- Lübeck is about 45 minutes to an hour from Hamburg by regional train
- The old town island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Niederegger is the famous name for Lübeck marzipan
- Travemünde on the Baltic coast is about 20-25 minutes away
- Airports
- Hamburg (HAM)
- Best time to go
- May-September and December
- Type
- City
Lübeck was once the leading city of the Hanseatic League, the medieval trading network that dominated the Baltic and North Sea. Its wealth built a skyline of copper spires, brick Gothic churches and merchants' houses, all on an island ringed by water. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a compact, easy-going city, famous for marzipan and for literary links to Thomas Mann and Günter Grass. See our Schleswig-Holstein guide and the Germany guide for more.
Things to do
- Holstentor – the twin-towered brick city gate and symbol of Lübeck, with a museum inside.
- St Mary's Church – a model for brick Gothic churches around the Baltic, with bells that fell during a 1942 air raid still lying where they landed.
- European Hansemuseum – a modern museum on the history of the Hanseatic League.
- Buddenbrookhaus – dedicated to Thomas Mann and his family. Check opening status, as it has been closed for redevelopment.
- Günter Grass House – a museum on the writer and artist.
- Courtyards and alleys – hidden passages known as Gänge and Höfe behind the street fronts.
- Marzipan – visit Niederegger's café and shop opposite the Town Hall.
- Travemünde – a seaside resort at the mouth of the Trave, with a beach and promenade.
Where to stay
- Old town island – walk everywhere and enjoy the quiet streets at night.
- Near the Hauptbahnhof – practical for trains, just across the river from the Holstentor.
- Travemünde – a beach base with easy trains into the city.
Getting there
Fly to Hamburg, then take a train to Lübeck, about 45 minutes to an hour from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (allow longer from the airport). Lübeck airport has very limited services. Ferries also link Travemünde with Scandinavia and the Baltic states.
Best time to visit
May to September is best, with long days and the beach at Travemünde. December brings several Christmas markets in the old town, which are especially atmospheric among the brick buildings.
Combine Lübeck with Hamburg on a two-centre trip, as the train ride between them is short.
Top attractions in Lübeck
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Lübeck on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Lübeck a good day trip from Hamburg?
Yes. Regional trains take around 45 minutes to an hour, so a day trip works well.
What is Lübeck famous for?
Its Hanseatic history, brick Gothic architecture, the Holstentor and its marzipan.
How long should I spend in Lübeck?
One or two days covers the old town and museums. Add time for a beach day at Travemünde.
Is there a beach near Lübeck?
Yes. Travemünde, on the Baltic Sea, is about 20 to 25 minutes away by train.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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