From the time of its founding to the present day, water has been Lübeck’s elixir of life. Not only the Baltic Sea, which is a stone’s throw away from the city, but also the River Trave play a special role in the life of Lübeck’s residents and in the history of the town as “Queen of the Hanseatic League”. On the banks of the River Trave around Lübeck’s Old Town, the positive energy, the serenity and the emotional security associated with it flow through the streets of this beautiful Hanseatic city.
Painters' Corner on the romantic banks of the Trave offers you the most beautiful view of the Old Town cathedral district. In former times, the Stecknitz bargemen, with their cargoes of salt from Lüneburg, used to moor here. Today you it’s one of the most popular residential districts in the Old Town with neat gabled houses and medieval alleyways and courtyards. Discover Painters’ Corner and get a taste of the Lübeck lifestyle!
Water acted as a protection barrier in the Middle Ages as it surrounded the Old Town. Today still, you can only reach the picturesque Old Town, which has preserved its historical charm, via one of the small pedestrian bridges or large bridge streets. The river is dominated by the comings and goings of river cruise ships and hobby skippers enjoying the view from the water of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town. Don’t forget to visit the Museum Harbour, with its lovingly restored sailing ships.
Surrounded by the Trave and Wakenitz rivers, Lübeck’s historic Old Town has the most beautiful places to relax beside the water. On the banks of the Trave and Trave canal encompassing the historic Old Town, you will find romantic areas amid the greenery, beautiful paths alongside the water, traditional residential districts and the remains of the Old Town fortifications. Discover many other oases of greenery and lively locations right on Lübeck’s riverbanks.
Dive in - Lübeck offers you the chance to cool off in the water on hot summer days! When the temperatures rise, Lübeck’s natural open air swimming pools against the backdrop of the historical Old Town are a welcome relief. Enjoy the sun on expansive grassy areas and cool off by jumping into the fresh water. Why not cool of during the midday sun with a dip in the water, then use the afternoon to explore the historic UNESCO Old Town. With plenty of places in the shade to explore, Lübeck offers the perfect summer day.
The river Trave, the lifeline for the city, ends its tranquil journey in the nearby Baltic Sea. If you accompany it to its final destination, you’ll reach the urban seaside resort of Travemünde. It’s a journey that will take you 90 minutes by boat, with beautiful views on the way. Or if you want to save the travel time for your time there, the distance can be covered in a third of the time when travelling by bus, train or car. Only 30km form Lübeck’s Old Town, Travemünde welcomes you with fine sandy beaches, boats of all sizes and a fresh Baltic breeze. Forget about your troubles and experience the vastness of the sea and genuine summer freshness.