Lübeck in summer: Old Town, beach and Baltic Sea
History and stories in Lübeck’s Old Town
Lübeck’s Old Town is characterised by buildings that have developed over many centuries and form an architectural heritage of global significance. Reason enough to take a closer look at this UNESCO World Heritage Site whilst strolling through the city or attending summer events.
The Holstentor is the gateway to the city and Lübeck’s landmark. It was built between 1464 and 1478 and was once a symbol of the Hanseatic city’s power. The green spaces around the gate are a lovely place to linger in summer.
In Lübeck, you can still discover around 90 medieval passageways, gateways and courtyards. They wind their way like a labyrinth through the backstreets of the Old Town. Watch out: duck your head and bend your shoulders – the entrances are often narrow and low.
If you’d like to see the city from above, visit the viewing platform at St Peter’s Church. On a sunny day, the view from a height of 50 metres stretches far across the city.
The Lübeck Open-Air Theatre offers culture under the open sky with concerts, theatre and readings. Classical music in unique venues is on offer at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival – from the shipyard to the industrial hall.
Water around Lübeck’s Old Town
Thanks to its unique island location, Lübeck’s Old Town is surrounded by water. So on hot days, it’s off to the river and natural swimming spots. There are several of these in Lübeck – Krähenteich, Marli, Falkenwiese and Eichenholz are all great places to cool off. If you’d rather dangle your feet in the river, Malerwinkel is the place to be. With views of the old town skyline in the cathedral quarter, it’s a lovely spot for a picnic by the riverbank.
Travemünde Beach: the Baltic Sea, please
Travemünde is just a stone’s throw from the Old Town. This is where the River Trave flows into the Baltic Sea. On the 1.7-kilometre-long sandy beach, beach chairs line up one after the other – and even in peak season, you can usually still find a spot. Amidst the maritime atmosphere, you can watch the hustle and bustle by the sea in peace. Numerous sailing ships and large ferries pass the four-masted barque PASSAT, which is firmly moored in Passathafen. If you like views from above, visit the old Travemünde lighthouse. From there, you’ll have a lovely view over the promenade. It also houses a small maritime museum. Early risers can buy fish straight from the boat at the fishing harbour.
Timmendorfer Strand in the Bay of Lübeck
The town of Timmendorfer Strand is situated in the immediate vicinity of Lübeck. This popular holiday resort is one of the best-known destinations in the Bay of Lübeck and quickly puts you in a holiday mood. As well as showers and beach chairs, there’s even Wi-Fi here. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy beach volleyball, football, diving, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, climbing walls, yoga or pedalos. The fishing harbour at Niendorf is also well worth a visit. It is one of the smallest harbours on the Baltic Sea, but there’s always something going on here: harbour festivals, fishing activities and craftspeople showcasing their work. Three piers add to the appeal of Timmendorfer Strand. Alongside the Seeschlösschen Pier and the Fischkopf Pier, a new Maritim Pier is currently under construction: a 430-metre-long pier with a circular walkway. Anyone wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the beach can take a stroll in one of the spa parks set amongst the greenery – surrounded by nature, shade and peaceful paths.
From Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand
How far is Timmendorfer Strand from Lübeck?
Lübeck and Timmendorfer Strand are about 19 kilometres apart. The best way to get to the beach is by train, car, taxi or bike. The journey from your hotel in Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand takes about 20 minutes.
- By train: The quickest way is by train. The IC service takes 12 minutes from Lübeck Central Station to your destination, whilst the regional train takes 13 to 15 minutes. Trains run once an hour. From Timmendorfer Strand station, you can walk to the beach and the town centre in about 20 minutes, or take bus route 40. Journey time: approx. 12–15 minutes; fare: from 5 euros
- By taxi: You can also travel comfortably by taxi from Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand. Journey time: approx. 22 minutes, cost: approx. 37 euros
- By car: The journey from Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand takes about 20 to 30 minutes by car. There are several free car parks, including P1 ETC, P2 Zentrum/Famila and P3, which are signposted. There are also car parks near the beach and town centre, but these are subject to a charge. There are electric charging points at Timmendorfer Strand for electric vehicles.
- By bike: You can also make the journey by bike. The cycle path is around 19 kilometres long and takes a good hour.
Motel One Lübeck: between the Old Town and the Baltic Sea
“The Queen of the Hanse” – Lübeck has earned this title. The city is a living history museum and is home to numerous valuable architectural monuments. Alongside cobbled streets, seven towers and historic merchants’ houses, Lübeck boasts a particular asset: its proximity to the Baltic Sea.
