Discover Lübeck
Accommodation in Lübeck
Lübeck offers two distinct ways to experience history and water: the Old Town is defined by medieval buildings, and its heart is surrounded by water; Travemünde adds a maritime touch with its beach, lighthouse and museum ship. Museums also offer a journey from Hanseatic history to art, literature and nature.
Medieval city and World Heritage
The medieval city centre of this Hanseatic city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The heart of the Old Town is surrounded by water and partly lined with riverside fortifications and parks. Water and historic buildings are thus both part of the character of this urban area. The lanes and courtyards are remnants of medieval urban planning; most are freely accessible.
The Holsten Gate tells the story of the city’s defences and civic pride: built between 1464 and 1478 following Dutch models, it served from the outset both for defence and representation. Alongside it, the Burgtor is the second surviving city gate of the former fortifications, which originally had four gates. The Town Hall also reflects a long building history: construction began in 1230 and was completed in 1308. Those who enjoy comparing architecture will find a range of examples of urban architecture here, rather than just a single landmark.
Museums spanning the Hanseatic League, art and literature
The Museum Holstentor explores the Hanseatic League, trade, power and wealth inside the historic gatehouse. The European Hansemuseum tells the story of 800 years of Hanseatic history, covering both the rise and crisis of the urban league and the lives, trade and experiences of merchants. Together, these museums offer different perspectives on the history of trade: one inside a historic gate, the other through a detailed account of the Hanseatic League.
Art and literature have their own destinations, too. The St. Annen Museum has the largest collection of carved altarpieces in northern Germany. The Günter Grass House is a forum for literature and fine art; its collection includes more than 1,300 works of visual art as well as numerous manuscripts. The Buddenbrook House is dedicated to the Mann family and their literary work, especially Thomas Mann’s “Buddenbrooks”, after whose setting the house is named. The Museum Behnhaus Drägerhaus focuses on Lübeck’s gallery of 19th-century and classical modern art.
The architecture and artworks of St. Mary’s document religious art from the 13th to the 21st century. Guided tours and devotions, as well as church services and organ concerts, also take place there daily. At the Holy Spirit Hospital, depictions of the Legend of St. Elizabeth are incorporated into the balustrade of the rood screen on 23 oak panels. These specific details also make a visit worthwhile if you are more interested in individual works of art and buildings than in a general overview of the city.
Travemünde: beach and maritime history
In Travemünde, coastal experiences and seafaring history go hand in hand. The sandy beach stretches from the Nordermole to Möwenstein. There is room for beach volleyball, football, sandcastles, sunbathing and beach walks. The four-masted barque Passat is a landmark of Travemünde, a museum ship and an event venue. Visitors can explore it; guided tours are offered by the “Rettet die Passat e. V.” association. Seasonal opening hours apply in 2026: during the shoulder seasons, the Passat is open daily from 11:00 to 16:30; during the high season, it is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Plan around the season and check the dates before you travel.
The Old Lighthouse in Travemünde is 31 metres high and houses a maritime museum on eight floors, devoted to the history of lighthouse technology. From its circular viewing gallery, you can see across the Skandinavienkai, Travemünde’s Old Town and Lübeck Bay as far as Grömitz, as well as along the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It adds a dose of technological history and sweeping views over the coast and harbour landscape to a day at the beach.
Nature and activities for children
The Museum of Nature and the Environment offers insights into the natural history of the north and the diverse animal and plant life of the Lübeck area. The exhibition “Of Rivers and Sea” brings the habitats and inhabitants of the Trave, the Wakenitz and Lübeck Bay to life through habitat displays and interactive media stations. In designated nature discovery areas in Lübeck, children and young people can, among other things, climb trees, dam streams and play in muddy riverbanks. At the Baltic Sea Station in Travemünde, children can watch flatfish and sticklebacks being fed or feed the fish themselves.
There are several ways to explore side by side: a museum with habitat displays, outdoor nature experiences and a close-up look at fish at the Baltic Sea Station. This range can help families choose activities based on the children’s interests, without every outing having to be the same.
Marzipan as part of the city’s history
Lübeck’s marzipan tradition can also be explored in different ways. The Marzipan Museum explains how the confection came about and shows a film about its production. The Niederegger Marzipan Salon traces the centuries-long development of this almond speciality from its origins in the Orient to its arrival in Lübeck. You can choose a visit focused more on production or on marzipan’s longer history.
Tailor your stay to your own interests
For families with children, the nature discovery areas and the Baltic Sea Station can offer additional inspiration; those particularly interested in architecture will find plenty to explore in the gates, Town Hall, churches and courtyards. When choosing accommodation, consider which location suits the places you plan to visit, and check the current timetable for specific journeys. Stadtverkehr Lübeck GmbH operates local public transport in Lübeck and the surrounding area, as well as the Priwall ferries. Timetables can change, so it is worth checking the latest connections before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Lübeck, Travemünde, Sankt Jürgen, Kiel, North Frisia, Dithmarschen and Ostholstein.
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