In Lübeck, waterways, gates and medieval alleyways tell the story of the Hanseatic city in different ways. Its medieval city centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The heart of the old town is surrounded by water and partly lined with embankments and parks. This blend of cityscape and water shapes the view of Lübeck, as do its buildings, which reveal its history of trade and defence as well as its art history.

Gates, the Town Hall and the old town’s alleyways

The Holsten Gate is a striking gateway to the city’s history: built between 1464 and 1478 on Dutch models, it served from the outset both as a defensive structure and as a symbol of prestige. Inside the historic gate, the Holsten Gate Museum explores the Hanseatic League, trade, power and wealth. Here, architectural history meets the story of the Hanseatic League.

The Burgtor is another surviving city gate. Together with the Holsten Gate, it formed part of Lübeck’s former city fortifications, which originally had four gates. The Town Hall also tells a story of long construction periods: work began in 1230 and was completed in 1308. Those interested in the development of medieval urban design can also explore Lübeck’s alleyways and courtyards. They are remnants of this architectural history, and most are freely accessible.

At St. Mary’s Church, architecture and artworks document the development of sacred art from the 13th to the 21st century. Daily guided tours and devotions, as well as church services and organ concerts, are part of the programme. Another very tangible detail can be found at the Hospital of the Holy Spirit: depictions of the Legend of Saint Elizabeth are set into the rood screen’s balustrade on 23 oak panels.

Museums exploring the Hanseatic League, literature and art

Lübeck’s museums focus on a range of subjects rather than just one era. The European Hansemuseum tells 800 years of Hanseatic history—from its rise to its crisis—and explores the lives, trade and experiences of merchants. The St. Anne’s Museum is home to a particularly extensive collection: it has the largest collection of North German carved altarpieces.

The Behnhaus Drägerhaus Museum is Lübeck’s gallery of 19th-century art and classical modernism. The Günter Grass House brings literature and visual art together in a forum dedicated to both. 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”. The house takes its name from the setting of the novel.

Natural history is also part of the city’s appeal. The Museum of Nature and the Environment offers insights into the natural history of the north and the diverse flora and fauna of the Lübeck area. The exhibition “Of Rivers and Sea” explores the habitats and inhabitants of the Trave, Wakenitz and Bay of Lübeck through habitat displays and interactive media stations. If you are more interested in a local speciality, the Marzipan Museum traces the history of marzipan and features a film about its production. Check the current exhibition before your trip.

Travemünde: beaches, ships and coastal views

In the Lübeck district of Travemünde, the focus shifts from old town history to the coast. The sandy beach stretches from the Nordermole to Möwenstein. There is room for beach volleyball and football, building sandcastles, sunbathing and beach walks. Conditions and fees may change, so check the latest beach information when planning your visit.

The four-masted barque Passat is Travemünde’s landmark, a museum ship and an event venue. Visitors can explore it, and guided tours are offered by the “Rettet die Passat e. V.” association. Seasonal opening hours apply in 2026: during the shoulder seasons, the ship is open daily from 11:00 to 16:30, and during the high season, daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Check the information that applies to your travel dates before visiting. Another maritime museum is located in the Old Travemünde Lighthouse. The 31-metre-high tower houses an exhibition on the history of lighthouse technology across eight floors. From its wraparound viewing gallery, you can see the Skandinavienkai, Travemünde’s old town and the Bay of Lübeck as far as Grömitz, as well as the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

At the Baltic Sea Station in Travemünde, children can watch flatfish and three-spined sticklebacks being fed or feed the animals themselves. Lübeck’s designated nature experience areas offer another kind of outdoor experience: children and young people can, among other things, climb trees, dam streams and play in muddy waterside areas. Alongside museums and historic buildings, Lübeck offers nature observation and hands-on exploration for visitors with different interests.

Getting around during your stay

Stadtverkehr Lübeck GmbH is responsible for local public transport in Lübeck and the surrounding area, as well as the Priwall ferries. Check the latest timetables before your trip. Whether you plan to focus your stay on the history of the old town, the museums or the coast, these different themes offer ways to explore Lübeck according to your own interests.

Discover more destinations: Lübeck, Travemünde, Sankt Jürgen, North Frisia, Rendsburg-Eckernförde, Segeberg, Plön, Neumünster.

Return to the main travel overview: Schleswig-Holstein.