Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Lübeck

If you want to escape from the crowded touristy places and just enjoy some calm, relaxed moments, Lübeck offers you many possibilities to do so.

Lübeck, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, was one of the great mercantile cities in the Middle Ages. Nowadays it offers what guests search for: a town small enough to be diverting, history to learn and a seaside for relaxing hours. The first impression is of soothing harmony. The width of the streets, the height of the roofs, and the length of time it takes to stroll across the market place have the right pro-portion. Since the 13th century the “city of seven spires” has been depicted with the same skyline of green-clad belfries rising above the red-tiled roofs. Lübeck always was rather special: Queen of the Hanseatic trading league for 500 years, and today the gate to the Baltic Sea, to Scandinavia and the Baltic countries. Founded in 1143 by Adolf von Schauenburg and revived in 1157 by Heinrich "The Lion", it was declared to be a self-governing imperial city back in 1226 by Kaiser Friedrich II, and retained this status right up until 1937. The Second World War left deep wounds. But the literal hanseatic frame of mind of the city's citizens has made it possible to restore the 7 famous spires, many merchants' houses, alleys, courtyards and cloisters. And Lübeck’s characteristic feature is water. The Old Town island, surrounded by the river Trave and the canal, today still communicates the charm and cosmopolitan approach of a port. Both the city ports and Europe's largest ferry terminal in Lübeck-Travemünde clearly demonstrate that time has not stood still here. Trave-münde is one of the most beautiful and most appealing sea resorts of Europe which already in 1802 transformed the former fishing- and sailor village into a top address for bathers from near and far. With a stroll over the boulevard of the historical boardwalk, the fascinating sailing Old-timer “Passat”, chugging deep-sea fishing boats and gigantic ferryboats can be admired on the Baltic Sea very close to. The fine sandy beach with its 4,5 kilometres longitude from the Priwall up to the Brodten steep coast invites to an easygoing swim- and sunbath fun.

Tucked away behind the tall, steep-roofed and closely-packed houses built by prosperous merchants, lie tiny workers’ cottages in a thread of narrow passageways. Meander among the ‘roses round the door’ almshouses of Glockengießerstraße, and behind the An der Obertrave quay, to discover hidden oases of pretty streets and enchanting courtyards. Cross bridges or take a river cruise for endless eye-catching views.

Being so close to the coast, fish features strongly on Lübeck menus. Cod in mustard sauce is a speciality and plaice is popular, as are tiny brown Baltic shrimps and herrings in many guises. In spring, feast on fresh asparagus. Rote Grütze, a compote of red fruits served with vanilla ice cream, is the favoured dessert. Do try Lübecker Rotspon, a red wine imported young from France, aged and mellowed in oak casks in Lübeck. Historic merchants’ houses provide the setting for some of the most memorable meals, and on warm summer nights it’s pleasantly relaxing to eat in restaurants with courtyards and gardens.

After an exciting day discovering the Old Town of Lübeck, a relaxing break in one of the many cafés sounds just right. Whether you like a hot chocolate or a cappuchino, in Lübeck you will find the right café to suit your preferences.

Lübeck’s bars range from the traditional bierkeller to the trendy Italian-style café-bars that serve up coffee and food all day and in the evening take on a complete change of atmosphere, becoming lively bars, often with DJ’s or live music. Most close around 1 am, some stay open until 3 am on Saturday nights. In summer, people flock to the Strandsalon (Beach Club) at the tip of the Wallhalbinsel peninsula for music, films and cocktails. The weekend starts on Thursday, a popular night out for locals as they warm up for serious Friday and Saturday partying. Theme nights ensure that there’s always a good variety of music styles, and summer brings beach parties and rock and pop festivals around Media-Docks. Mühlenstrasse is good for bar-hopping – the ‘in’ place is a multi-storey car park. Clubs open from around 10 pm until 2 am, 3 am, or later.

Lübeck is famous for marzipan, and Café Niederegger on Breite Straße is the place to buy it – in 300 varieties! Beautifully packaged it makes delicious gifts. Take a look at the life-sized marzipan figures in the Marzipan Salon while you’re there. From the Town Hall, the busy town centre shopping streets are pedestrianised. There’s a wealth of individually-owned shops on Hüxstraße and Fleischhauerstraße, two of the city’s most attractive shopping streets. These, and other side streets leading off the pedestrian precinct, are the place to look for designer fashion, accessories and jewellery.

Whether you are planning a romantic holiday, family trip, special weekend or a business meeting, rest assured, you will find a place that appeals to you. Lübeck offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all needs, a diverse collection of modern hotels, bed and breakfast and budget alternatives.