Lübeck

The most photographed sight in Lübeck is the Holsten Gate in late-Gothic style. Behind the thick walls of Lübeck’s famous landmark an exhibition entitled “The Hanseatic League – The Power of Trade” invites you to the fascinating medieval world of a Lübeck merchant and of global trade and seafaring. Tip: Enjoy the view of the mighty Holsten Gate from the terrace at the Welcome Center. By the way, the best time to photograph the majestic building is in the afternoon.

On your voyage of discovery along the banks of the Trave, you will pass the tranquil Museum Harbour on Untertrave. Lovingly restored, traditional sailing ships are lined up here like a row of pearls, and sometimes in pairs when times are busy. With their proud masts, burnished brass and wooden ship planks, they are real gems at the quay and genuine witnesses to another era of shipping. You can enjoy a magnificent view of these wooden witnesses of seafaring from Lübeck’s new favourite spot – the Drehbrückenplatz.

Marzipan's triumphal march began in Lübeck. The factory - still headquartered in Lübeck - was established by Georg Niederegger (1777 - 1856) and is still owned by the Niederegger family. Directly opposite the Town Hall in the heart of the Old Town is the famous Café Niederegger with the marzipan salon. The history of the "harem confectionery" can be found on the second floor and takes the visitor back through the centuries tracing the origins of the almond speciality on its long journey from the orient to Lübeck.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of merchants during the Middle Ages and experience the rise and fall of the erstwhile trading power. European history will be brought to life in the new Hansemuseum and provide the perfect setting for the phenomenon of the Hanseatic League. Nobody could deny that the Hanseatic League played a key role in German and European history and is still present in many people's minds today. Half a millennium passed from its rise as a trading power until its fall. The European Hansemusem has been opened by Germany's federeal chancellor Angela Merkel and provides answers to many questions, such as how the Hanseatic League was able to survive over such a long period. Submerge yourself in the world and life during the era of the Hanseatic League and be a witness to oaths, diplomatic negotiations, piracy, trade boycotts, wars and the suffering during the great plague epidemic.