Lübeck

Lübeck’s name stems from the Slavic root ‘lub’ which means ‘love’, and this enchanting German city certainly inspires that feeling with its winding alleys and beautiful courtyards. The historic old port town has been built on an island which acted as the gateway to the Baltic Sea and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also known as the ‘City of the Seven Towers’, thanks to the many striking Protestant churches that dominate the skyline - and most other buildings in the city also sport a turret or two. The Gothic Holsten Gate is Lübeck’s most iconic landmark and you might have seen its distinctive round towers everywhere, from the 2-Euro coin to an artwork by Andy Warhol.

Lübeck’s most famous product is its top quality marzipan, revered for its high almond content. If you’re a fan, don’t miss the Niederegger Marzipan Museum which is dedicated to the sweet treat. In fact, Lübeck boasts no less than 18 museums, including the European Hansemuseum, Lübeck Museum Port, and the Günter Grass-Haus. Buy a Lübeck Day Pass and you’ll be able to access as many museums as you can manage in a day. There are three flights per week from London Stansted to Hamburg Lubeck and a train can take you from the airport to the city centre in around 45 minutes.