I arrived in Lubeck in grey drizzle. Even so I was charmed by my first wander around the old town. Steeped in history Lubeck really emerged as an important medieval city as the headquarters of the Hanseatic League, an important mercantile organisation radiating around the Baltic and beyond. Lubeck emerged as a wealthy and powerful city during this period. It’s architecture bears witness to its pride and significance in the region.
Despite being heavily bombed in WW2 enough of significance remains to give a real impression of the medieval city and its layout with small streets lined with late medieval houses coming up from the river. These houses of several stories and stepped gables form a unique streetscape. The design is reminiscent of those houses lining the canals in Amsterdam and forming the same purpose as homes, offices and storage for trade. As a result of this and the remarkable brick churches the city has UNESCO heritage status.
The hostel os interesting. It seems to be run as some sort of collective and has a very German hippy vibe. It is more the type of place I enjoy rather than the corporate feel of nany places I’ve stayed in. I think I stick out like a sore thumb but it all adds to the experience and the untoward consequences of travel.
Tomorrow if it’s not raining I’ll do some real exploring. The city has lots of museums including a museum of marzipan! It’s also the birthplace of Thomas Mann while Gunter Grass lived here. I think there will be plenty to keep me occupied for a couple of days.
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