Lübeck

Beyond the banks of the River Trave, the sky-piercing steeples and spires of Lübeck's landmarks tell a compelling story about its Medieval influence. This city rose to prominence between the 11th and the 17th centuries as the capital of the Hanseatic trading league on the Baltic port, and came to be known as 'Queen City'. Time-weathered salt warehouses that now house bars and restaurants still line the western banks of the river, reminiscent of Lübeck's participation in the salt trade to neighboring Baltic port cities. The city's old-world aura is instantly palpable as one strolls through its narrow alleyways and ancient streets, as gable-roofed houses juxtaposed with tall Gothic churches and picture-perfect merchant homes come into view, along with the iconic Holsten Gate that dominates its Medieval skyline. Despite the devastation caused by the war to several of Lübeck's Medieval structures, thousands of excellently preserved buildings that braved the war's ravages have merited it UNESCO's World Heritage Site title.