Top 10 Things To Do And See In Lbeck

Even though Lübeck‘s old town is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this city in Germany’s north is often overlooked – yet a trip here means no end of delights, including gabled townhouses, picturesque courtyards and medieval churches. Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do and see when you’re in town.

1. St Mary’s Church

Church

Seven Gothic church towers punctuate the skyline of Lübeck and have earned the city its tagline City of the Seven Spires. St. Mary’s (Marienkirche) is Germany’s third-largest church, but the intricate details are what fascinates people rather than the sheer size and height of the brick-vaulted roof. Two church bells that were brought down by Allied bombs lie broken on the ground where they fell in 1942, and a large stained window pays homage to the 15th-century Dance of Death painting that was destroyed in the same attack.

Heiligen-Geist Hospital

The historic landmark is one of the world’s oldest social institutions. Inspired by the Santo Spirito in Sassia in Rome, the hospital opened its doors in 1286. It was later repurposed as a retirement home and used as such until the 1960s. The red-brick facade is quite an eyecatcher, but it’s worth stepping inside the historical building and tour the vaulted halls. The building is open year-round and occasionally hosts arts and craft fairs and an annual Christmas market in December.

Koberg 11, Lübeck, Germany, +49 4517 9956 10

2. St Petri Church

Church

Clad in red bricks, the facade of St Peter’s Church is a stark contrast to the light-flooded interior of white walls and columns. The church looks back on more than 800 years of history and even though it hosts traditional services, it’s also a cultural space for concerts, lectures, art exhibitions and more. For panoramic views of Lübeck, take the elevator up to the viewing platform in the steeple.

Timmendorf beach

A 30-minute drive brings you to this beautiful Baltic Sea beach. Whether you want to amble along the pedestrianised seaside promenade, go for a swim or watch the waves over dinner from one of the restaurants, it’s good to get out of the city and catch a breath of fresh air. On the weekends, events ranging from volleyball tournaments and yoga classes to open-air concerts and light shows are scheduled for throughout the year.