Lubeck has been an important port and city of trade since the 1100s (the city lies only a short distance from the Baltic Sea and is connected to it by the Trave River). The circular medieval town center was partially destroyed during World War II, but reconstruction has been fairly extensive (enough to make it a UNESCO heritage sight). Be sure to visit the old reconstructed cathedral. It's as much an interpretation as it is a reconstruction, and elements of its destruction were symbolically included when it was rebuilt: The new stained-glass windows incorporate images of the shattered old windows, and the huge old church bells have been left where they fell, embedded in the floor by the impact of their landing and misshapen by the fire that swept through the church when it was destroyed. The city's huge gate (called Holstentor), which dates from 1477, is well-preserved, as is the impressive town hall.
We suggest a stop at the Museum of Puppet Theater, followed by a sample of the city's world-famous marzipan, which comes in all shapes and sizes. The Buddenbrookhaus, made famous by Thomas Mann's acclaimed novel
Die Buddenbrooks, is also worth a visit. North of the city is the popular Baltic resort town of
Travemunde. Lubeck merits a half-day visit from Hamburg.
Lubeck is 46 mi/75 km northeast of Hamburg.