The City of Lubeck’s medieval Altstadt, or old city, is its most outstanding feature. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it contains many architectural styles belying the city’s long history. With narrow cobblestone streets and beautifully restored buildings, the city center is still very active, so its medieval buildings are combined with modern ones to create a unique environment.

The Alstadt is located on an island on the Trave River. An extremely well-preserved area is the 13th Century Koberg area on the northern end of the island. Visitors to the Port of Lubeck will not want to miss these historic sights.

Several churches hold some of northern Germany’s best artwork. St. Marien (Marienkirche) is the largest church and a wonderful brick Gothic building at the heart of the Alstadt. The tower platform at St. Petri (Petrikirche) awards visitors with breathtaking views of the city. St. Katharinen (Katharinenkirche) holds works by Ernst Barlach.

Other churches to see include St. Jakobi and the smallest church in the area, St. Aegidien. Two old city gates remain in the Altstadt, both with museums today. The Holstentor is near the train station, and Burgtor is in northern Alstadt. Other buildings worth a visit are the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital near Koberg and the art museum in the Behnhaus/Dragerhaus in Konigstrasse. Guided tours are available for the Rathaus (city hall) with architecture dating back to the 12th Century.

The Port of Lubeck is home to two Nobel prize holders. The Buddenbrookhaus memorializes the brothers Mann, Thomas and Heinrich, who were boys there. The city area of Moisling is known for its Jewish history, and it still contains an old Jewish cemetery.

When visiting the Port of Lubeck, travelers will want to take a ride to Travemunde, a popular seaside resort or tour the city by boat or ship. Tours leave about hourly from the Altstadt island and offer great views of many historic buildings and houses.

Travemunde has been a coastal resort since the 14th Century. Featuring architecturally-impressive beach promenades and a big protected sandy beach, Travemunde is a haven for both sunbathers and sailors. Its casino has distinctive fin-de-siecle bath architecture, and it’s surrounded by yachts and the four-mast tall ship Passat which is a museum today. One of the oldest golf courses in Germany is located in Travemunde.

Last but not least, don’t forget to stop by Neideregger to have a treat of its world-famous marzipan and cakes.

Travelers who want to visit the Port of Lubeck by sea can find a list of scheduled cruises at the Cruise Compete website.

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