Visit Germany
August 18, 2010
The 15th-century Holsten Gate with its twin towers is Luebeck's most famous landmark. It is just one of the many outstanding examples of medieval architecture that bear witness to this northern German city's former role as an important trade center. Founded in 1143, Luebeck was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
As the leading city of the Hanseatic League, Luebeck became so wealthy that rich merchants commissioned their own church, the church of St. Mary, which features 126-meter (413-foot) towers. Nobel Prize-winning German author Thomas Mann and his brother Heinrich were both christened here.
For those who do not enjoy walking, there are other great ways of exploring the city. You can do a one-hour canal trip or rent a canoe and make your own way over Luebeck's waterways. And for those who prefer to stick to dry land, there are plenty of bikes to rent in the city as well.
Click on the video below for more.
Text: DW-TV
Editor: Kate Bowen