SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN, GERMANY

Lübeck: The Undisputed Queen of the North

When people think of Schleswig-Holstein, the very first image that appears is the mighty Holstentor gate – that proud, twin-towered brick icon that has graced a million postcards and even appeared on the old German 50-DM banknote. Behind it lies Lübeck’s UNESCO-listed old town, the most perfectly preserved medieval Hanseatic city in northern Europe and the undisputed most famous destination in the entire state.

Seven gothic church spires pierce the sky, narrow cobblestone alleys hide secret courtyards, and the red-brick architecture glows golden at sunset. This was once the capital of the powerful Hanseatic League, the “Queen of the Baltic,” and Thomas Mann’s hometown (his Buddenbrooks house is now a museum). Don’t leave without tasting the world-famous Niederegger marzipan – Lübeck invented the sweet almond treat in the Middle Ages.

Best moments

• Walk through the Holstentor at blue hour when it’s beautifully lit.
• Climb St. Petri Church tower (€5) for a 360° panorama over red roofs and the Trave River.
• In December, Lübeck’s Christmas market (one of Germany’s oldest and most romantic) fills the air with roasted almonds and Glühwein.

Practical tips

• Train from Hamburg: only 45 minutes (€15).
• Buy the Lübeck Card (from €12/24 h) for free museums and buses.
• Stay inside the old town island – waking up before the day-trippers is pure magic.

Lübeck isn’t just Schleswig-Holstein’s most famous sight – it’s one of the most enchanting medieval cities on the entire continent. Come once, and you’ll understand why sailors, merchants, and travellers have fallen in love with her for 900 years.

Additionally, you can conveniently discover a variety of captivating tourist destinations throughout Schleswig-Holstein of  GERMANY . – WTTD is thrilled to recommend top travel attractions for your next adventure! #WTTD

1. Helgoland – Germany’s Only High-Sea Island Bright-red cliffs, turquoise water and thousands of gannets and seals. Duty-free shopping, WWII bunkers and the famous “Lange Anna” rock stack.

Tip: Take the early catamaran from Cuxhaven (2.5 h, €45 return). Walk the cliff path at sunset – the North Sea glows pink.

2. Sylt – Champagne Air & Endless Beaches Germany’s most glamorous island: 40 km of white sand, thatched-roof houses, kite-surfers and celebrity sightings. Watch the sunset from the red cliffs of Kampen.

Tip: Arrive by car-train over the Hindenburgdamm (€90 return). Rent a bike and cycle to the whispering dunes of List.

3. Kiel & Kieler Woche – The World’s Biggest Sailing Party Every June, three million people flood Kiel for the largest sailing event on earth – free concerts, tall ships and fireworks over the fjord. Tip: Book accommodation one year in advance! Outside festival time, climb the Naval Memorial for panoramic views.
4. Wadden Sea – Walk on the Seabed UNESCO-listed tidal wonderland. When the sea retreats, join a guided mudflat walk (Wattwanderung) to spot seals and millions of migrating birds.

Tip: Wear old trainers and book with a certified guide (€20–25). Best from May to October – barefoot in summer is pure joy.

5. Glücksburg Castle – The White Fairytale on Water Snow-white Renaissance palace floating on a lake near the Danish border. Royal interiors, mirror -like reflections and swans everywhere.

Tip: Guided tour €9. Rent a rowing boat (€10/hr) and glide right up to the castle walls.

6. U-995 Submarine – Step Inside a Real WWII U-Boat Climb through the narrow steel tubes of the last surviving Type VIIC submarine at Laboe beach. Feel the claustrophobic history.

Tip: Combine with the Naval Memorial tower (€7 combo). Visit at sunset – Baltic Sea views are stunning.

7. Holstein Switzerland – Lakes, Hills & Hidden Castles Rolling green hills, 200 crystal-clear lakes and romantic castles – Germany’s surprising “mini Switzerland” in the north.

Tip: Rent a canoe on the Großer Plöner See and paddle to the fairy-tale island castle of Plön.

8. Flensburg – Rum, Vikings & Danish Vibes Germany’s northernmost city with colourful harbor houses, aquavit distilleries and a maritime museum inside an old rum warehouse.

Tip: Take the free brewery tour at Flensburger Pilsener and finish with fish sandwiches on the quay.

9. Hedeby Viking Museum – Travel Back 1,200 Years Reconstructed Viking longhouses, ships and smithies right where Europe’s biggest early medieval trading town once stood (UNESCO candidate).

Tip: Weekends = live forging, archery and bread-baking in costume. Kids (and adults) love dressing up as Vikings!

WTTD- EASY AND HAPPY 💕💖💕