There are reminders of Lübeck's colourful past everywhere you go. The old quarter, ringed by water, is an impressive illustration of medieval brick Gothic architecture and brings 1,000 years of history to life. The entire oval old town - the setting for Thomas Mann's novel "Buddenbrooks" - is a UNESCO world heritage site. Lübeck is also a modern trading port and, via the coastal resort of Travemünde, a terminal for ferries to and from Scandinavia and the Baltic.

Lübeck has a medieval atmosphere and many sites of cultural and historical interest: the Holsten Gate, St. Mary's Church, the town hall and historic administration building (Kanzleigebäude), alleyways and courtyards, the four-mast barque “Passat” that has become the symbol of Travemünde, the Hospital of the Holy Ghost and St. Peter's Church, whose tower offers awe-inspiring views over the town. There is also the marzipan salon which tells the story of the popular Lübeck delicacy.

The Castle Monastery Cultural Forum is in a restored Dominican monastery. St. Katharine's Museum Church has a frieze of figures by Ernst Barlach and Gerhard Marcks. Amazing puppets and marionettes from many different eras and from all over the world can be seen at the Puppet Theatre Museum.