Lubeck

‘Queen City of the Hanseatic League’ – Lübeck more than deserves this title. The city is a walking history museum and home to numerous architectural monuments. But in addition to its cobbled streets, seven towers and historic trading houses, Lübeck has another special feature: its proximity to the Baltic Sea.

Historical Setting

Lübeck’s old town is characterised by buildings that have been constructed over many centuries and showcase an architectural heritage of global importance. There are plenty of reasons to take a closer look at this UNESCO World Heritage Site while walking through the town or at events:

• Holstentor: The gateway to the city and a Lübeck landmark. It was built in 1464–1478 and was once a symbol of the power of this Hanseatic city. The green spaces surrounding the gate are a great place to relax and unwind, especially in summer.
• Lübeck’s passageways and courtyards: You can explore around 90 medieval passageways, gateways and courtyards in Lübeck. They run through the back courtyards of the old town like a labyrinth. But watch out: mind your head and shoulders – the entrances are often low and narrow.
• St. Petri Church: If you want to see the city from above, you should visit the viewing platform at St. Petri Church. On a sunny day, you will get a fantastic panoramic view from a height of 50 metres.
• Open-air stage: Lübeck’s open-air stage provides culture under the open sky. There are concerts, readings and plays for everyone to enjoy.
• Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival: Listen to classical music in extraordinary settings at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Musical performances are best enjoyed in shipyards and industrial halls, away from concert halls and opera houses.

Waterworld

Thanks to its special island location, Lübeck’s old town is surrounded by water. So be sure to visit the river and natural pools, especially on hot days! There are plenty of places in Lübeck where you can cool off, such as Krähenteich, Marli, Falkenwiese and Eichenholz. If you prefer to dangle your feet in the river, Malerwinkel is the place for you: you can picnic on the riverbank with a view of the old town in the cathedral district.

Just a stone’s throw from the old town is the popular Travemünde district, where the Trave River flows into the Baltic Sea. Row upon row of deckchairs line the 1.7-kilometre sandy beach. But don’t worry, there is plenty of space here, even in high season. You can peacefully watch the seaside shenanigans in a maritime setting. Numerous sailing boats and large ferries glide by the PASSAT, a four-masted steel barque anchored in Passathafen marina.

If you like gazing down from above, don’t miss the old lighthouse in Travemünde, from where you will have a stunning view of the promenade. It also houses a small maritime museum. Early risers can purchase the catch of the day from the boats in the fishing port.

Timmendorfer Strand is very close to Lübeck. This popular resort probably has one of the most fabulous beaches on the Baltic Sea. Adults and children, solo travellers and large families will all enjoy the holiday atmosphere at Timmendorfer Strand. Besides showers and deckchairs, Wi-Fi is also available. This place has plenty to offer, especially for sports enthusiasts: beach volleyball, football, diving, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, climbing, yoga or a simple pedalo ride.

• Niendorf fishing harbour: It is one of the smallest fishing ports on the Baltic Sea, but should not be underestimated. There is always something going on here, from harbour festivals to daily fishing activities and artisans exhibiting their work.
• Piers: Timmendorfer Strand has three piers, all of which are worth a visit. In addition to Seeschlösschen and Fischkopf piers, the new Maritim pier is currently under construction. It is 430 metres long and features a circular walk.
• Gardens: If you want to escape the hustle and bustle on the beach, you can sunbathe in one of the two gardens, where there are beautiful natural surroundings as far as the eye can see, along with one or two shady spots.

How far is Timmendorfer Strand from Lübeck? 
Timmendorfer Strand is located just 19 kilometres from Lübeck. The best way to travel there is by train, car or taxi. It takes around 20 minutes to get from our hotel in Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand.   

 From Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand by train
The quickest way to reach Timmendorfer Strand is by train. The IC will take you to this popular destination in 12 minutes, the regional train in 13–15 minutes. Trains depart every hour.
From Timmendorfer Strand station you can walk to the beach and town centre in about 20 minutes, or take bus no. 40. Travel time: approx. 12–15 minutes, Cost: starting from EUR 5  

Taxi from Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand
You can also conveniently travel from Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand by taxi. 
Travel time: approx. 22 minutes, Cost: approx. EUR 37 

From Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand by car
It takes 20 to 30 minutes to drive from Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand. There are a total of three free car parks, P1 ETC (Wohldstraße), P2 Zentrum/Famila (Höppnerweg) and P3 (Wiesenweg), which are all clearly signposted and within walking distance of the beach. Parking is also available near the beach and town centre, but there is a charge for this. And if you are driving an electric vehicle, there are also charging stations at Timmendorfer Strand. 

From Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand by bike
You can also get from Lübeck to Timmendorfer Strand by bike. The cycle path is about 19 kilometres long and takes a good hour.