Guide of Travemünde

Travemünde is a borough of Lübeck, a city located on the estuary to the Baltic in Germany. Lübeck is also known as The Hanseatic City of Lübeck because it was part of a commercial and defensive zone created around the Baltic region in the 1100s, called the Hanseatic League. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its impressive brick gothic architecture. The population is just over 200,000, and the old town is also located on an island. 

A brief history 

Lübeck briefly belonged to Denmark between 1201 and 1226, but in 1226 Frederick II made it a free imperial city. Lübeck then developed a form of self-government, with its laws and constitution. More than 100 other cities in the Baltic region took on the same rules, and Lübeck had a strong economic and aesthetic influence over these places. In 1358 the Hanseatic League made Lübeck its administrative headquarters, and over the next few decades, the city prospered. The Hanseatic League dissolved in 1630, but Lübeck remained the most important harbour on the Baltic Sea. 

During the Thirty Years' War, Lübeck remained neutral, and trade was flourishing. However, during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, the economy suffered, as the city became caught between economic pressures exerted by rival powers. Lübeck went under French rule from 1811 to 1813 and after 1815, became a member state of the German Confederation. The construction of the Elbe-Lübeck Canal in 1900 restored the economy. 

In 1937 the Nazis put a stop to Lübeck's status as a separate, self-governing entity established in 1226 and made it part of Prussia. In World War II, British bombing raid destroyed the old town. Afterwards, the area was reconstructed the population expanded as over 100,000 German refugees arrived from Soviet East Germany. Today Lübeck is the largest Baltic harbour in Germany and a significant employer, and the principal exports include paper and wood products, fruit, grain, automobiles, salt, and fertilizer. 

Things to do around Lübeck and Travemünde

Firstly enter the brick-gothic Holsten Gates, built in 1464, they form part of Lübeck's medieval city fortifications and mark the western boundary of the old Hanseatic centre. Next, check out Marienkirche, the city's cathedral, it was built between 1250 and 1350 and has always been a symbol of Lübeck's power and prosperity, situated on the highest point of the island surrounded by the rest of the UNESCO designated old town. Buddenbrookhaus is another beautiful building and impressive former home of the writer, Thomas Mann. Also, don't miss European Hansemuseum; this interactive museum explores the history of the Hanseatic League through staged scenes & exhibits. If the weather is cold and rainy, then head for Ostsee Therme, it is a large indoor spa and water park, complete with saunas that allow you to cool off in the Baltic Sea! And if you have little ones, then take them to Karls Erlebnis-Dorf Warnsdorf, an adventure park with go-karting, petting zoo & playground, plus a farm shop.

Beaches around Travemünde

Most bathing areas are situated around Travemünde, and ferries leave from this area of the city. The Beach Promenade Travemünde is well maintained there are toilets and cabins for beachgoers and entrance costs around 2.80€ until 3 pm. FKK-Strand Privall is a beautiful lakeshore swimming area in nearby Dassow.