Lubeck
History & Stories
Lubeck’s Old Town is characterised by a built environment that has evolved over many centuries and boasts an architectural heritage of global significance. Reason enough to take a closer look at this UNESCO World Heritage Site during a stroll through the city or at one of its events:
The Holstentor: The gateway to the city and Lubeck’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 particularly inviting in summer.
Lubeck’s passageways and courtyards: In Lubeck, you can still discover around 90 passageways, gateways and courtyards dating back to the Middle Ages. They wind their way like a labyrinth through the backstreets of the old town. But watch out: duck your head, bend your shoulders – the entrances are often narrow and low.
St. Petri Church: Anyone wishing to view the city from above should head to the viewing platform of St. Petri Church. On a sunny day, you’ll be treated to a stunning panoramic view from a height of 50 metres.
Open-air stage: Lubeck’s open-air stage offers culture under the open sky. With concerts, theatre and readings, there’s something for everyone.
Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival: Want to listen to classical music in unusual venues? That’s possible at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. From shipyards to industrial halls, musical performances are staged there away from the usual concert halls and opera houses.
Surrounded by water
A town with island charm
Thanks to its unique island location, Lubeck’s old town is surrounded by water. On hot days in particular, it’s time to head for the river and natural swimming spots! There are plenty of these in Lubeck: the Krähenteich, the Marliwiese and the Falkenwiese, as well as the Eichenholz, provide the perfect opportunity to cool off. If you like to dangle your feet in the river, Malerwinkel is the perfect spot. With a view of the old town backdrop in the cathedral quarter, you can enjoy a picnic here on the riverbank.
To the seaside, please!
Just a stone’s throw from the Old Town lies the popular district of Travemünde. This is where the River Trave flows into the Baltic Sea. The 1.7-kilometre-long sandy beach is lined with beach chairs, one after the other. But don’t worry – even in the peak season, you can still find a free spot here. Amidst the maritime atmosphere, you can watch the comings and goings of the sea in peace. Numerous sailing ships and large ferries pass the four-masted barque PASSAT, which lies firmly at anchor in Passathafen.
If you love views from above, the old Travemünde lighthouse is the place for you. From here, you 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
The town of Timmendorfer Strand is situated just a stone’s throw from Lubeck. This popular holiday resort boasts one of the most beautiful beaches on the Baltic Sea. Whether young or old, single or with a large family, everyone gets into the holiday spirit at Timmendorfer Strand. As well as showers and beach chairs, there’s even Wi-Fi here. This place has plenty to offer sports enthusiasts in particular: beach volleyball, football, diving, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, climbing equipment, yoga or simply a leisurely pedal boat ride.
Niendorf Fishing Harbour: It is one of the smallest harbours on the Baltic Sea, but it should not be underestimated. There is always something going on here: harbour festivals, the daily hustle and bustle of fishing, and craftspeople exhibiting their work.
Piers: Timmendorfer Strand has three piers, all of which are worth a visit. In addition to the Seeschlösschen Pier and the Fischkopf Pier, work is currently underway on a new Maritim Pier: a 430-metre-long bridge with a circular walkway.
Spa gardens: Anyone wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the beach can ‘bathe in greenery’ in one of the two spa gardens. Here, there is beautiful nature as far as the eye can see.
DIRECTIONS
How far is Timmendorfer Strand from Lubeck?
Lubeck and Timmendorfer Strand are separated by a distance of just around 19 kilometres. The best way to get there is by train, car or taxi. It takes about 20 minutes to get from your hotel in Lubeck to Timmendorfer Strand.
From Lubeck to Timmendorfer Strand by train
The quickest way to Timmendorfer Strand is by train. The IC departs from Lubeck Central Station and takes 12 minutes to reach this popular destination, whilst the regional train takes 13–15 minutes. The train runs once an hour. From Timmendorfer Strand station, it takes about 20 minutes on foot to reach the beach and the town centre, or you can take bus route 40.
Journey time: approx. 12–15 minutes, cost: from 5 euros
Taxi Lubeck – Timmendorfer Strand
You can also travel comfortably by taxi from Lubeck to Timmendorfer Strand.
Journey time: approx. 22 minutes, cost: approx. 37 euros
From Lubeck to Timmendorfer Strand by car
The journey from Lubeck to Timmendorfer Strand by car takes 20 to 30 minutes.
There are a total of three free car parks: P1 ETC (Wohldstraße), P2 Zentrum/Famila (Höppnerweg) and P3 (Wiesenweg), which are signposted via a guidance system. From there, you can easily reach the beach on foot. There are also car parks near the beach and town centre. However, these are subject to a charge. If you are travelling in an electric vehicle, there are charging points at Timmendorfer Strand.
Cycling from Lubeck to Timmendorfer Strand
You can also cycle from Lubeck to Timmendorfer Strand. The cycle path is approximately 19 kilometres long and takes about an hour.
Motel One Lubeck
‘Queen City of the Hanseatic League’ – Lubeck more than deserves this title. The city is a walking history museum and home to numerous architectural monuments. But in addition to its cobbled streets, seven towers and historic trading houses, Lubeck has another special feature: its proximity to the Baltic Sea.