Lübeck Old Town Travel Guide

Lübeck

Lübeck Old Town
Petrikirche showing a city and a bay or harbour
Rathaus which includes heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city
Museum Holstentor which includes a garden and heritage architecture
Rathaus featuring interior views and heritage elements

Church spires soar high above centuries-old merchant houses, which themselves house cafés, museums and shops, in this historic island district. 

A walk around Luebeck Old Town (Luebeck Altstadt) is a window into the absorbing past of Luebeck. Set on an island flanked by arms of the Trave River, Luebeck Old Town was once a strategic center of the Hanseatic League trading activities. Medieval Gothic-style landmarks stand proud on elegant avenues, some in their original form and others meticulously rebuilt after bomb raids devastated the city in 1942. An absorbing charm and grandiose architecture has earned the area UNESCO World Heritage status.

Enter the district via one of the two last-surviving gates of the old city walls. Burgtor marks the northern entrance and leads into the former castle hill. Holstentor, on the western perimeter, leads to what was once the lively merchant quarters. Inside the gate, the Holstentor Museum provides a great introduction to the city.

Architectural monuments are found at the turn of every corner. Visit the five churches that make up the Sieben Türme, which is an ensemble of seven grandiose spires: Dom, Marienkirche, Petrikirche, St. Aegidien Church and St. Jakobi Church. Tour the three gabled houses that form the town hall, Rathaus. Stall holders hawk their wares at craft fairs and farmers markets held in Town Hall Square just as merchants did in medieval times.

Educate yourself about the Hanseatic League at the European Hansemuseum. The Willy Brandt House and Buddenbrook House honor politician Willy Brandt and writer Thomas Mann, who are two of the city’s most famous sons. See examples of puppets from around the world at Luebeck Museum of Theatre Puppets.

Be sure to go shopping on Breite Strasse and Koenigstrasse. Catch a show at performing arts venues such as Theater Luebeck and Theater Partout. Enjoy a well-earned break at sidewalk cafés. Or, take a leisurely stroll on a riverside trail, see boats and houses reflect perfectly in the water and watch as the sun drifts down behind the towers.

Luebeck Old Town is easy to reach on foot and by bus from the city’s central train station. The best way to get around is on foot and rented bike.


Popular places to visit



Other neighbourhoods around Lübeck Old Town

Default Image

Hüxtertor/Mühlentor/Gärtnergasse

Visitors to Hüxtertor/Mühlentor/Gärtnergasse appreciate its historical sites. A visit to Lübeck Town Hall and Lübeck Christmas Market might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

Hüxtertor/Mühlentor/Gärtnergasse
Default Image

Sankt Lorenz Süd

Sankt Lorenz Süd is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can plan an outing to Museum Holstentor and Lübeck Christmas Market while you're in town.

Sankt Lorenz Süd
Default Image

Holstentor-Nord

Visitors to Holstentor-Nord appreciate its historical sites. A visit to Museum Holstentor and Lübeck Christmas Market might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

Holstentor-Nord
Default Image

St. Gertrud

Unique features of St. Gertrud include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Gothmund or Dragerpark while you're exploring the area.

St. Gertrud
Default Image

St Lorenz

Visitors to St Lorenz appreciate its historical sites. A visit to Museum Holstentor and St. Mary's Church might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

St Lorenz
Default Image

Falkenfeld/Vorwerk

Though Falkenfeld/Vorwerk may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lübeck Christmas Market and Lübeck Town Hall.

Falkenfeld/Vorwerk

Lübeck Old Town Travel Guide