Lübeck was founded in 1143 as the first “occidental city on the Baltic coast”. It is a perfect example of the Hanseatic city family in the Baltic Sea region and is still today considered the “Queen of the Hanseatic League”. The city ensemble is considered one of the major testimonials to redbrick Gothic: its medieval layout with road network, road structure, quarter and plot structure is almost unchanged. In 1987, the historic city centre of Lübeck was thus named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Since the Middle Ages, the seven towers of the churches have characterised the silhouette of the city. Thus, the Lübeck Marienkirche is considered the mother of northern German brick basilicas. Over 70 places of worship in the entire Baltic region were modelled on this church. From the viewing platform on the tower of the Petrikirche, which is 50 metres high, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the old town. From here, your gaze travels across a sea of red roof tiles and brick – and if the weather is nice, all the way to Travemünde and the Baltic Sea.
Incidentally: In 2017, with the motto “30 overnight!”, Lübeck celebrates 2017 the 30th anniversary of the awarding of the World Heritage title with numerous events: Besides discount promotions for those, who turn in 2017 30, there are special discovery tours on UNESCO World Heritage-related topics, freestart vouchers for the “Lübecker Stadtwerke Marathon”, special events in the Old Town churches and many more memorable highlights, which focus on the 30th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage. More information can be found at www.plötzlich30.de.