![\"Skyline](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-991882690.jpg\")
\n\t\tThis medieval gem is one of Germany\u2019s best-kept secrets (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tThis medieval gem is one of Germany\u2019s best-kept secrets (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
An ancient Baltic<\/a> port boasting more than a thousand historic buildings, L\u00fcbeck is the epitome of brick gothic, a canal city of cosy bars and imposing churches that is a great choice for a quiet winter getaway<\/a>.<\/p>\n This 12th-century gem, about an hour\u2019s drive northeast of Hamburg<\/a>, has been shaped by centuries of history. <\/p>\n Once the capital of the Hanseatic League (a powerful merchant guild that controlled the North Sea back in the 1100s), today it\u2019s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful cobbled streets, a surprising amount of green spaces and some excellent places to eat and drink.<\/p>\n Often described as one of Germany<\/a>\u2019s best-kept secrets, L\u00fcbeck is a good alternative to popular spots such as Munich <\/a>and Berlin<\/a>, with all the charm and much smaller crowds. <\/p>\n But it\u2019s unlikely to stay that way for long. Ryanair <\/a>is about to launch a new direct winter route from the UK, flying from London Stansted<\/a> three times a week from October 27.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s everything to consider when planning your itinerary.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/p>\n Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t Given its proximity to the sea, medieval L\u00fcbeck is one of the few German destinations where fish trumps meat. <\/p>\n Historically, the city was famed for salted fish, which was a key trade commodity. Now, this legacy is seen in its local dishes: cod in mustard sauce, and herring \u2014 grilled and pickled. <\/p>\n You should also have a go at the famous northern dish Labskaus, a beef stew with a fried quail\u2019s egg, salted herring and a sweet-and-sour garnish.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t L\u00fcbeck is home to highly regarded red wine, known as Rotspon. The wine originates mainly from Bordeaux <\/a>and is aged in cellars under the Trave River, giving it a distinctly woody taste.<\/p>\n But its most famous culinary treat, by far, is Marzipan. Home to Niederegger and Carstens, two of the world\u2019s largest Marzipan companies, the city claims to be the global capital of the love-it-or-hate-it almond treat.<\/p>\n Try it for yourself at Cafe Niederegger<\/a> before having a quick look inside the Niederegger Marzipan Museum. <\/p>\n Other cafes and restaurants not to be missed are: <\/p>\n Things to see and do<\/p>\n A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, L\u00fcbeck boasts buildings that date back more than eight centuries.<\/p>\n The best way to soak in the vibe of the Old Town is to get lost in the narrow streets, then book a tour to climb the stairs of the Marienkirche, the \u2018mother church of brick gothic\u2019 that is (somewhat surprisingly) one of the tallest churches in the world. <\/p>\n \t\t From the top, there are magnificent views of the town and its seven church spires, plus famous landmarks such as the 15-century Holsten Gate. You\u2019ll also get a glimpse of L\u00fcbeck\u2019s Town Hall which has stood in the market square since 1230.<\/p>\n Back on solid ground, check out the Kulturwerft Gollan, a renovated 19th-century shipyard that hosts concerts and festivals. This is where you\u2019ll find Sudden Death brewery, plus a DIY design centre that runs craft workshops for beginners.<\/p>\n In summer, there\u2019s nowhere better to spend an afternoon than on the banks of the River Wakenitz, swimming in the natural open-air pool, the Marli, and strolling around the Dr\u00e4gerpark.<\/p>\n A good choice is a boat cruise on the waterways that encircle the Old Town (book through Boat Now<\/a>; \u20ac49 for an hour), or a spin on a rental bike, zipping along the canals and winding lanes lined with boutiques and eateries.<\/p>\n But at this time of year, you\u2019re best to beeline for Breite Strasse, where the L\u00fcbeck Christmas market will run from November 24 until December 30 (closed December 24 and December 25).<\/p>\n Christmas markets have a long tradition in this part of Germany, and you can expect all manner of festive magic, from roasted almonds and deep-fried pastries to mulled wine and artisan ceramics.<\/p>\n For art lovers, there\u2019s a walk and sketch tour<\/a> accompanied by German artist Suzanna Adler, and for history buffs, there\u2019s the the Classical City tour<\/a> which takes in all of the key sites.<\/p>\n Where to stay<\/p>\n L\u00fcbeck has plenty of decent hotels, most within walking distance of the magical Old Town.<\/p>\n For something cheap, cheerful and perfectly comfortable, the Holiday Inn \u2013 the niu, Rig L\u00fcbeck<\/a> has double rooms from \u00a356, staying on Friday, November 7.<\/p>\n The Premier Inn City Centre<\/a> has doubles from \u00a368 for the same night, and the highly-rated LIHO \u2013 einfach L\u00fcbeck<\/a> is a little dearer at \u00a389.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tGetting to L\u00fcbeck from the UK\t\t\t<\/p>\n From October 27, Ryanair flights will depart from London Stansted to L\u00fcbeck on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays for the winter season. <\/p>\n Return fares start from\u00a0\u00a330<\/a>\u00a0between\u00a0November 6 \u2013 9, with\u00a0one-way flights from as little as \u00a315\u00a0available throughout the month.<\/p>\n You can fly direct or head to Hamburg to spend a few days by the Elbe River before taking the 40 minute direct train<\/a> to L\u00fcbeck for a scenic route.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Old](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2177661132.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe Museum Harbour of L\u00fcbeck is worth exploring on a sunny day (Picture: Getty Images)
\nWhere to eat (screenshot for your Notes app)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/SEI271326411-10fe.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe city was once a key trade hub for the Baltic region (Picture: Metro)<\/p>\n![\"Holstein](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-521104034.jpg\")
\n\t\tL\u00fcbeck is home to one thousand historic buildings (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-1323314845.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe city gate is like a scene from a fairytale (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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