The Hanseatic era has left its mark across the entire Baltic Sea region. We present seven cities where its splendour still shines through. Part 1: Lübeck
The birthplace of the Hanseatic League lies at the mouth of the Trave. Lübeck was the political centre of the alliance, which formed the economic backbone of Northern Europe for centuries. Towards the end of the 13th century, under the leadership of Lübeck merchants, the Hanseatic League developed into a powerful confederation of cities and shaped the economy, trade and politics of northern Europe for more than 400 years. At its height, it linked around 200 towns between the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the interior – from London to Novgorod. Goods such as salt, herring, furs, grain and timber were transported via a dense network of maritime trade routes. The Baltic Sea was at the heart of this system.
Along the old Hanseatic Route
For boaters on the Baltic Sea, the old Hanseatic route is now an ideal cruising area: short distances, sheltered coasts, modern marinas and historic towns are all close together. The old Hanseatic cities are now far more than just historical backdrops. They combine maritime heritage with modern infrastructure, making the Baltic Sea one of Europe’s most exciting sailing areas. Traces of the Hanseatic League can still be found today in the architecture, culture and self-image of many Hanseatic people. Brick Gothic architecture, warehouses and powerful merchants’ guilds bear witness to wealth and long-distance trade. Numerous old towns are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the medieval city centre of Lübeck.
Traces of the Hanseatic League in Lübeck
The Holstentor is arguably the best-known symbol of Hanseatic power. The Old Town, with its brick churches, merchants’ houses and hidden passageways, vividly conveys the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Particularly worth seeing is the European Hanseatic Museum on the Untertrave (hansemuseum.eu), the old salt warehouses and the town hall, where the so-called Hanseatic Assemblies were held from 1356 onwards, with around 70 Hanseatic cities taking part.
Information for visiting boat owners
Lübeck Bay offers a good selection of modern marinas with guest berths. First and foremost among these is the Passathafen (luebeck.de) featuring the local landmark from which it takes its name: the four-masted barque ‘Passat’. The marina on the Priwall peninsula – overlooking Travemünde’s old town on the opposite shore – has 490 berths.
Alternatively, you can moor directly on the town side, for example at the historic Lübeck Yacht Club (lyc.de). The boat is moored more peacefully in Marina Baltica (marina-baltica.de) upstream. Anyone wishing to travel by boat to Lübeck should head up the River Trave and make for the Hansahafen behind the Eric-Warburg Bridge. Since 2017, the Newport Marina has been located here, alongside the historic Media Docks warehouse (the-newport.de) with 30 guest berths. Bookings can only be made online.
You can find more information about Lübeck in our regional profile:
Jill Grigoleit
Editor Travel
