Lübeck’s medieval Old Town is surrounded by water and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Protected brick architecture, medieval lanes, and historic residential passageways and courtyards shape the city centre. Most passageways and courtyards are freely accessible. As remnants of medieval urban planning, they complement the grand buildings with a closer-grained view of the city.
The Holsten Gate and Hanseatic history
The Holsten Gate connects architectural history with a glimpse into trade and seafaring. It was built between 1464 and 1478, drawing on Dutch models, and served from the outset as both a defensive structure and a symbol of prestige. The gate houses the exhibition “The Power of Trade.” It explores the Hanseatic League, trade and seafaring, as well as the history and armaments of the Holsten Gate. A city model shows Lübeck’s historic brick-built urban fabric.
This lets you explore the visit in greater depth according to your interests: the gate itself represents the history of architecture and defence, while the exhibition focuses on the Hanseatic League’s economic role. If you are interested in sacred art, St. Mary’s Church offers a different time frame: its architecture and artworks document the development of sacred art from the 13th to the 21st century. Guided tours and devotions are held daily; there are also church services and organ concerts.
Choose museums to suit your interests
The art collections also offer distinct perspectives. St. Anne’s Museum has the largest collection of North German carved altarpieces. The Behnhaus Drägerhaus is Lübeck’s gallery of 19th-century and classical modern art. Literature and visual art meet at the Günter Grass House: its forum is dedicated to both fields, and its collection includes more than 1,300 works of visual art as well as numerous manuscripts. These areas of focus offer practical guidance if you would like to shape your visit around sacred art, painting or literature.
Marzipan is another distinct theme. At the Niederegger Marzipan Museum, life-size marzipan figures are part of the visitor experience. Exploring Lübeck through its museums lets you choose between city and trade history, art and a sweet subject, without presenting every experience through the same historical lens.
Maritime heritage in Travemünde
Travemünde is a district of Lübeck with a maritime character. The four-masted barque Passat is its landmark, a museum ship and an event venue. Visitors can go aboard; guided tours are offered by the association “Rettet die Passat e. V.” Seasonal visiting hours apply in 2026: during the pre- and post-season, the ship is open daily from 11:00 to 16:30; during the high season, it is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Before you travel, check which seasonal hours apply to your travel dates.
Travemünde’s sandy beach also offers a range of outdoor activities: it stretches from the Nordermole to Möwenstein and has room for beach volleyball, football, sandcastles, sunbathing and beach walks. Beach conditions and fees may change; take this into account when planning.
Plan your visits and accommodation
Stadtverkehr Lübeck GmbH operates local public transport in Lübeck and the surrounding area, as well as the Priwall ferries. If you plan to use public transport, check the current timetables for your travel dates. This helps you plan around the visits that matter to you while keeping seasonal opening hours and timetables in mind.
Discover more destinations: Kücknitz, Lensahn, Travemünde, Sankt Jürgen.
Return to the main travel overview: Lübeck.
