Lubeck, Germany, has been an important port and city of trade since the 1100s. The city lies only a short distance from the Baltic Sea and is connected to it by the Trave River.
The circular medieval town center was partially destroyed during World War II, but reconstruction has been fairly extensive—enough to make it a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Be sure to visit the old reconstructed cathedral. It's as much an interpretation as it is a reconstruction, and elements of its destruction were symbolically included when it was rebuilt: The stained-glass windows incorporate images of the shattered old windows, and the huge old church bells have been left where they fell, embedded in the floor by the impact of their landing during the fire that swept through the church when it was destroyed.
The city's huge gate (called Holstentor), which dates from 1478, is well-preserved, as is the impressive town hall.
Make a stop at the Museum of Puppet Theater, followed by a sample of the city's world-famous marzipan, which comes in all shapes and sizes. Cafe Niederegger in Breite Strasse 89 is a good place to get it.
Buddenbrookhaus, named after Thomas Mann's acclaimed novel Die Buddenbrooks, is also worth a visit. North of the city is the popular Baltic resort town of Travemunde.
Lubeck merits a half-day visit from Hamburg, 41 mi/66 km to the southwest.
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