The stern is pointing out to the sea, just as if the ship was only waiting for the harbor pilot to set sails and embark for the Baltic Sea. However, the Passat has found her last port here. She was built in 1911, when sailing ships were already a species on the brink of extinction. However her owner, Laeiz Lines, wanted to keep the tradition of their famous "Flying-P-Liners" alive. The Passat was the most up-to-date sailing ship in the world then. She was still serving as a school ship for the merchant navy in the 1950s when a similar vessel, the Pamir, sank in the South Atlantic in 1957 and took 80 cadets with her. That was the end for the Passat: she was taken out of service and was to be wrecked, but the city of Lubeck bought the ship and towed her to her old home port.
Extending over the centuries, the imposing town hall is a patchwork of different architectural styles. The original building dates from 1230. The Lange Haus (Long House) was added in 1298 and extended in 1442 with an ornate main hall. The last major change was made in 1570, with a stylish Dutch renaissance-style limestone building erected on the wing facing Breite Straße. The town hall is still the seat of the city council and can be visited in guided tours. The rococo Audienzsaal (reception hall) from 1760 is particularly impressive.
One of the city’s oldest church, the St. Mary’s Church is a gateway to Lubeck’s cultural history. An exemplary model of North German brick gothic architecture, the church is a symbol of the city’s prosperity. During World War II, the church suffered grave damages; however, the city restored the structure in a way that retained the grandeur of the church, whilst exhibiting the war wounds. The broken remains of the historic bells are an example of the mindful restoration. In addition to the notable architecture and fascinating history, the church houses several cultural highlights, such as the astronomical clock, the historic carillon and the Fredenhagen altarpiece. The Danse Macabre stained glass of the church is possibly its most popular feature. The vivid windows of the Danse Macabre Chapel boast of colorful artwork, depicting morbid figures of those dead and alive. Visit the St. Mary’s Church for an unforgettable immersive experience.
Construction work of Lübeck Cathedral began in 1173 and despite later architectural changes, the cathedral still resembles a monumental religious fortress. Gothic elements like the steeple roofs, the chancel and western wing were added in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Reformation in the 16th century did not change the status of the cathedral, except that the bishop was Protestant rather than Catholic. Like much of the Old Town, the cathedral was heavily damaged in a 1942 air-raid, but several priceless treasures survived including the 17-meter (55.77-feet) high Christus Triumphator from 1477 and the Gothic balcony and clock from 1628.
A major attraction in the old town, the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital in Lübeck dates back to 1227. Later run as a church, the structure recognizable by its red brick exterior has an old people's home and has an extensive collection of murals.
Featuring different elements constructed over varying points in time during the Middle Ages, Lübeck's city gate is not just a fortification; it is a symbol of the city's wealth and independence. Featuring a beautiful Gothic façade, Holstentor is one of Lübeck's most recognizable landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site which serves as a museum with informative exhibits.
Klosterkirche Rehna is a 13th Century Benedictine abbey in Rehna. This charming monastery was renovated in the 15th Century and boasts of the Neo-Romanesque architecture. The interiors of this spacious abbey are adorned with stunning art and artifacts collected over time and the most notable among them are the sculptures and murals boasting of Neo-Gothic elements. The ancient abbey is surrounded by beautiful courtyards which house flowering as well as rare medicinal plants. Now, besides being a place of worship, the abbey is known for hosting several art and cultural events like music concerts, dramatics and more. A must-visit tourist attraction when in Rehna, the monastery is a revered place filled with serenity.
An imposing castle found in Germany's Schleswig-Holstein, Plön Castle remains the only castle of its type to still survive in the country. An erstwhile royal residence of Dukes of Schleswig-Holstein, Plön Castle was constructed in the 17th Century with the Thirty Years War serving as an unforgettable backdrop. Plön Castle boasts of an eventful history which includes its use as a boarding school and a training facility for cadets. Today, a part of the castle is converted into a museum.
Extending over the centuries, the imposing town hall is a patchwork of different architectural styles. The original building dates from 1230. The Lange Haus (Long House) was added in 1298 and extended in 1442 with an ornate main hall. The last major change was made in 1570, with a stylish Dutch renaissance-style limestone building erected on the wing facing Breite Straße. The town hall is still the seat of the city council and can be visited in guided tours. The rococo Audienzsaal (reception hall) from 1760 is particularly impressive.
The stern is pointing out to the sea, just as if the ship was only waiting for the harbor pilot to set sails and embark for the Baltic Sea. However, the Passat has found her last port here. She was built in 1911, when sailing ships were already a species on the brink of extinction. However her owner, Laeiz Lines, wanted to keep the tradition of their famous "Flying-P-Liners" alive. The Passat was the most up-to-date sailing ship in the world then. She was still serving as a school ship for the merchant navy in the 1950s when a similar vessel, the Pamir, sank in the South Atlantic in 1957 and took 80 cadets with her. That was the end for the Passat: she was taken out of service and was to be wrecked, but the city of Lubeck bought the ship and towed her to her old home port.
The Segeberg Kalkberg Cave is a show cave situated in the lower region of the Kalkberg rock in the town of Bad Segeberg. This is the sole cave in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein and is attractive to both geological experts as well as those with an adventurous streak. Here, one can view rocks forming peculiar shapes, plenty of bats and a species of beetle that is not found anywhere else in the world. Be sure to don warm clothing as the temperature can dip as low as nine degree Celsius (48.2 degree Fahrenheit). This cave is accessible to the general public from the months of April to September and one can participate in a guided tour to learn more about the natural process of cave formation and other interesting geological facts.
One of the city’s oldest church, the St. Mary’s Church is a gateway to Lubeck’s cultural history. An exemplary model of North German brick gothic architecture, the church is a symbol of the city’s prosperity. During World War II, the church suffered grave damages; however, the city restored the structure in a way that retained the grandeur of the church, whilst exhibiting the war wounds. The broken remains of the historic bells are an example of the mindful restoration. In addition to the notable architecture and fascinating history, the church houses several cultural highlights, such as the astronomical clock, the historic carillon and the Fredenhagen altarpiece. The Danse Macabre stained glass of the church is possibly its most popular feature. The vivid windows of the Danse Macabre Chapel boast of colorful artwork, depicting morbid figures of those dead and alive. Visit the St. Mary’s Church for an unforgettable immersive experience.