Best 20 things to do in Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to Lübeck, the city where historic charm engulfs you like a tight hug from grandma's favorite sweater! Nestled in northern Germany, this gem offers an array of delightful attractions. From exploring the enchanting Holstentor gate to indulging in a colossal marzipan pig (yes, you read that correctly), there's no shortage of whimsical experiences. So, pack your sense of humor and embark on a journey through the cobbled streets, where you'll discover hidden alleys, medieval churches, and a heavenly taste of marzipan madness!

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1. Lübecker Dom

4.5 (3302)

Mühlendamm 2-6, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to Lübeck, where the Lübecker Dom stands in all its awe-inspiring glory! This towering masterpiece of brickwork is so majestic, it could give giraffes a run for their money in the height department. Step inside and prepare to have your breath taken away by the stunning stained glass windows, which glow like they're auditioning for a role in a superhero movie. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the resident ghost that reportedly haunts the cathedral – talk about a spine-tingling bonus feature!

www.domzuluebeck.de

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2. Lübeck Altstadt

Lübecker Altstadt, Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to Lübeck Altstadt, where time travel becomes a piece of cake! Step into this magically preserved medieval city center and prepare to be transported to a fairytale land. Lose yourself in the narrow cobblestone streets, admire the charming gabled houses that seem to defy gravity, and discover hidden corners where you'll swear Hansel and Gretel left a breadcrumb trail. Just be careful not to overtire yourself; no one wants to become the first tourist ever to be rescued by the Brothers Grimm! Roam around this UNESCO World Heritage site, where every street corner seems determined to outdo the last in terms of picturesque perfection. Feast your eyes on the iconic Holstentor Gate, standing proudly with its twin towers, a testament to the saying, "Size doesn't matter...unless you're guarding a UNESCO site!" Greet the locals with a cheerful "Moin!" (pronounced moyn) and you'll instantly be embraced into the Lübeck family; perhaps even offered a portion of their beloved marzipan, which, rumor has it, was invented here by the confectionery gnomes themselves. Prepare for a time-traveling adventure of gastronomic delights! As you stroll through the Altstadt, temptation will lure you into quaint bakeries where delectable smells waft through the air, reminding you that calories don't count when you're on vacation. Savor a slice of traditional Niederegger marzipan cake, and wash it down with a historic Rotspon wine, made famous by Lübeck's connections with Bordeaux. Just remember, if your medieval outfit starts to feel tight, it's probably just the "historic authenticity" and not the marzipan.

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3. Buddenbrookhaus

4.2 (768)

Mengstraße 4, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to Buddenbrookhaus in Lübeck, a delightful house that makes you feel like you've stepped into the pages of a novel. This architectural gem boasts a charming facade that exudes more charm than a smooth-talking Casanova in a fancy suit. Inside, it's a time warp where you can channel your inner Buddenbrook and experience the extravagant life of wealthy 19th-century merchants, without the worry of bankrupt family businesses.

www.buddenbrookhaus.de

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4. Museum für Natur und Umwelt

4.4 (402)

Musterbahn 8, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to the Museum für Natur und Umwelt in Lübeck, where you can embark on an adventure that's more thrilling than sorting socks! Explore the wonders of nature in a building that's so full of life, even the dinosaurs come for playdates. From towering whale skeletons to microscopic critters, this museum promises to make you say, "Forget about Netflix, Mother Nature is the ultimate show!"

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5. Holstentor

4.6 (5228)

Holstentorplatz, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to the magnificent Holstentor in Lübeck, a truly iconic sight that will rock your socks off! This medieval gate is the bees' knees, more famous than your grandma's secret apple pie recipe. With its bold brickwork and tower-like appearance, this bad boy will have you saying, "Hansel and Gretel, who?" So, grab your camera and prepare to have your mind blown!

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6. Museum Behnhaus Drägerhaus

4.6 (286)

Königstraße 9, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to Museum Behnhaus Drägerhaus, the perfect destination for art enthusiasts who also happen to be lactose intolerant! This charming museum in Lübeck showcases an impressive collection of paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, alongside a specially designated "Cheese-Free-Zone" for those who want to enjoy art without fearing any unexpected dairy encounters. Once you step inside the museum, get ready to have your aesthetic senses whisked away like a gust of wind through a cow-free pasture. Behold the magnificent works of art, ranging from stunning landscapes to captivating portraits, which will make you forget all about your lactose struggles. It's a sanctuary where masterpieces and indigestion-woes harmoniously coexist! Don't forget to stop by the Drägerhaus section, a charming historic home attached to the museum. Step into the past and discover what life was like for the less lactose intolerant residents of Lübeck. Just be sure to duck your head while entering some of the low-ceiling rooms; the builders clearly didn't take into consideration that visitors might be taller and less dairy-tolerant than those who lived there centuries ago. So, whether you're an art aficionado seeking refuge from cheese-induced terrors or just looking for a delightful cultural experience, Museum Behnhaus Drägerhaus combines history, art, and lactose-intolerant-friendly atmospheres to ensure you have a goud-a time!

www.museum-behnhaus-draegerhaus.de

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7. Wilhelmshöhe

1 (2)

Schwartauer Allee 132, 23554 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to Wilhelmshöhe in Lübeck, where whimsical history meets picturesque beauty! This charming hilltop park offers you sweeping views of the city, perfect for pretending you're a local lord or lady overseeing your kingdom. Don't worry if you forget your crown, the resident peacocks will gladly make you feel inferior with their majestic presence. Take a leisurely stroll along the enchanting pathways lined with vibrant flowers, as if you're prancing through a fairytale garden. Admire the grand statues scattered throughout the park, just make sure not to challenge them to a staring contest - rumor has it they always win! And for those who like a touch of adventure, be prepared to navigate the occasional surprise goose ambush along the way. Don't worry, they may honk their disapproval, but they'll eventually waddle away. Finish your visit with a grand finale by stepping inside the magnificent 19th-century Schloss, where you can imagine having tea with the ghosts of Lübeck's past elite. Be sure to check out the breathtaking view from the balcony - a sight so stunning, it'll make you want to scream, "Long live Wilhelmshöhe!" Or at the very least, snap an envy-inducing selfie for your social media followers.

www.schule-wilhelmshoehe.de

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8. Günter Grass-Haus

4.5 (346)

Glockengießerstraße 21, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Nestled quaintly in the charming city of Lübeck, Germany, the Günter Grass-Haus is an absolute treat for literature enthusiasts and those hoping to uncover the peculiarities of a Nobel laureate's mind. This museum is a delightful concoction of artistic genius and theatrical flair, where visitors can stroll through the exquisite displays that bring Grass' eccentric works to life. Whether you're an avid reader or simply searching for a little quirkiness on your journey, this delightful destination is guaranteed to tickle your fancy and leave you with an insatiable appetite for more of Grass' literary marvels.

grass-haus.de

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9. Museum Holstentor

4.6 (5228)

Holstentorplatz, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome, dear travelers, to the Museum Holstentor in Lübeck, where you'll discover a building with more gates than a frantic supermarket on a Black Friday! Prepare yourselves to be whisked away to a time when Holstentor served as Lübeck's very own Instagram-worthy medieval Instagram filter. Marvel at the red brick exterior sure to make every architect want to up their game and make their buildings look more impressive, or maybe just to install a Starbucks for better photo opportunities!

museum-holstentor.de

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10. Rathaus Lübeck

4.5 (355)

Breite Str. 62, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to Rathaus Lübeck in the idyllic city of Lübeck, where history and bureaucracy collide in a delightfully amusing way. This charming gem showcases Gothic architecture with enough decorative niches to make even the shyest of gargoyles blush. Inside, you'll find a labyrinth of rooms and corridors that will have you questioning if you're touring a government building or trying to locate the secret chamber of the city's most elusive cheese connoisseur.

www.luebeck.de

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11. Lübecker Hafen

3.9 (442)

Terminal Nordlandkai, Frankfurter Str. 8, 23554 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to Lübecker Hafen, where seagulls reign supreme and sailors spin tales taller than the lighthouse! This bustling port in the Venice of the North boasts charming canals, delicious seafood, and more raincoats than you can shake an umbrella at. Stroll along the waterfront, marvel at the ships bobbing in the harbor, and don't forget to wave to the sassy seals who are always ready for a fishy selfie.

www.lhg.com

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12. Niederegger

4.4 (7256)

Breite Str. 89, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to the charming town of Lübeck, where an almond marzipan paradise called Niederegger awaits you. Step into a world where sugary, nutty goodness knows no bounds, as this little confectionery heaven has been crafting marzipan delights for over 200 years. Brace yourself for a tantalizing assault on your taste buds and prepare to be converted into a devout marzipan fanatic as you explore the culinary wonders of Niederegger.

www.niederegger.de

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13. Viermastbark Passat

4.6 (1913)

Priwallpromenade 3a, 23570 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to Lübeck, home of the magnificent Viermastbark Passat! Prepare to set sail on a hilarious adventure as you explore this quirky vessel-turned-museum. This floating giant will take you back in time, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of maritime history while simultaneously challenging your sea legs with a not-so-subtle reminder of the glory days of motion sickness remedies.

www.luebeck.de

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14. Schiffergesellschaft

4.5 (2671)

Breite Str. 2, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to the Schiffergesellschaft in Lübeck, a grand historical building that's been serving up delightful German cuisine since 1535! Step inside this charming establishment and be prepared to be transported back in time, like a culinary time-traveler, minus the Flux Capacitor. Here, you can wine and dine in the same halls where sailors once gathered, swapping tales of the high seas and probably arguing about who caught the biggest fish. So, grab a seat, order a hearty plate of schnitzel, and get ready for a dining experience that's older than your favorite pair of socks.

schiffergesellschaft.de

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15. European Hansemuseum

4.5 (3102)

An d. Untertrave 1, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to the European Hansemuseum in Lübeck, where history and hilarity collide! Step into this awe-inspiring architectural masterpiece that looks like a mash-up between Hogwarts and a pirate ship. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of knowledge about the Hanseatic League - a group of medieval merchants who were basically the LinkedIn of their time, connecting Europe's business elite faster than you can say "Avast, matey!" Prepare to be schooled in ancient trade routes, as you navigate through exhibits more entertaining than a medieval sitcom with sassy merchants and their spicy gossip.

www.hansemuseum.eu

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16. Travemünde Beach

4.6 (2959)

Travemünde Strand, Strandpromenade 34A, 23570 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to the fabulous Travemünde Beach in Lübeck, where land meets sand and relaxation meets hilarity. Picture yourself frolicking on sandy shores, with the refreshing Baltic Sea breeze giving your hair a spontaneous 'beachy' hairdo that even the trendiest hair salons couldn't replicate. But hold your cocktail umbrella tightly, because this beach is not just all about sunbathing and building sandcastles – be prepared for a delightful dose of beach volleyball battles where sunscreen becomes your secret weapon against your opponents' strategic sand slap attacks.

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17. St. Annen Museum

4.7 (43)

St.-Annen-Straße, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to the whimsical world of St. Annen Museum in Lübeck, where history meets hilarity! Step inside this charming institution and prepare to be dazzled by its curious collection of art and artifacts. From quirky paintings to peculiar sculptures, you'll find yourself pondering life's most important question - why on earth did someone think this was art? Make sure to visit the museum's crown jewel, "The Bewildered Bunny," an enigmatic masterpiece that leaves even the most seasoned art connoisseurs scratching their heads in utter confusion.

kunsthalle-st-annen.de

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18. Marienkirche

4.5 (2689)

Marienkirchhof 1, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to Marienkirche in Lübeck, where this majestic German gem will make you question whether you've stepped into a church or stumbled into a fairytale. Prepare to be awe-struck by its towering Gothic architecture that looks like it's been pick-up-sticks champion for centuries, challenging gravity just for fun. And hey, don't forget to look up, because the intricate vaulted ceilings might just distract you from your prayers with their mesmerizing beauty.

st-marien-luebeck.de

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19. Lübecker Stadtmauer

4.6 (474)

An d. Mauer 57, 23552 Lübeck, Germany

Welcome to the magnificent Lübecker Stadtmauer, where ancient bricks and mortar join forces to take you on a historical adventure - straight out of the medieval blockbusters! This impressive defensive wall surrounds the enchanting city of Lübeck like a warm and slightly overprotective mother, ensuring no unwanted invaders spoil the party. From its towering ramparts, you'll catch panoramic views that would make even the most seasoned bird jealous - so stretch your neck and prepare for some architectural sightseeing like you've never experienced!

dein-hotel-in-luebeck.de

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20. Salzspeicher

4.6 (363)

Wallstraße 1, 23560 Lübeck, Germany

Nestled in the charming city of Lübeck, the Salzspeicher is not just your average medieval warehouse, oh no! This spectacular historic site, conveniently located along the river Trave, houses more salt than your average hipster café has avocados. With its unmistakable red brick exterior and towering presence, it's like the Hagrid of salt storage. So, get ready to spice up your life and explore this salty wonder!

www.luebeck.de

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Lübeck by plane is to fly directly to Lübeck Airport, also known as Blankensee Airport. Major airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air have regular flights to and from several destinations in Europe.

Car

Driving to Lübeck is easy as several highways connect the city to other major cities in Germany. The A1 and A20 highways connect Lübeck to Hamburg, Kiel, Rostock, and other cities. There are several car rental companies available at Lübeck Airport and in the city center.

Train

To reach Lübeck by train, take the Deutsche Bahn train to Lübeck Hauptbahnhof, the main train station located in the center of the city. The station is well-connected to other major cities in Germany and Europe.

Boat

Lübeck is accessible by boat through its harbors, including the Baltic Sea port of Travemünde. The port of Travemünde offers regular ferry services to Scandinavia, Russia, and other Baltic countries. Cruise ships also stop at Lübeck during their Baltic Sea itineraries.

Bus

Taking a bus is a convenient and affordable option to get to Lübeck. Flixbus offers regular services to and from several cities in Germany and other European destinations. The bus station in Lübeck is located near the main train station.

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