The port and Hanseatic city of Lübeck is located in the south-east of Schleswig-Holstein on the Bay of Lübeck. A citytrip to Lübeck is a mixture of city, pleasure and relaxation time.
The city is known worldwide for the production of Lübeck marzipan. But the city has much more to offer. It is one of the oldest Hanseatic cities in Europe and the beautiful medieval old town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The most famous building in the old town is certainly the Holsten Gate. For many years it was depicted on the 50-DM note and is the city’s landmark.
City visitors love the flair of the old town. A visit to the city’s old town hall is not to be missed and at Christmas time Lübeck’s Christmas market is a major attraction in the city.
Citytrip to Lübeck
One weekend every year, I travel with a group of friends. After we had already travelled to Hamburg and Prague in the previous years, we picked Lübeck as our next destination. Arrival: Saturday morning, departure: Sunday afternoon. A short trip to Lübeck.
Travel information for Lübeck
Arrival
By plane
Lübeck Airport is occasionally served by scheduled domestic flights. However, it is mainly used by business and sports aircraft.
The nearest international airport is in Hamburg, about 70 kilometres away.
By train
Lübeck’s main railway station is located to the west of the old town. From there it is easy to walk into the historic centre.
The city is served almost exclusively by regional connections from Hamburg, Kiel, Rostock/Schwerin and Fehmarn. There are only a few ICE and IC trains that stop in Lübeck when coming from Hamburg.
By bus
There are numerous long-distance bus connections. The central bus station (ZOB) is located directly in front of the main station.
By car
The A 1 and A 20 motorways lead to Lübeck.
By ship
Ferries depart from Skandinavienkai in neighbouring Travemünde to Sweden, Finland, the Baltic States and Russia. From Puttgarden you can cross to Denmark.
Nordlandkai is more frequented by cargo ships. However, it is also possible to take part in cargo ship trips.
From Lauenburg on the Elbe, the Elbe-Lübeck Canal leads into the city to the Burgtor Bridge. There the canal flows into the Trave. It is mainly used by pleasure boats.
From Ratzeburg you can reach Lübeck via the Wakenitz.
By bike
From Flensburg, the Baltic Coastal Path leads past Lübeck to the Polish border. The Old Salt Road forms a connection between Lüneburg and Lübeck.
On foot
The European Long Distance Trail E6 runs through the city.
On the way in…
Public transport
During the day, bus lines provide easy access to all suburbs of the city. The lines depart from the ZOB in front of the main railway station in 10-40 minute intervals.
There are no night bus connections. If you need public transport in the late evening, you have to use a shared taxi.
On foot
The old town area is easy to explore on foot.
Parking
There are about 5,000 parking spaces in and around the old town. Almost all of them are paid for between 10 am and 6 pm (Monday to Saturday). The prices of the parking spaces are not standardised.
A free car park is located in Possehlstraße.