We made an early afternoon stop in Lübeck – a northern German city distinguished by Brick Gothic architecture, which dates to its time as the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading confederation. The city was founded in the 12th century and prospered until the 16th century as the major trading center for northern Europe. It has remained a center for maritime commerce to this day, particularly with the Nordic countries. The basic structure of the old city is consisting mainly of 15th- and 16th-century patrician residences. Most famous is the Holstentor, a red-brick city gate that defended the river-bounded Altstadt (Old Town). Rebuilt after WW II, the Marienkirche is a 13th–14th-century landmark that widely influenced Northern European church design. Later we did continue to Schleswig for overnight near the Gottorf Castle.
Lübeck – parking location: 53.8708966N 10.6955591E
Schleswig – parking location: 54.5114842N 9.5452317E