From Lüneburg to Lübeck: Two Hanseatic Cities

After breakfast at your hotel, start your day with a walk around Lüneburg’s historic Altstadt. Begin by walking a few minutes through the pedestrian zone to the Marktplatz.
Please don't hesitate to stop at shops along the way! Once at the Marktplatz you’ll see the 13th century building that houses the town hall and, depending on the day, perhaps an outdoor market.
Then walk over to Am Sande, another historic cobblestone street lined with beautiful northern German brick Gothic buildings and St. Johannis church.

Now you’ll drive north to the small town of Lüneburg on the Elbe river and visit the Elbschifffahrtsmuseum. You can park in the Parkplatz Fürstengarten and walk about five minutes to the museum.
As you explore the exhibits and short films you’ll learn about 1000 years of shipbuilding, including hearing raftsmen, shipyard workers and stokers talk about the challenging living and working conditions. This isn’t a museum you quietly walk through, it’s an interactive experience!
After the museum, take a short walk down to the harbor area and then through the historic winding cobblestone streets lined with red brick buildings in Lauenberg’s Altstadt.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 – 18:00 Saturday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00

Before heading out of Lauenburg, stop by Restaurant Elbterrasse for lunch. A short walk from the Altstadt, you’ll enjoy regional dishes and traditional favourites with a view of the Elbe river. After lunch, you can take a stroll through the Fürstengarten park before returning to your car.
Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday from 12:00 to 21:00 Closed Monday and Tuesday
Call 04153 / 3361 or email reservierung@elbterrasse-lauenburg.de to make reservations.

After leaving your car in the Lübeck Zentrum Parkhaus St. Marien car park and checking into your hotel, walk about 10 minutes through Lübeck’s island Alstadt to St. Catherine’s Church. Take your time and enjoy the shops and buildings on your way — Lübeck’s Altstadt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built in 1300, St. Catherine’s Church used to serve as a Franciscan centre for the Baltic region. This beautiful brick church, built without a spire, is one of three monastic Lübeck churches that have been preserved.
While in the area you can also visit the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, Burgkloster Monasterio del Castillo, the Willy Brant Haus, and the Günter Grass Haus. Or embrace spontaneity and wander Lübeck’s many brick alleyways and courtyards.
St. Catherine’s Church Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday 12:00 – 16:00 (early April through late October)

After exploring the Altstadt, it’s time for dinner at one of Lübeck’s oldest restaurants! The Schiffergesellschaft restaurant used to be a guild hall for sea captains, so it’s always been a place to gather. You’ll enjoy the Hanseatic decorations and vibe, as well as the modern local specialities.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 12:00 to 22:00 Kitchen closes at 21:00 Closed Monday
Call 0451 76 776 to make reservations.

Check into this historic hotel in Lübeck’s Altstadt for a good night’s sleep. A stone’s throw from everything you’ll want to see in Lübeck, Hotel Anno blends modern comforts and amenities with old world charm. You can park in the downtown Lübeck Zentrum Parkhaus St. Marien and walk about five minutes to the hotel.