:
| Activity | Description | Typical Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Budget-friendly options i.e. hostels and guesthouses | 50 / night |
| Accommodation | Upscale options such as hotels and vacation rentals | 100-150 / night |
| Food | Meal in a budget-friendly restaurant | 10-15 / person |
| Food | Meal in an upscale restaurant | 20-30 / person |
| Attractions | Admission – European Hansemuseum | 8 (adults) 5 (children) |
| Attractions | Admission – Thomas Mann House | 5 (adults) 3 (children) |
| Transportation | Public transportation within the city | 2-5 one-way |
| Shopping | Traditional crafts or souvenirs | 10-15 |
| Guided tours | Guided tours of the city | 10-20 |
Please note that these are approximate costs and prices may vary depending on the season, location, and other factors. It’s always a good idea to check prices in advance and plan accordingly.
Germany_ru / Shutterstock.comHow to Prepare
Here are a few tips on how to prepare for a visit to Lübeck Old Town:
- Research the sights and activities you would like to see and do beforehand: Many of the attractions have limited hours, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit accordingly.
- Pack comfortable shoes: Many of the streets in the old town are cobbled, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Check the weather forecast: Lübeck can be cold and rainy, especially during the fall and winter months. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and rain gear.
- Check for any events or festivals happening during your visit: Lübeck Old Town hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Christmas market and the Hanseatic Days, which can affect the availability of accommodation and transportation, so it’s a good idea to plan accordingly.
- Make transportation and accommodation arrangements in advance: Lübeck Old Town is a popular destination, so it’s a good idea to book your transportation and accommodation in advance to ensure availability and avoid last-minute stress.
- Learn some German phrases: While many people in Lübeck Old Town speak English, knowing a few German phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals and navigating the city.
- Research about the history of Lübeck Old Town and the Hanseatic League: Knowing the history of the city will help you appreciate the sights and activities more and understand the significance of the places you visit.
- Be prepared for crowds: Lübeck Old Town is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
By following these tips and planning ahead, you can make the most of your visit to Lübeck Old Town and ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to Lübeck Old Town:
| Destination | Distance (km) | Distance (mi) | By Car | By Train | By bus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburg | 60 | 37 | 1 h | 45 min | 1 h |
| Berlin | 200 | 124 | 3 h | 2 h 30 min | 3 h |
| Frankfurt | 400 | 248 | 5 h | 4 h 30 min | 5 h |
| Cologne | 450 | 280 | 6 h | 5 h 30 min | 6 h |
| Hanover | 250 | 155 | 4 h | 3 h 30 min | 4 h |
| Munich | 600 | 373 | 8 h | 7 h 30 min | 8 h |
| Stuttgart | 550 | 342 | 7 h | 6 h 30 min | 7 h |
Please note that these are approximate times and they may vary depending on traffic conditions, mode of transportation and other factors. The estimated time for the bus could vary depending on the company, and the train journey may require a change of trains.
