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A Complete Travel Guide to Lübeck: 15 Best Things To Do & See

A Complete Travel Guide to Lübeck: 15 Best Things To Do & See

Everything you need to know about Lübeck in Germany, including what to do, when to visit, where to stay and our best tips
Alexander & VictoriaHi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here.
Advertisement disclaimer: Our travel guide to Lübeck was made possible in collaboration with the Lübeck und Travemünde Marketing GmbH. As always, we share our honest opinion and everything is written by us.
Lübeck: Queen of the Hanseatic League

Guten Tag Lübeck!

Located on the River Trave, its strategic position close to the Baltic Sea once crowned it the Queen of the Hanseatic League – a flourishing alliance of merchant cities during the Middle Ages.

This has made Lübeck rich in both history and gold which is evident when you walk around the historic Old Town (Germany’s most extensive UNESCO World Heritage Site!).

Here you won’t be able to miss the impressive seven towers of the five main churches along with the many medieval merchants’ homes.

Walk along the banks of the river to take it all in from afar, float along on the water at sunset or try to get lost on the narrow cobbled streets of the Altstadt; no matter what, we’re sure you’ll fall head over heels for Lübeck.

We have visited Lübeck twice and really love the romantic atmosphere.

In this travel guide to Lübeck, we share the best things to do and see, why you should visit, where to stay, how long to stay, when to visit, how to get around the city, our best travel tips and much more.

Where to stay in Lübeck:

Search for the best value accommodation in Lübeck here.

The iconic Holstentor
The iconic Holstentor stands proudly as a testament to the historical importance and wealth of Lübeck.

Why visit Lübeck

As the second-largest city on the German Baltic coast, Lübeck is a thriving, vibrant place full of great things to do.

With a little more than 200,000 inhabitants, it’s big enough to offer all of the amenities and cultural offers you could need from a city while still retaining a small-city feel – especially if you spend most of your time on the island of the Altstadt (Old Town).

If you like walking slowly along charming streets, going to museums, learning about history, being awed by grand architecture and admiring riverside views, you’ll have an amazing time here.

Oh, and there’s also that whole thing about Lübeck being really famous for marzipan

Overall, in our opinion, Lübeck’s blend of historical significance, architectural marvels, cultural richness and natural beauty make it perfect for every traveller seeking a comfortable and pleasant city destination in Northern Germany.

And when you need a break from the city, the Baltic coastline with its rhythmic waves and inviting beach resorts is just a hop and a skip away.

Alex & Victoria in Lübeck
Lübeck is simply naturally charming!

Map

Lübeck is located just around 18 kilometres southwest of the Baltic Sea on the mouth of the River Trave – about an hour’s drive from Hamburg and really close to the Danish border, too.

Find all the best things to do and see in Lübeck on the map below.

Map of Lübeck
After its capital of Kiel, Lübeck is the second-largest city in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Click the map to see it in full size.
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How long to stay in Lübeck

There’s of course no single answer to how long you should stay in Lübeck as it all depends on your personal wishes and circumstances.

But we think you should stay for at least one night, while 2 to 3 days will be ideal for most people.

With its strategic location, it’s also possible to use Lübeck as a base for adventures in the region on longer trips.

One night in Lübeck

While you could get a fine sense of Lübeck from a half-day trip or a one-day trip, we really recommend staying for at least one night.

That way, you’ll be able to eat well at one of the many nice restaurants in the evening, stroll along the cobbled streets under the moonlight and wake up to beautiful morning views of the city – all without hurry.

2 to 3 days in Lübeck

With 2 to 3 days in Lübeck, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the historic Altstadt (Old Town), visit the major landmarks on the island including the museums and churches, savour some local cuisine and soak in the charming atmosphere.

You can take everything slow, allowing you to discover lesser-known spots, enjoy a boat tour on the River Traver, or take day trips to nearby destinations such as the Baltic Sea coast with its nice beaches or to other attractions in Schleswig-Holstein and its surroundings.

Spending more than 3 days in Lübeck

Unless you have a special interest in the history of Lübeck, we think most people would be hard-pressed to find new things to do for much more than 3 full days in Lübeck.

With that said, it can still be a wonderful base for exploring the region.

If you find a nice place to stay, we can easily picture staying in Lübeck for a week and using the city as a springboard to Northern Germany.

Lübeck restaurant
You can easily get a feeling for the hospitality and allure of Lübeck in an afternoon…
Lübeck Trave River with boat and church
But we think you’ll really appreciate spending at least one night here.
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15 best things to do and see in Lübeck

What to do in Lübeck depends on your interests, of course, but on our visits, we’ve spent most of our time in Lübeck’s Old Town which is also where most of the most popular sights and attractions are located.

Get ready to experience the best things to do and see in Lübeck!

  1. Holsten Gate (Holstentor)
  2. St. Mary’s Church (Marienkirche)
  3. Lübeck Cathedral (Lübecker Dom)
  4. Streets of the Old Town (Altstadt)
  5. Hidden alleys and courtyards
  6. Sail around the Old Town
  7. Walk along the River Trave
  8. Salt storehouses by the river (The Salzspeicher)
  9. Lübeck Town Hall (Lübecker Rathaus)
  10. Hospital of the Holy Spirit (Heiligen-Geist-Hospital)
  11. Museums of Lübeck
  12. The House of the Seamen’s Guild (Haus der Schiffergesellschaft)
  13. Go to the beach in Travemünde
  14. Best day trips and excursions from Lübeck
  15. Lübeck Christmas Market (Lübecker Weihnachtsmarkt)
  16. Bonus: Other things to do in Lübeck
    Bonus: Other places to visit in Schleswig-Holstein

1. Holsten Gate (Holstentor)

Proudly standing guard on the western entrance to Lübeck’s Old Town, the Holsten Gate (Holstentor) is the image of Lübeck.

Holstentor was built in 1464, making it more than 500 years old.

Being one of only two remaining city gates (Burgtor to the north is the other one and it’s actually older), the Holsten Gate is composed of two towers and a central building with a passageway underneath it.

Inside the Holsten Gate, you’ll find the Holstentor Museum, putting on display the immense power and wealth of Lübeck’s Hanseatic trade past.

Holstentor with flowers infront
Holstentor is Lübeck’s most famous landmark and a symbol of the city’s medieval past.
Holstentor
The gate was used to keep people out of the city. Today it welcomes tourists to Lübeck with open arms.
Holstentor
Holstentor is one of Northern Europe’s most popular photo motifs – and we can see why.

2. St. Mary’s Church (Lübeck Marienkirche)

You literally can’t miss St. Mary’s Church while visiting Lübeck.

The church with the iconic towers is located at the highest point of the Old Town, making it visible from all over the city.

Its importance transcends its huge size as it’s referred to as “the mother church of brick Gothic” – having set the standard for around 70 other churches in the Baltics. Pretty cool!

St. Mary's Church in Lübeck
St. Mary’s Church, also known as St Marien zu Lübeck, is 125 metres high and was built in the 13th to the 14th century.
Mariekirke Lübeck
It’s a really impressive structure. Peer inside to better sense the scale. Photo: Frank Romero
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3. Lübeck Cathedral (Lübecker Dom)

Lübeck’s cathedral is one of the oldest monuments in the city, built back in the 12th century by Lübeck’s founder, Henry the Lion (Henry III).

Despite facing significant damage during World War II, the cathedral was meticulously restored and was completed in 1982, preserving its cultural significance while serving as a symbol of resilience.

Lübeck Cathedral (Lübecker Dom)

4. Streets of the Old Town (Altstadt)

On our visits to Lübeck, we’ve spent most of our time on the island that constitutes the Old Town (Altstadt) – and most other tourists do the same with good reason.

Being completely surrounded by water and connected to the mainland via several bridges, you’ll never get completely lost.

So you might as well try to!

Exploring the smaller streets of the Altstadt is one of the best things to do in Lübeck, as each of them exudes its own unique charm.

Simply walking is the best way to get around. So put on some good shoes and discover one of Germany’s cosiest cities while being surrounded by amazing churches and Baroque architecture.

Lübeck’s amazing Old Town is its biggest drawcard.
Walking around Lübeck
Walking around, you’ll likely stumble upon numerous hidden gems.
Lübeck houses
How cute are these houses?

5. Hidden alleys and courtyards

Behind Lübeck’s grand facades lies a historical secret – a miniaturised town with snug houses and lush gardens in narrow alleys and hidden courtyards.

Today, this concealed world forms part of the Lübeck UNESCO World Heritage Site and the living urban culture with around 80 inhabited alleys and courtyards open to the public for a relaxed stroll through the Old Town.

Once numbering 180, these lovingly restored alleyway houses now represent coveted living space and exude idyllic romanticism, making visiting them a unique thing to do in the heart of Lübeck.

Go on a discovery tour and see how many treasures you can find!

Here are some of the most popular alleys (“gang”) and courtyards (“hof”) in Lübeck:

  • Dunkelgrüner Gang.
  • Von-Höveln-Gang.
  • Kalandsgang.
  • Haasenhof.
  • Glandorps Hof.
  • Füchtingshof.
Alleys in Lübeck
The small booths and shacks in the rich merchants’ backyards were rented out to the less fortunate and were where 80% of the population used to live.
Haasenhof Lübeck courtyard
This is the beautiful Haasenhof. Photo: Concord / CC BY

6. Walk along the River Trave

While discovering the big landmarks and secrets of Lübeck’s Old Town is certainly one of the best ways to spend your time in Lübeck, we also think you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to walk along the River Trave.

You can walk on the side of the Old Town, on the other side of the water or switch it up by crossing some of the many bridges.

On both sides of the Trave River, you’ll find nice walking paths and we can almost guarantee you’ll return home with some striking photos of Lübeck.

Walking along River Trave
The total length of walking all the way around Lübeck’s Old Town by the River Trave is about 5 kilometres.
Bridge to Lübeck Old Town
Being surrounded by water, there are a lot of bridges that lead to Lübeck’s Old Town.
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7. Sail around the Old Town

Going on a boat tour on the River Trave around the Old Town is one of the best experiences in Lübeck.

You’ll get to see the city’s stunning architecture from a whole new perspective (including the famous seven towers), gliding peacefully past Lübeck’s famous buildings and charming bridges.

You can opt for a guided tour or rent a boat for yourself. Either way, sailing all the way around usually takes around an hour.

Sailing tour Lübeck
Remember to bring your camera to capture the beauty of Lübeck from the water!

8. Salt storehouses by the river (Salzspeicher)

Even if you only have very little time to discover Lübeck, we recommend you to visit the Holstentor and then walk over the bridge (Holstenbrücke) to see Lübeck’s famous salt storehouses by the water, known as Salzspeicher.

These iconic brick structures, showcasing impressive Gothic architecture, stand on the banks of the River Trave, contributing to the city’s character while bearing witness to its rich trading heritage.

As the name implies, the salt storehouses used to store salt, which was used as both an important food preservative and for trade.

Salzspeicher Lübeck
Don’t miss the Salzspeicher while visiting Lübeck.
Salt houses right next to Holstentor
The salt storehouses are located right next to Holstentor. Photo: Achim Scholty

9. Lübeck Town Hall (Lübecker Rathaus)

Lübeck’s Town Hall in the heart of the Old Town is stunning and must be one of Germany’s most beautiful town halls.

Visiting it is certainly one of the most popular things to do in Lübeck.

You can of course admire it from outside, but it’s also possible to visit the Town Hall on a guided tour.

A peculiar difference in door heights unveils a fascinating tale in the courtroom once you’re inside:

Historically, the acquitted defendants triumphantly left through the tall door, heads held high with room enough for wearing a hat, while the convicted ones humbly exited through the low door, revealing their fate to the eager onlookers outside.

Lübeck's Town Hall
Lübeck’s Town Hall is almost 800 years old and has aged pretty well if you ask us.
Lübeck's Town Hall from the courtyard

10. Hospital of the Holy Spirit (Heiligen-Geist-Hospital)

The Hospital of the Holy Spirit is one of Europe’s oldest hospitals dating back to 1286 and was impressively still used as a social institution up until the 1960s.

A proud testament to civic pride and charity, the Hospital of the Holy Spirit in Lübeck exemplifies social progress during the Middle Ages where the sick and elderly received care and support.

It’s also simply a beautiful photo motif and very centrally located in Lübeck’s Old Town.

Heiligen Geist Hospital Lübeck
One of Lübeck’s many outstanding buildings. ©Lübeck und Travemünde Marketing

11. Museums of Lübeck

For being a relatively small city, Lübeck has a lot of museums!

  • St. Annen Museum: Appreciate art and cultural artefacts in this former medieval monastery, which now houses a significant collection of historical and artistic exhibits.
  • Hansemuseum: Learn about the history and significance of the powerful Hanseatic League at this modern and interactive museum. Don’t miss the Lübeck Castle Monastery (Burgkloster)!
  • Holstentor Museum: Discover Lübeck’s history and more about the Hanseatic League at this museum located inside the famous Holstentor gate.
  • Museum Behnhaus Drägerhaus: Houses an important collection of 19th-century and Classical Modernism paintings and sculptures in an extraordinary building.
  • Buddenbrookhaus: Visit the former home of the Mann family, which inspired Thomas Mann’s novel “Buddenbrooks,” and learn about the author’s life and work. Note: The Museum is temporarily closed, so the interim exhibition can be explored at the Behnhaus Drägerhaus.
  • Günter Grass-Haus: Explore the museum dedicated to Nobel laureate Günter Grass, a renowned German writer and artist.
  • Willy-Brandt-Haus: Visit the birthplace of former German Chancellor Willy Brandt, now a museum showcasing his life and political achievements.
The beautiful interior of Museum Behnhaus Drägerhaus
The beautiful interior of Museum Behnhaus Drägerhaus. Photo: Michael Haydn.
St. Annen Museum
Modern art in a historical building at St. Annen Museum.

12. The House of the Seamen’s Guild (Haus der Schiffergesellschaft)

The House of the Seamen’s Guild (Haus der Schiffergesellschaft) in Lübeck is a captivating historical building with a rich maritime heritage.

Its unique architecture and intricate details make it a must-visit attraction for those exploring Lübeck’s cultural treasures (and it’s great for photos!).

Go inside to discover the fascinating history of the seafaring community that once thrived in this vibrant Hanseatic city.

In summer, you can also check out the cosy inner courtyard with great views of St Jacob’s church just opposite.

The House of the Seamen's Guild (Haus der Schiffergesellschaft)

13. Go to the beach in Travemünde

One of the nicest things about Lübeck is the fact that it’s possible to go from the Old Town to the beach in just 20-25 minutes.

All you have to do is to take the train to the last stop on the line called “Travemünde Strand” and you’re basically there!

The soft sandy beach is long and wide with plenty of room for its many visitors in the summer months.

As on most other beaches in Northern Germany, it’s popular to rent a Strandkorb (beach basket/hooded beach chair) for the day.

Travemünde Strand
With its refreshing Baltic Sea waters and beautiful promenade, Travemünde Strand is the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy your favourite beach activities. Photo: Arne & Niclas
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14. Best day trips and excursions from Lübeck

Lübeck is very strategically located to be used as a base for going on day trips in Northern Germany.

Travelling by either car or public transport, you can comfortably reach a lot of lovely places during the day and be back in Lübeck in the evening.

Depending on your schedule (and tempo), you could even combine a few of these destinations on a single day.

Here are some of the best day trips and excursions from Lübeck:

  • Brodtener Steilküste: Continuing north along the coastline from Travemünde, the cliffs will start to rise up from the ocean granting you incredible views of the Baltic Sea. 30 minutes by car.
  • Eutin: Check out Eutin Castle and the picturesque lakes. 35 minutes by car.
  • Plön: Even more lakes and another castle (Plön Castle). 50 minutes by car.
  • Kiel: The capital and largest city of Schleswig-Holstein. 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.
  • Bad Segeberg: Famous for the mountain in the middle of the city, its bat cave and the annual Karl-May-Festspiele. 30 minutes by car.
  • Hamburg: Germany’s second-largest city. 1 hour by car.
  • Ratzeburg: A historic town on a small island. 30 minutes by car.
  • Schaalsee: Lots of nature experiences to be had here. We walked the 5-kilometre-long path in the Seedorfer Werder forest. 45 minutes by car.
  • Mölln & Schmalsee: Perfect for a little nature getaway. 35 minutes by car.
  • Schwerin Castle: Marvel at the beauty of this amazing fairy-tale castle surrounded by a picturesque lake. 1 hour and 10 minutes by car.
  • Schleswig: A historically Danish city known for its Viking past. 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.
Eutin Castle
Eutin Castle is just ~35 minutes away from Lübeck.
Plön canoe sailing
Plön is the land of lakes. Explore them from a kayak, canoe or from a walking path.
Seedorfer Werder forest
The Seedorfer Werder forest is an enchanting destination for a stroll.
Danevirke in Slesvig
Viking history doesn’t get much more present than at Haithabu in Schleswig.
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15. Lübeck Christmas Market (Lübecker Weihnachtsmarkt)

Germany is renowned for its magical Christmas markets and Lübeck’s own Christmas Market, known as Lübecker Weihnachtsmarkt, is no exception.

In December, the festive atmosphere reaches its peak as locals joyfully serve glühwein and delicious roasted almonds all over the Old Town.

Drawing thousands of Germans and tourists each year, the market transforms Lübeck into a perfect destination for a Christmassy getaway in Northern Germany. We would love to go ourselves one day!

Read more about the Lübeck Christmas Market here.

The Christmas market in Lübeck's Old Town
The Christmas market in Lübeck’s Old Town boasts a rich tradition dating all the way back to 1648. ©Lübeck und Travemünde Marketing

Bonus: Other things to do in Lübeck

There are so many cool things to do in Lübeck, we couldn’t fit them all in this travel guide.

Here are a few extra ideas:

  • Lübeck Botanical Garden (Schulgarten): Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this lovely garden, perfect for a stroll in nice weather.
  • Lübeck parks: Spend some time in one of the city’s parks, such as Stadtpark to the northeast of the Old Town, and enjoy green spaces, leisure activities, and beautiful landscapes.
  • Lübeck Puppet Theatre (Lübecker Figurentheater): Enjoy a unique cultural experience by attending a show at one of Germany’s oldest puppet theatres.
  • Lübeck marzipan: Treat yourself to some of Lübeck’s famous marzipan – for example at the Niederegger Café and shop, which has been producing marzipan since 1806. We missed it ourselves but would love to try their vegan options!
Lübeck is full of things to do and see in a rather compact area.
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Where to stay in Lübeck

When planning your stay in Lübeck, you’ll find that there’s a variety of places to stay; from charming hotels in the historic Old Town to convenient options near the central train station.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious experience, a budget-friendly stay or something in between, there’s a perfect place for you to stay in Lübeck.

Search for the best value accommodation in Lübeck here (adlink) or scroll down to see some of our recommendations to the best hotels in Lübeck.

Luxury places to stay in Lübeck

Radisson Blu Senator Hotel, Lübeck

The 5-starred Radisson Blu Senator Hotel very well might be the best hotel in Lübeck.

This was where we stayed on our second visit and we had a great time.

The waterside location close to Holstentor couldn’t be better and all of the hotel and room amenities were top-notch.

There were even quite a few nice vegan options at the breakfast buffet which is always appreciated.

Also, don’t miss the indoor pool.

Check prices and availability at Radisson Blu Senator Hotel (adlink).

Radisson Blu Senator Hotel
Perfect for that comfortable stay where everything just works. ©Radisson Blu Senator Hotel (adlink)
Radisson Blu Senator Hotel
The indoor pool at the Radisson Blu Senator Hotel. ©Radisson Blu Senator Hotel (adlink)

Atlantic Hotel Lübeck

Atlantic Hotel is located centrally in the southern part of Lübeck’s Old Town, making it easy to walk to every famous tourist attraction.

Being the only modern 4-star hotel in the Old Town, Atlantic Hotel Lübeck is a unique way to stay with state-of-the-art comforts while being immersed in the historic district.

Check out the all-around roof terrace with views of the seven towers of Lübeck for a great photo opportunity.

Check prices and availability at Atlantic Hotel Lübeck (adlink).

Atlantic Hotel Lübeck room
Simple and stylish: the 27 m² standard room at Atlantic Hotel. ©Atlantic Hotel Lübeck (adlink)
Atlantic Hotel Lübeck exterior
The exterior of the hotel. ©Atlantic Hotel Lübeck (adlink)

Value for money places to stay in Lübeck

H+ Hotel Lübeck

H+ Hotel Lübeck is a great value stay in Lübeck located conveniently right by the central station.

There’s a small gym and even a sauna!

Check prices and availability at H+ Hotel Lübeck (adlink).

H+ Hotel Lübeck
It might not be the most romantic of buildings but it’s a great no-frills hotel. ©H+ Hotel Lübeck (adlink)

Friederikenhof Hotel Restaurant & Spa

For a relaxing stay a little outside of Lübeck’s city centre, check out Friederikenhof Hotel.

Located just 10-15 minutes of driving from the Old Town, you’ll be close to all of the popular things to do in Lübeck while being immersed in nature right by the River Trave.

Check prices and availability at Friederikenhof Hotel (adlink).

Friederikenhof Hotel Restaurant & Spa
Perfect as a relaxing base for your adventures in Lübeck and its surroundings. ©Friederikenhof Hotel Restaurant & Spa (adlink)

Budget places to stay in Lübeck

CVJM Hotel am Dom

CVJM Hotel am Dom is one of the best-value hotels in Lübeck’s Old Town.

But be aware that you’ll be woken up by the nearby church bells every morning at 08:00.

Check prices and availability at CVJM Hotel am Dom (adlink).

CVJM Hotel am Dom
If you want to stay in the Old Town on a budget, CVJM Hotel am Dom is probably your best bet. ©CVJM Hotel am Dom (adlink)

Viva Hotel Lübeck

You might not be blown away by Viva Hotel Lübeck (although the view from some of the rooms is nice!), but it’s a solid budget accommodation in Lübeck.

Check prices and availability at Viva Hotel Lübeck (adlink).

Viva Hotel Lübeck with views over the old town
Enjoy the views over Lübeck’s Old Town directly from your room. ©Viva Hotel Lübeck (adlink)

Hotel Hanseatic

Choose between rooms with private or shared bathrooms at Hotel Hanseatic, located just west of Lübeck’s Old Town close to the central station.

Check prices and availability at Hotel Hanseatic (adlink).

Hotel Hanseatic
Staying at Hotel Hanseatic is a good way to stay close to the city centre while saving some money. ©Hotel Hanseatic (adlink)

Pension Lübeck

As one of the absolute cheapest places to stay in Lübeck, don’t expect too much from Pension Lübeck.

You’ll get a double bed to sleep in but the bathroom is shared.

Check prices and availability at Pension Lübeck (adlink).

Pension Lübeck budget place to stay
A simple double room at Pension Lübeck. ©Pension Lübeck (adlink)

Is it safe to visit Lübeck?

Like other German cities, Lübeck is a safe city to visit – also at night.

With that said, you always have to be aware of your surroundings when you move around in a city.

Take precautions and use your common sense.

Beware of pickpockets at the busiest tourist attractions and on public transport.

We felt entirely comfortable in Lübeck and would personally think that the city is at least as safe to visit as other big cities in Germany and Western European countries.

Lübeck is very safe to visit. Just take your precautions as in all other cities.

How to get around Lübeck

By foot

Especially Lübeck’s Old Town (Altstadt) is relatively compact, so the best way to get around is to walk.

It’s easy and safe.

To put it into perspective: walking all the way around Lübeck’s Old Town by the waterfront takes around 1 hour (with a length of ~ 5 kilometres).

Put on some good shoes and get around for free by simply walking from one place to the next – and you’ll be sure to see some interesting things along the way, too.

We loved walking around the streets of the Old Town in Lübeck.

By public transport

If you stay outside of the Old Town island in Lübeck, you can easily take the bus to get into the city centre.

Check out the dynamic bus map here of all the routes.

There are also a number of options to rent electric scooters around town.

Bus and bicycles in Lübeck

By car

For both of our visits to Lübeck, we drove there ourselves – although we didn’t use the car to get around while in the city.

We recommend parking outside of the Old Town. Luckily, there are plenty of parking spots available for both short and long stays. Some hotels also offer parking.

Free parking is available on Possehlstraße which is quite centrally located.

Apart from that, parking is usually paid between Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 and on Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00.

Check out the dynamic map of parking spots in Lübeck here.

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How to get to Lübeck

Car to Lübeck

Lübeck is well connected to the German autobahn system (national motorways).

That means it’s easy to get here by car from all over Europe.

Travelling from Hamburg, take the A1 Autobahn northeast towards Lübeck and you will arrive in about an hour.

Be aware that cars on the autobahn generally drive fast – and by fast, we mean up to 200 km/h!

There are several sections with no speed limit at all so it’s important to look thoroughly in the rearview mirror and side mirror before changing lanes and overtaking.

Take the train to Lübeck

Lübeck is well connected to the Germain train network.

The trip from Hamburg Central Station (Hamburg Hauptbahnhof) takes just around 45 minutes with connections every 30 minutes from 08:00 to 20:00 and every hour before and after that.

From Kiel, the trip takes a little more than one hour, while taking the train from Berlin (with a connection in Hamburg) will take ~2 hours and 45 minutes.

We have previously used the Deutsche Bahn website to order train tickets.

Flights to Lübeck

Lübeck has its own airport called Lübeck-Blankensee Airport (LBC). Year-round there are flights to Munich, Salzburg in Austria and Bergen in Norway. There are also seasonal flights to other destinations around Europe.

Nearby Hamburg Airport (Flughafen Hamburg) is much much bigger and very well-connected both nationally and internationally.

Getting to Lübeck from Hamburg Airport is easy. Just hop on the S-Bahn (suburban rail network) line S1 to Hamburg’s central railway station. It runs every 10 minutes and takes less than half an hour. From there, you can take a train to Lübeck as described above.

Use our adlink below to find the cheapest tickets:

Search for the cheapest flight tickets on Momondo.

Ferry to Lübeck

Ferry connections to nearby Travemünde (reachable in just 20-30 minutes from Lübeck) provide convenient transportation between Germany and destinations like Liepaja in Latvia, Klaipeda in Lithuania, Trelleborg, Karlshamn, and Malmö in Sweden as well as Helsinki in Finland.

If you’re travelling from Eastern Denmark (Sjælland and Copenhagen), the easiest way to reach Lübeck is with the short ferry crossing between Rødby and Puttgarden operated by Scandlines.

Lübeck from the water
Lübeck is really well-connected to the rest of Northern Europe.

When to visit Lübeck

There is really no bad time to visit Lübeck, although there are, of course, noticeable differences between the seasons.

But when is the best time to travel to Lübeck?

We were there ourselves in August the first time and in June the second time. On both visits, we enjoyed warm, perfect summer days.

Like almost all tourist destinations in the world, it’s smart to plan your trip around the most common holidays and instead visit in shoulder periods (if that’s a possibility for you).

That way you can avoid the biggest crowds and generally get cheaper accommodation and save on car rentals.

If it’s not possible to travel outside the holidays, fortunately, Lübeck doesn’t really get crowded.

Average temperatures in Lübeck:

Average min and max temperatures in Lübeck, Germany

Seasons

Spring (March, April and May) is a beautiful time to visit Lübeck with sunny days and blooming flowers. It can still be a bit chilly, so check the weather forecast before you pack.

Summer (June, July and August) is of course the hottest season and the temperatures can get quite high in July and August. At the same time, it’s also at its rainiest in the summer so pack a rain jacket or an umbrella, just in case. The sun is usually shining from early morning until very late in the evening. The summer holidays in Germany are spread out between mid-June and mid-September.

Autumn (September, October and November) is a wonderful time to visit Lübeck. The autumn colours go well with the old, charming buildings in the city. The most beautiful yellow, orange and red autumn colours can typically be seen at the end of September and in October, perhaps also at the beginning of November before the leaves fall off the trees.

Winter (December, January and February) is generally cold but on the other hand, there are usually fewer tourists. If you’re planning to visit during Christmas or New Year, it’s smart to book your accommodation ahead of time.

Summer in Lübeck
Lübeck can be visited in all seasons, but the city really comes alive in the summer.
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Our best tips for visiting Lübeck

  • Credit cards can be used in most shops, but as in the rest of Germany, cash is still often used and it’s not unusual for cash to be used in parking and ticket machines, at cafés and the like.
  • Get up early and be one of the first at an attraction if you want to avoid long queues in the high season.
  • Drink tap water. It’s not only good for the planet, it’s also good for your wallet. The tap water in Lübeck is absolutely safe to drink – so bring a refillable bottle.
  • Travel to Lübeck outside of the holidays. Accommodation prices are lower, good deals are easier found and there are fewer tourists.
  • Walk, walk and walk some more. Walking around Lübeck is free, easy and simply the best way to get around. And you’ll probably find many hidden gems along the way.
Yellow house in Lübeck

What to bring to Lübeck

  • Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
  • A good camerahere’s a guide to the gear we use.
  • Sunscreen (adlink). Especially if you visit Lübeck in the summer (and plan to go to one of the nearby beaches!). We recommend that you use an organic, vegan sunscreen without oxybenzone and other harmful chemicals.
  • Hiking shoes, sneakers, sandals or other shoes you can walk in comfortably.
  • Swimwear if you are staying at a hotel with a spa area.
  • A refillable water bottle and snacks. You can drink the tap water in Germany.
  • Cash for parking and other small purchases, especially 1 and 2-euro coins. Not all places in Germany accept credit cards.
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Sustainable travel tips

To travel as sustainably as possible, we recommend the following:

  • Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
  • Avoid single-use plastics.
  • Dispose of waste properly and do not throw it on the ground.
  • Check your sunscreen before going in the ocean. Many brands contain oxybenzone and other chemicals that can be harmful.
  • Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let everything stay in its natural place.
  • Respect wildlife.
Thanks for reading

Thanks for getting all the way to the end!

We hope this Lübeck travel guide has been useful.

What do you think about Lübeck?

If you’ve been to Lübeck it would be awesome to hear your best tips in the comments.

If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re glad to help.

Lübeck city view
Have the best time in Lübeck!
A Complete Travel Guide to Lübeck: 15 Best Things To Do & See
A Complete Travel Guide to Lübeck: 15 Best Things To Do & See
A Complete Travel Guide to Lübeck: 15 Best Things To Do & See

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