Lubeck

Let’s jump up to the northern part of the country and talk about another medieval city: Lubeck. This city has one of the most extensive Altstadt, or old town, areas of any northern German city. Today, it’s still guarded by its iconic 15th-century red brick gate, and you’ll find plenty to love from the medieval city-center to the bustling Baltic Sea port areas.

Why go there?

There are six churches in Lubeck’s medieval quarter, and inside you’ll find some impressive examples of northern German ecclesiastical art. You’ll also want to check out the two city gates that have survived into the modern era, plus the old Rathaus, or town hall. But what I especially love about Lubeck is that it’s right there by the sea—don’t forget to view the ships at the Museumshafen or take a boat ride around the city! And you definitely need to try some of the marzipan that the city is famous for.

Where to go: Lübeck, Germany