Lübeck

Lübeck

　 The Hanseatic ancient city—Lübeck is situated on the Trave River, 14 kilometers from the Baltic Sea and just a half-hour drive from Hamburg. As the center of the Hanseatic League, it was once known as the “Queen of the Hanseatic League.” A gem of the 12th century, the city boasts over 1,000 historic buildings. In 1987, UNESCO recognized its achievements in the restoration and preservation of historical monuments, declaring it a “World Cultural Heritage” site, alongside China’s Great Wall and Athens’ Acropolis. The oval-shaped Old Town stretches over 1 kilometer, surrounded by water on all sides, offering picturesque scenery. The city is home to many red-tiled houses built by wealthy medieval citizens, showcasing a variety of architectural styles including Classical, Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo—each uniquely beautiful.

The historic sites within the Old Town are highly concentrated, with remarkable attractions everywhere. The city’s five famous churches boast a total of seven spires, earning Lübeck the reputation as the “City of Seven Spires” across Germany.

Major Attractions:

Holstentor Gate: Built between 1464 and 1477, it is Lübeck’s landmark and the most famous city gate of late medieval Germany—magnificent and awe-inspiring.

Town Hall (Rathaus): Completed in 1230, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful town halls in Germany, featuring a unique blend of Gothic and Rococo architectural styles that embody the distinct character of a Hanseatic city. Guided tours are required for entry, with a fee of €2.6. Tours are available at 11:00 AM, noon, and 3:00 PM from Monday to Friday, but must be booked in advance by phone. Phone: 122 1005

Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church): Constructed between 1250 and 1350, it is the world’s largest brick Gothic church and houses the world’s largest mechanical pipe organ. Its beautiful music once attracted [notable individuals] to visit specifically for performances.

Buddenbrookhaus: The former residence of the family of Nobel Prize-winning author Thomas Mann, owned from 1841 to 1914, it served as the setting for his famous novel “Buddenbrooks.” Other notable works by Mann include “Death in Venice” and “The Magic Mountain.” Address: Mengstrasse 4. Admission: €6. Phone: 122 4190.

Günter Grass House: Showcases the works and life of Nobel Prize-winning author Günter Grass. Originally trained in art and never abandoning painting and sculpture, his former home is a literary museum with significant aesthetic value. You can see the first typescript of his award-winning work “The Tin Drum.” Address: Glockengießerstraße 21. Admission: €3. Phone: 122 4192.

Dining / Accommodation / Shopping Dining: Shanghai Restaurant: A well-known Chinese restaurant in Lübeck, established in 1966, located in the city’s most beautiful Koberg Square. It enjoys convenient transportation and serves Sichuan-Yangzhou specialty dishes as well as Chinese cuisine tailored to the local Chinese community’s taste. Address: Koberg 6, 23552 Lübeck. Phone: 0049-451-7766

Recommended Accommodation:

DJH Jugendgästehaus Altstadt Address: Mengstrasse 3 Price: €17.4–€20.1 Description: Very comfortable, centrally located. Prices may decrease after the first night. Phone: 702 0399

Klassik Altstadt Hotel Address: Fischergrube 52 Price: Single €70–€95, Double €75–€125 Description: The most cozy guesthouse in the Old Town, with artistically decorated rooms designed also according to feng shui principles. Very popular—advance booking is essential. Phone: 702 980

Local Specialties

Marzipan – Produced since 1806 with a family-secret recipe, delicious and world-renowned. Its flagship store, Café Niederegger, is located opposite the Town Hall. Transportation Train: Trains to Hamburg run hourly. €9. Journey time: 45 minutes. Car: Accessible from Hamburg via the A1 motorway. Bus Stop: Located at the corner of the local central train station, opposite the local bus stop.