CULTURE IS HAPPINESS

Experience the diversity of Lübeck’s museums in the historic Old Town. Whether you are looking for a glimpse of Hanseatic history, medieval or modern art or inspiring encounters with Nobel Prize Laureates – in Lübeck, you will find precisely what you’re searching for. Simply let the flow of the crowds between the historical brick buildings of Lübeck’s Old Town carry you from museum to museum. Rummage in the museum’s shops and enjoy a refreshing coffee break between visits, to let your experiences sink in.

Three major personalities of the German cultural and political landscape have a home in Lübeck: Visit Lübeck’s Nobel Prize Laureates (Thomas Mann, Günter Grass and Willy Brandt) in the museums dedicated to them in Lübeck’s historic Old Town. Here you can find out everything about their complex lives and works, as well as their close attachment to this Hanseatic city. Besides the thought-provoking exhibitions on permanent display, you could partake in numerous small events such as readings, discussions or concerts, spread over the year. Why not use your time here to become acquainted with our Thomas, Günter and Willy?

Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Mann, Günter Grass and other wonderful writers who have made Lübeck their muse. We invite you to visit the charming independent bookshops, take a look at the historic Central Library and be inspired by the many literary events throughout the year. Start your literary journey through Lübeck right here!

Lübeck’s lively theatre scene is a magnet, attracting visitors from far beyond the town’s borders. Whether it’s dramas, performances, summertime operettas or opera – here the curtains rise on scenes of high culture as well as experimental pieces. Theater Lübeck is, of course, the prime venue in the cultural scene of this Hanseatic city. But don’t underestimate the smaller theatres, which entice visitors with thrilling productions and, in some cases, unusual locations. Start your stroll through Lübeck’s theatre world here!

The seven spires of the Lübeck’s five major Old Town churches are legendary and have dominated the Hanseatic city’s skyline for centuries. Watch the striking brick churches come alive as people fill their pews and corridors. In Lübeck, the church and culture go hand in hand to take you on an inspirational journey through the mediums of music, lyricism and interaction.

There’s always something going on in Lübeck! Concerts, readings, dramas, parties, traditional events and cultural moments: let them captivate you and watch as the historical brick architecture of this Hanseatic city comes to life with their pure joiede vivre. What awaits you when you come to Lübeck? The event calendar will help you plan all your cultural excursions.

Every year, Lübeck becomes a major stage for Nordic films, with far more to offer than just dark thrillers. The Nordic Film Days awaits you, with over 300 events, feature films, documentaries and short films from Northern and North Eastern Europe. The festival – often interactive, always inspiring – brings you into this cinematic world. Over the last few years, the festival has become a lively forum for debate on cinema and cinematic art, offering encounters with film makers and numerous events beyond the movie theatres. Here you can find out more about the Nordic Film Days in Lübeck.

Pure joie de vivre in the narrow streets, alleyways and courtyards of the Old Town and a true labour of love on the part of Lübeck. Every two years, the HanseKulturFestival transforms one of the historical Old Town districts into a world of adventure, with music and dance, fringe theatre and culinary offerings. It also offers a great opportunity to meet the people who live here and who make Lübeck the city we love. Get a glimpse of the HanseKulturFestival here, to be held in June 2026.

Experience the wonder of classical music in not-so-classical locations at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival. Whether it’s idyllic farmhouses, magnificent mansions or blissfully beautiful parks – every location is brought to life by world stars of classical music, as well as rising young talent. The Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival awaits you with musical delights at the state’s most beautiful locations from 5 July-30 August 2025.

The life’s work of the gifted composer Johannes Brahms lives on worldwide through his music. It’s often the musical backdrop to the most beautiful venues and unforgettable moments. But, of course, we hear you saying: Brahms in Lübeck? He was a Hamburg lad! Well, nowadays he “lives” in Lübeck, specifically in Villa Eschenburg on Jerusalemberg. Letters, notes, pictures and manuscripts await you in the exhibition of Lübeck’s Brahms Institute. And every year, his musical works are celebrated in Lübeck, when the Academy of Music invites visitors to the Brahms Festival in the Hanseatic city. Find out more about such Brahmsian experiences in Lübeck here!

The life’s work of the gifted composer Johannes Brahms lives on worldwide through his music. It brightens up the most beautiful event locations and creates unforgettable moments. But anyone who knows the composer’s life will now be wondering: Brahms in Lübeck? He was a Hamburg lad! Today, however, Brahms “lives” in Lübeck, in Villa Eschenburg on Jerusalemberg – letters, notes, pictures and manuscripts await you in this exhibition of Lübeck’s Brahms Institute. And every year, his musical works are celebrated in Lübeck when the Academy of Music invites visitors to the Brahms Festival in the Hanseatic city. Find out more here about such Brahmsian experiences in Lübeck!

Lübeck has an incredibly delicious ambassador – its marzipan. How did this tasty delicacy come to Lübeck in the first place? What makes Lübeck’s marzipan so special? How can you experience this Hanseatic treat in Lübeck? Get the best tips on how to indulge yourself on your holiday in Lübeck here!

Lübeck’s Old Town shines with a pre-Christmas warming glow, enticing you to take a stroll through the famous Lübeck Christmas Market beside the historic Town Hall, which forms an impressive backdrop to the lovingly designed Christmas markets. Different Christmas worlds await you in the Old Town. Among them, two small, yet exquisite, indoor craft markets unparalleled anywhere in the world: at the Hospital of the Holy Spirit from the 13th century and in the radiantly white naves of St. Peter's church. If you missed the chance to catch them last year, not to worry, it’s repeated every year!