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Greetings Seekers! Discover Lubeck, a hidden gem in the heart of Germany.
Nestled in the charming heart of Northern Germany, Lubeck awaits like a hidden gem, ready to delight, mesmerize, and impress visitors with its exquisite medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and mouth-watering delicacies.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a foodie, this city has something in store for everyone, promising an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing for more.
So, grab your camera, your taste buds, and your sense of adventure, and join us on a journey through the top things to do in Lubeck.
Lubeck, a picturesque city in northern Germany, is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic city center, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From the iconic Holsten Gate to the stunning brick Gothic-style architecture, Lubeck offers visitors a glimpse into its rich cultural and historical heritage.
In contrast, oberwiesenthal is a popular tourist destination in the Ore Mountains known for its ski resorts, while siegburg, located in western Germany, is known for its impressive 11th-century abbey and charming old town.
1. Holstentor
A historic city gate in the German city of Lubeck.
What to see or do: Visit the Holstentor Museum which showcases the history of the gate and the city of Lubeck.
Walk through the gate and explore the historic city center of Lubeck.
Don’t miss: Watching the gate as it is illuminated at night, creating a magical view.
Take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the city and the gate.
Insider travel tips: Visit early morning to avoid the crowds.
Combine a visit to the gate with a stroll along the River Trave which offers a beautiful scenery.
2. Lübecker Dom
Lübecker Dom also known as St. Mary’s Church is a historic church located in the heart of Lubeck, Germany.
What to see or do: The church boasts of its beautiful architectural style and houses several artworks and objects of historical significance.
Visitors can admire the majestic vaulted halls, stained glass windows, and the intricate carvings on the altars, pulpit, and choir stalls.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to climb up the tower of the church which offers a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the church during off-peak hours to avoid crowds
3. Buddenbrookhaus
Buddenbrookhaus is a museum, dedicated to the famous German novel “Buddenbrooks” by Thomas Mann, which was set in Lubeck.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the life and times of the Mann family through exhibits and interactive displays, including a recreation of the author’s study and original manuscripts.
Don’t miss: The multi-sensory experience of “The Manns – A Sound Installation,” which plays audio clips and music related to the family.
Insider travel tips: – Guided tours are available in English and German.
4. Marienkirche
A Gothic-style church located in the heart of Lubeck, Germany,
What to see or do: Admire the impressive architecture, including the 125-meter-high tower and the intricate details of the interior, such as the ornate altar and beautiful stained glass windows.
Don’t miss: Climb the tower to get a panoramic view of the city and the Baltic Sea.
Also, make sure to see the famous Astronomical Clock, which dates back to the 16th century.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months to catch the church’s Summer Organ Concert series.
Also, make sure to explore the charming streets surrounding the church, filled with traditional architecture and cute shops and cafes.
5. Schiffergesellschaft
Historic merchant’s house turned restaurant and event venue.
What to see or do: Enjoy authentic, traditional German cuisine in a unique 14th-century setting.The menu includes regional specialties like marinated herring, smoked eel, and northern German beef dishes.
Don’t miss: A visit to the Wine Cellar dating back to 1535 and home to an extensive selection of German and international wines.
Insider travel tips: Book a table in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Take a guided tour of the building to learn about its fascinating history as a meeting place for wealthy merchants and a hub of cultural activity in medieval Lubeck.
6. Heiligen-Geist-Hospital
A historic hospital in the city of Lubeck, Germany, dating back to the 13th century.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful Gothic architecture and explore the hospital museum which showcases the history of the hospital and medical practices during the Middle Ages.
Walk around the peaceful courtyard or attend a concert at the Heiligen-Geist-Kirche located within the hospital complex.
Don’t miss: The intricate woodcarvings and detailed artwork on the chapel ceiling, as well as the hospital’s unique ventilation system known as the “Angel’s Orchestra”.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds.
If you’re interested in history, consider taking one of the guided tours offered by the museum.
The hospital also hosts occasional concerts and events, so check the schedule before your visit.
7. Günter Grass-Haus
Museum dedicated to the life and work of German writer and Nobel laureate Günter Grass.
What to see or do: Explore the interactive exhibits which showcase Grass’s extensive literary career, political activism, and artistic talents.View original manuscripts, artworks, photographs, and personal belongings of the writer.
Attend literary events and readings held regularly at the museum.
Don’t miss: The panoramic view of the city of Lubeck from the upper floor gallery of the museum.
Insider travel tips: The museum can get crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to visit early in the day.
Photography is not permitted inside the exhibition halls.
Guided tours are available in German and English and are highly recommended to gain a deeper understanding of Grass’s legacy.
8. Museum Behnhaus Drägerhaus
A museum dedicated to fine arts located in two historic homes, the Behnhaus and Drägerhaus.
What to see or do: Admire a collection of German art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by Edvard Munch and Max Liebermann.
Explore the period rooms in the museum’s two historic homes.
Don’t miss: The Behnhaus garden, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Insider travel tips: Audio guides are available in English for those who want to learn more about the collection.
The museum also offers a rooftop tour with amazing views of the city.Entrance is free on the first Sunday of every month.
9. Burgtor
A famous landmark and symbol of the city of Lubeck, Germany.
What to see or do: Visit this historic gate, take a stroll along the cobbled streets and marvel at the impressive architecture.
The Burgtor is a perfect starting point for exploring the city.
Don’t miss: Take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history of the gate and the city.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds and experience the charm of the Burgtor and its surrounding area.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the streets can be uneven and hilly.
10. Jakobikirche
Jakobikirche is a beautiful historic church located in the heart of Lubeck, Germany.It is considered one of the most impressive Brick Gothic churches in the country.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive facade of the church which features intricate brickwork and stunning details.
Inside, the church is filled with beautiful stained glass windows and impressive sculptures.
It is a true masterpiece of architectural design and a must-see attraction for art and history lovers.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to climb the tower of Jakobikirche for stunning views of Lubeck and its surroundings.
The tower offers breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the city’s red-brick roofs and spires.
Insider travel tips: If you can, try to visit Jakobikirche during a live performance or service.
The acoustics of the church are amazing and it is known to be a popular venue for classical music performances and choral concerts.
Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll need to climb about 125 steps to reach the top of the tower.
11. St Annen-Museum
St. Annen-Museum is a state museum located in the city of Lübeck, Germany.
What to see or do: The museum houses a vast and splendid collection of medieval and Renaissance artworks from Northern Germany, including the famous altarpieces by Hans Memling and Bernt Notke.
It features exhibits on ancient Lübeck history and presents artefacts related to the region’s social and cultural life.
Don’t miss: Do not miss the stunning triptych by the Lübeck painter Bernt Notke,
title
d “Triumphal Cross Altar”.
The intricate details and masterpiece craftsmanship will leave you awestruck.
Insider travel tips: • Try visiting the museum early in the morning to avoid crowds and get a tranquil experience.
12. Salzspeicher
Salzspeicher are historic salt storehouses located in Lubeck, Germany.
Built in the 16th century, these beautiful brick buildings served as warehouses for salt which was an important commodity in trade.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a stroll along the river and admire the beautiful architecture of the Salzspeicher.
There is also a museum called the European Hansemuseum nearby which showcases the history of the Hanseatic League and the trade that took place in the region.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the “Holstentor”, a historic city gate located nearby, which is Lubeck’s most iconic landmark.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in taking a boat ride, there are boats that depart from the river near the Salzspeicher which offer guided tours of the city’s sights and history from a unique perspective.
Additionally, the area around the Salzspeicher is pedestrian friendly and there are many cafes and restaurants nearby where you can try traditional German cuisine.
13. Europäisches Hansemuseum
The Europäisches Hansemuseum is a museum in Lubeck that is dedicated to the history and culture of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic alliance of merchants that dominated trade in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages.
What to see or do: Visitors to the museum can explore a variety of exhibits showcasing the lifestyle and impact of the Hanseatic League.
Artifact collections feature Hanseatic coins, guild objects, and trade goods.Interactive displays provide insights into the everyday life, work, and culture of the Hansa people.
Don’t miss: A special highlight of the museum is the model of a Hanseatic trading vessel, measuring over 4 meters in length and giving an incredible impression of the scale and power of the Hansa’s influential shipping fleets.
Insider travel tips: To save time, consider buying your tickets online in advance and set aside at least two hours for your visit.
Be sure to catch the Hanseatic Ratskeller, a restored chamber for guild meetings that offers snacks and drinks where you can taste some of Lubeck’s delicacies.
Additionally, guided tours in English and German are available on the weekends and includes a boat tour that shows you Lubeck’s heritage from the water.
14. Petrikirche
Petrikirche is a historic Lutheran church located in the old town of Lubeck, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of Petrikirche, including the distinctive tower that stands tall at 134 meters.
The interior features a remarkable altar and beautiful stained-glass windows.Visitors can also climb the tower for magnificent views of the city.
Don’t miss: The famous astronomical clock, which dates back to the 16th century, is a must-see.Every day at noon, visitors can see the clock’s moving figures in action.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should be sure to check the opening hours before arriving as they can vary depending on the season.
It’s also worth noting that the tower climb can be quite strenuous, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
15. Theater Lübeck
The Theater Lübeck is a historic theater located in the city of Lübeck in northern Germany.
What to see or do: The theater offers a diverse program of plays, operas, ballets, and concerts throughout the year.
Don’t miss: Catch a performance of one of the theater’s acclaimed productions, which range from classic plays by Shakespeare and Goethe to modern works by contemporary playwrights.
Insider travel tips: – Book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re interested in attending a popular show, as tickets can sell out quickly.