The historic Old Town The seven spires of Lübeck are famous - not least because of the title of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site,  awarded to the entire Old Town of Lübeck in 1987. In former times Lübeck was one of the richest and powerful European cities. The nearly perfectly preserved architectural structure is being taken care of by todays' residents. Tip: From the observation platform of St. Petri you will have the best view over the whole City. This will help you to keep a clear head even after the longest congress  marathon!

Holstentor - Lübecks most famous landmark This well-fortified construction with its thick protective walls was built in the 15th Century in late-gothic style and was nearly meant to be pulled down in 1855 for the construction of railroads. But both towers were preserved and later became the most famous landmark of Lübeck. Inside the Holstentor you can visit an exhibition dedicated to the life and work of a typical merchant in the Middle Ages. Tip: Have you already gotten hold of the new 2-Euro-coin, which shows the Holstentor on its back? There are 30 million of them in circulation. Wouldn't that be a great souvenir?

Buddenbrook-Haus - Heinrich and Thomas Mann-Centre Two of Lübeck’s most famous sons are Heinrich and Thomas Mann. In 1993 the Buddenbrook-Haus at  Mengstraße was built to commemorate their lives and work. The world of this famous family of writers andartists is on display on two floors, featuring impressive photos, papers and contemporary sources. The fascinating life of this highly talented family comes to life again in the comments of contemporaries. Tip: Just admit: you have never read the „Buddenbrooks“! Don't worry! Just buy the „Buddenbrooks“ as audio CD edition for your trip back home and upon your arrival you'll be a real  Thomas Mann-expert.

The Günter Grass-Haus – Meeting with a multitalented man Many people do not know that Günter Grass is also a famous sculptor and graphic artist. In addiction to the exhibition of manuscripts, graphics and sculptures which is worth to be seen, this lovely restored building with its sculptures in the backyard and garden is a forum for literature and plastic arts as well.

The Schiffergesellschaft – Meeting place in the past and present The brotherhood of the seamen could afford to built  such an adequate guild house: the Schiffergesellschaft is one of Lübeck's most magnificent buildings. The former bar room which looks like a hall is nowadays a traditional restaurant, decorated with ships and souvenirs from all over the world. Downstairs you will find the last preserved so called “cellar of god” – this name comes from former times when the poor could stay overnight with “paying for god” which meant for nothing.

The Hospital of the Holy Spirit – a social progress during the Middle Age A god-fearing attitude combined with high prosperity brought Lübeck to an unparalleled sense for their citizens. During the Late Middle Ages the Hospital of the Holy Spirit was built in order to care for the old and needy. Ever since the completion in 1286 only very few things were changed. Still today it is a residence for elderly people,  but of course nowadays nobody has to live in these tiny „Kabäuschen“ any more, which had only space for a bed and a chair.

The Castle Monastery – the most significant monastery in Northern Germany In 1229 the castle monastery was built and until today it is the most significant and best preserved monastery in Northern Germany. It had many different functions in between: after the reformation the building was used as a poorhouse, later  as a courthouse and remand prison. It achieved notoriety during the „Third Reich“ period, when Jews and members of the resistance labour movement as well as critical clergymen where imprisoned here. Today it is a cultural centre with regular changing fascinating exhibitions.

Lübeck´s Town Hall – splendour and power The dark tiles on the roof of the Town Hall form a clear contrast to the building in classical red. But it was meant to be like this: the colour of the bricks for this building at the heart of Lübeck were made from a complicate mixture of ox blood, ashes and other different secret ingredients. The building was consistently extended by the patricians with the splendid wall with a breakthrough, a neat balcony and the three little towers called „Riesen“ which means giants. And still today the meetings of the city parliament take place in this building. Tip: For centuries politicians have held speeches and taken clever decisions behind the historic walls of the Town Hall. You can join them: just rent a meeting room. Contact ++49-(0)451/1 22 11 01.

Museum Harbour – where ships anchored over centuries You will find the main harbour of more than 20 historic vessels behind the hundred-years-old-swing bridge with the view to the delightful scenery of the Old Town of Lübeck. Friends of traditional sailing purchased the old vessels, restored them and finally tied them up at the Untertrave. You can join the revival during the cruise on the Baltic Sea.