PROGEDO presents: The Hanseatic City of Lübeck
The Hanseatic City of Lübeck – “The Gateway to the North”
The Hanseatic City of Lübeck is located in the North German Plain and, with its approximately 212,000 inhabitants, is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Germany. Also known as the "Gateway to the North" or "the City of Seven Spires," Lübeck impresses with its close proximity to the Bay of Lübeck and its waterway connections via the Trave, Wakenitz, and Elbe-Lübeck Canal.
Extensive parks, many green spaces and forests, as well as the very special old town scenery make Lübeck a real eye-catcher and give the independent city its very own character and charm.
Lübeck is located in Schleswig-Holstein and, with a total area of approximately 214.1 km², is the largest city in the state. Lübeck is divided into ten districts with a total of 35 boroughs, of which the city center is the smallest. Lübeck's old town is located on an island, the so-called Werder, and is surrounded by the Trave and Wakenitz waterways. Furthermore, the Elbe-Lübeck Canal runs through the urban area of Krummesse all the way to the Trave. The nearest major cities are the state capital Kiel about 78 kilometers to the northwest, the Free and Hanseatic City Hamburg about 65 kilometers southwest and Schwerin Located approximately 68 kilometers southeast. All three cities can be reached in about an hour by car thanks to excellent infrastructure such as the B76, the A1, and the A20.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck – CLIMATE … simply “maritime”
Characterized by the so-called "fresh breeze" from the Baltic Sea, Lübeck's climate is moderately warm—quite maritime. Newcomers should bring a windbreaker, but can also look forward to sunny months. July and August in particular are the warmest months of the year, with an average of around 17.6ºC. The coldest month is January, with temperatures just below freezing.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck – HISTORY and CITY PORTRAIT … “the mother of the Hanseatic League”
Founded in 1143 by Adolf von Schauenburg, Lübeck rose to power and wealth as the center of the medieval Hanseatic League. As a free imperial city, it maintained its independence until 1937, but then felt the effects of the Second World War. The bell in St. Mary's Church, destroyed by bombing, can still be seen today as a memorial. However, the proverbial "Hanseatic civic spirit" made it possible to restore and preserve the city's architecture, built around 1159 under Henry the Lion. What's more, Lübeck's Old Town, with its famous seven towers, numerous listed buildings, historic alleys, winding passageways, courtyards, and monasteries, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Today, Lübeck boasts Germany's largest Baltic Sea port, serving countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and the entire Baltic region from the Lübeck-Travemünde district. Numerous ferry connections exist throughout the Baltic region.
ECONOMY … “a continuous process of adjustment”
Lübeck has developed into a center for trade, services, education, and research. Globally active companies such as the medical and safety technology manufacturer Dräger, the medical laboratory diagnostics company Euroimmun, the marzipan manufacturer IG Niederegger, the shipping company Oldendorff, and the biotech company GC Hahn & Co, the global market leader in food stabilizers, have their headquarters in the Hanseatic city. Since May 2012, the Hanseatic City of Lübeck has been part of the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. Lübeck has four state universities, numerous high schools, and a total of three comprehensive schools.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck – LEISURE ACTIVITIES … “there is much to discover”
Lübeck, the city of poets and thinkers. Lübeck, a city with much to offer. Culture enthusiasts can, among other things, follow in the footsteps of Thomas and Heinrich Mann and the associated, world-famous Buddenbrooks House, or immerse themselves in the world of Günter Grass, the famous Lübeck resident and literary prize-winner, to whom a special exhibition space in Lübeck's old town has been dedicated. Numerous museums for young and old, events in the Music and Congress Hall, and the Lübeck Theater also offer a wide range of leisure activities.
And culinary delights are also catered for. Gourmets will find a wide variety of first-class restaurants, especially in Lübeck's Old Town. Fish lovers and early risers can take home freshly caught fish straight from the fishing boats in Travemünde harbor. Numerous weekly markets expand the range of fresh produce, and lovers of sweet treats will find Café Niederegger just the thing. Here, in addition to delicious cakes and aromatic coffee, you'll find the world-famous Lübeck marzipan in a wide variety of variations.
For shopping enthusiasts, Lübeck's city center offers a variety of small and large shops, all within easy walking distance. From the pedestrian zone "Breite Straße," where Lübeck's traditional wine house "von Melle" is located, to the
There are many excellent shopping opportunities on the famous Hüxstraße. The shopping options are expanded by numerous shopping centers located in the surrounding area. Night owls are also well catered for: cozy pubs, cocktail bars, and the HÜX, located on the edge of Lübeck's old town, offer a varied evening and nightlife program.
PURE NATURE … “Relaxation in the countryside”
And for those who want to escape everyday life, the Hanseatic city offers its residents, in addition to a wide variety of tourist attractions and sights, complete relaxation in the countryside. Nature lovers and those who enjoy outdoor activities will definitely get their money's worth here. Lübeck is one of the largest municipal forest owners in Germany and boasts nature reserves, numerous hiking trails, extensive parks and river landscapes, and historic swimming pools, such as the listed river swimming pool at Falkenwiese, thus offering a high level of quality of life. The Baltic Sea region, located in the Bay of Lübeck, is easily reached by car in 30 minutes – Travemünde is a district of Lübeck – and the neighboring state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is also always worth a visit.