Lubeck, Germany
Arriving from Denmark into German waters, our good ship National Geographic Endeavour arrived alongside in the picturesque and bustling city of Lubeck (pronounced “loo-beck”), Germany. Founded in the 12th century, Lubeck was the former capital city of the Hanseatic League during medieval times, and continues to be a bustling port and major trade city for northern Europe. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and today we found ourselves blending in with the old and the new aspects of life.
We started with a leisurely canal tour in some pretty groovy local boats, cruising around downtown Lubeck, followed by guided walks through the 15th and 16th century cobblestone streets along patrician residences, public monuments, gothic churches and old salt storehouses. Most streets are connected by small passageways going under and through private homes, so it was pretty interesting and quite unique to walk under bedrooms and through backyard gardens, complete with drying laundry and blooming flower beds.
In the afternoon there was plenty of free time to stroll around the main square, have a local bratwurst in a beer garden, or visit another of the towering churches for a commanding view of the city. Guided walks included an historical city tour by Junius Rochester, our resident historian, or a photography-themed tour with our National Geographic Expert, Roff Smith. Zodiacs brought us back to the ship past the waterfront cafes, teams of students rowing along the canals, a few eider duck families and a friendly local painting his sailboat in the sunshine. If these old walls and canals could talk, there would be medieval tales to tell and volumes of books to read. The pages were turned for us today.
Arriving from Denmark into German waters, our good ship National Geographic Endeavour arrived alongside in the picturesque and bustling city of Lubeck (pronounced “loo-beck”), Germany. Founded in the 12th century, Lubeck was the former capital city of the Hanseatic League during medieval times, and continues to be a bustling port and major trade city for northern Europe. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and today we found ourselves blending in with the old and the new aspects of life.
We started with a leisurely canal tour in some pretty groovy local boats, cruising around downtown Lubeck, followed by guided walks through the 15th and 16th century cobblestone streets along patrician residences, public monuments, gothic churches and old salt storehouses. Most streets are connected by small passageways going under and through private homes, so it was pretty interesting and quite unique to walk under bedrooms and through backyard gardens, complete with drying laundry and blooming flower beds.
In the afternoon there was plenty of free time to stroll around the main square, have a local bratwurst in a beer garden, or visit another of the towering churches for a commanding view of the city. Guided walks included an historical city tour by Junius Rochester, our resident historian, or a photography-themed tour with our National Geographic Expert, Roff Smith. Zodiacs brought us back to the ship past the waterfront cafes, teams of students rowing along the canals, a few eider duck families and a friendly local painting his sailboat in the sunshine. If these old walls and canals could talk, there would be medieval tales to tell and volumes of books to read. The pages were turned for us today.
