The "queen of the Hanseatic League" is a unique cultural and historical document. The center of the old hanseatic city of Luebeck (214 000 pop.), with its churches, monasteries, pen courtyards, narrow corridors, brick buildings and town houses was protected in 1987 by the UNESCO. In Luebeck surrounded by water its the best to explore the Old Town on foot.

Burgkloster The castle monastery, founded in 1229 is the most important medieval monastery in northern Germany. The Archaeological Museum presents some unique artefacts from all eras of the 5000 years of settlement history. April to Dec. Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat/Sun 11am to 6pm, Jan.-March Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Hinter der Burg 2-4, entrance 4 Euro.

Dom Henry the Lion laid the foundation for the Luebeck Cathedral in 1173. April-Oct. daily. 10am-6pm, Nov. to March 10am-4pm, entrance free. Günter-Grass-Haus Günter Grass chose Luebeck as its home. He not only Nobel laureate for literature, but also a sculptor, painter and graphic artist. April-Dec. daily 10am-6pm, Jan. to March 11am-5pm, entrance 4 Euro Glockengießerstr. 21

Heiligen-Geist-Hospital Absolutely you should look into it in the distinctive red-brick building with the five slender towers. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Am Koberg

Holstentor The massive building from the 15th century, the emblem of Luebeck, serves as a museum of the city's history. entrance 4 Euro Marienkirche (St. Marien) Modeled for the brick Gothic churches in the Baltic region. Astronomical clock. guided tours: April-Sept. daily 10am-6pm, Oct. to March 10am-4pm.

Petrikirche From the 50 meter high viewing platform in the tower (elevator!), you have a magnificent view over the city. March-Dec. daily. 9am-7pm, entrance 2,50 Euro. Petrikirchhof

Rathaus One of the oldest and most beautiful town halls in Germany, Markt

where to stay                                                                                                                                                           Kaiserhof Small Grand Hotel in Old Town area. Sauna and indoor pool. 60 rooms. Kronsforder Allee 11-13                                Klassik Altstadt Hotel Nice hotel in the city, offers specifically programs for cultural tourists. 28 rooms. Fischergrube 52 Rucksackhotel Modern, simple rooms in Werkhof. 28 beds. Kanalstr. 70 

food                                                                                                                                                           Schiffergesellschaft Traditional restaurant. daily. Breite Str. 2                                                                             Wullenwever In a 400-year-old merchant house you can enjoy in stylish atmosphere, fine, light gourmet kitchen. Sun/Mon closed. Beckergrube 71

shopping Luebeck's main shopping center is a pedestrian street Breite Strasse with the famous Cafe Niederegger, department stores and fashion shops.

Train The Luebeck Bay is connected with the line Hamburg-Lübeck Puttgarden to the rest of Germany.

Plane The next major international airport is Hamburg Fuhlsbuettel. You can reach the airport of Luebeck from other European countries.

TRAVEMÜNDE Travemünde (13 000 pop.), the Baltic Sea spa of the hanseatic city of Luebeck, has a long tradition. It has a 4.5 km long, sandy beach. The major ferry port offers with the Skandinavienkai daily a colorful spectacle.

TIMMENDORFER STRAND Timmendorfer beach (10 000 Ew.) as a 8-km-long sandy beach which limits a dune and the natural, tree-lined promenade, ideal for walks.