About
Lübeck is a city in northern Germany, on the Baltic coast, and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors come for the old town, which has kept much of its medieval character, and for the brick Gothic architecture that gives the city its look.
The old town and its churches
The skyline is dominated by the twin spires of St. Mary's Church, which rise above the streets around them. Walking through the old town means moving between narrow lanes, merchant houses and church squares, with the spires never far away. The city's brick buildings, a material typical of the region, give the streets a warm, consistent appearance.
A Hanseatic past
Lübeck was once a leading city of the Hanseatic League, the trading network of northern European towns, and it is often called the former "Queen of the Hanseatic League." Its historic salt warehouses are a reminder of that trading history, and they make a good stop for anyone interested in how the city grew rich.
Marzipan and literary connections
Lübeck is also known for marzipan, and the Niederegger confectionery is the name most associated with it. A visit to the shop is an easy and pleasant part of exploring the old town. The city is also tied to literature: the old town's streets are the setting of Thomas Mann's writing, which adds a further reason to wander them slowly.
Planning a visit
- Allow time to walk the old town on foot, since its cobbled streets are best explored at an unhurried pace.
- Look up at the twin spires of St. Mary's Church from several angles as you move through the district.
- Combine the architecture with a stop for marzipan and a look at the salt warehouses.
