Citytrip to Lübeck
Lübeck is often reverently referred to as the “Queen of the Hanseatic League”. The port city is located in the south-east of Schleswig-Holstein on the Bay of Lübeck. A vacation here is a journey for all the senses.
The heart of Lübeck is undoubtedly its old town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Surrounded by the River Trave, it transports visitors to a bygone era. Here you can stroll through narrow alleyways and winding courtyards hidden behind the magnificent gabled houses that tell stories from centuries ago.
The Holsten Gate, with its striking brick Gothic style, welcomes visitors on arrival and today houses an exciting museum. The seven towers of its five main churches tower above the city – including the imposing St. Mary’s Church, a masterpiece of brick Gothic architecture that served as a model for many Baltic churches. If you dare to climb up to St. Peter’s Church, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire old town.
The city is known worldwide for the production of Lübeck marzipan. No visit to Lübeck is complete without a detour to the Niederegger Marzipan Salon! Here you will not only learn all about the history of the famous marzipan, but you can also sample a delicious variety – a sweet souvenir that you simply have to love.
Lübeck is also a city of ghosts and stories. Immerse yourself in the world of the famous literary figures Thomas and Heinrich Mann, whose family saga immortalized the city, at the Buddenbrookhaus. The Günter Grass House honors the Nobel Prize winner and honorary citizen of Lübeck. An absolute highlight is the European Hanseatic Museum, the largest of its kind, which brings the fascinating history of the Hanseatic League and its influence on Europe to life.
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.
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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.