Hi - has anyone ever traveled to Lubeck in Germany before? I would like to hear anything about it - pros and cons and hotel and sightseeing suggestions. Any help is welcome!

Hi,
you probably already came across this site, didn't you?
http://www.luebeck-tourism.de

We took a day trip to Lubeck when our cruise ship docked in Hamburg. Took a canal ride and walked the streets. It was a lovely town. I can't remember the name of it, but there is an outstanding restaurant on one of the main streets. It used to be an old seaman's club. It has all kinds of neat memorabilia hanging from the walls and ceilings. I would put it on the list of "must do" in Lubeck.

If you are interested, the information center can give you the name and directions -- that's how we found out about it.

Here's that restaurant - found it on Kascha912's link. Under Points of Interest in Lubeck.

The Schiffergesellschaft (Seamen's Guild)(Breite Str. 2)

Lubeck is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so! It is a charming old Hanseatic city. Check out Kascha's recommendation. We have visited Lubeck twice, but only as day trips from Hamburg - so can't help with hotels, but I am sure you will enjoy your trip to Lubeck!

Most of central Lubeck is a faithful restoration of the old Hanseatic League city. In 1942, the Royal Air Force burned Lubeck to the ground, leaving only charred ruins within the central city.

Before you travel to Lubeck I would recommend that you read Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann. In fact it should be read by anyone anyway - a great book. (some of the best marzipan comes from Lubeck btw)

DP,

Lubeck, as outlined by posters before, is a gracious medieval town that is very well preserved. Its main landmark is a picturesque city gate called "Holstentor" which today houses a museum of impressive but gruesome torture instruments. Still recommended.

Apart from that, there is a puppet- on- -a -string theatre that is quite popular.

You will enjoy the old houses displaying a vibrant city in old days when it was the center of the "Hanse" Free Trade Association.

Regarding Restaurants, I will gladly second the recomendation of "Schiffergesellschaft", but will also throw in a quaint restaurant called "Hanse" in a side- street close to the puppet theatre. Also excellent food is served at Restaurant Landwehr, a little outside of old town but in very pretty settings.

For excursions you might want to go to the nearby Baltic Sea and as a *must* in my opinion to Hamburg, where you should probably plan to spend at least two days. Hamburg is usually underrated with visitors from across the Atlantic but is considered the most beatuiful German metropolis by a growing number of Germans. It also has been keeping a top spot in inner German City Travels for years.
If you need any advice, I'll be glad to post.

For accomodation in Lubeck, there are basically three big chain hotels which jump to mind: Radisson SAS, Moevenpick and Scandic.
The Radisson is the nicest in my opinion with a good location on a small island right opposite Old Town and just a short stroll away. The Moevenpick is basically across the street. Both are not far from the train station.
The Scandic is on the other side of the city also not within Old Town but also only a short stroll away. The street passing by, though, is a busy one.

Enjoy your trip and feel free to post if you have any further questions! Should you prefer more private hotels, I will gladly try to be of assistance!

Regards
hsv

Many thanks to all of you who took the time to write regarding Lubeck. I've decided after reading your emails that we will definitely go there for a night and visit all the sights you have suggested. Thanks again!