More than 1,000 years ago, the beautiful city of Lüneburg was built in the middle of a salt dome and achieved great wealth during the so-called Middle Ages. “With white gold”. The urban landscape is still reminiscent of this era: characterized by historic hedgerows and romantic brick Gothic, the Hanseatic city is a real jewel in the north.
A mix of romantic small-town historic facades and a colorful and expansive student scene make Lüneburg a popular place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Here are our top attractions! What to see in Luenburg!
I’m Sande
The Hanseatic League, grapes and salt: beautiful Lüneburg
Almost all of Lüneburg’s attractions can be easily reached on foot. The best starting point for this is at the same time our place from the attractions of Lüneburg.
The large square “Am Sande” is the oldest in the city and also marks the center of the old city. The square is surrounded by many old houses, the facades of which are decorated with steps, shells and pointed pediments, which are famous in the city.
The main shopping streets of the city start from it, where you will also find many nice cafes.
Lüneburg Water Tower
This impressive tower that rises above the rooftops of the city dates back to 1907. The former water tower is now a museum and observation tower for Lüneburgers and visitors.
The elevator takes you to the 6th floor of the tower, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the beautiful city of Ilmenau.
Tip: Fans of the TV series already know the romantic Lüneburg from TV: because it’s home to the popular TV series Red Roses.
Stintmarkt
In the cozy port of Lüneburg is the colorful street Am Stintmarkt.
Barry Street in Ilmenau
In the past, Stintmarkt was a trading post of the Hanseatic League; Today there are rows of beautiful and lively taverns. This little alley of pubs is particularly popular with the city’s many students.
In summer, you can sit here romantically with many others, with a beer or wine right in Ilmenau.
The old town hall
The Old Town Hall is a real highlight of Lüneburg. The town hall complex, which consists of several individual buildings, was built back in the 13th century and is a fine example of the prevailing medieval architecture of the city.
Today you can visit most parts of the City Hall, discovering a lot of interesting information.
Church of San Juan and Church of San Miguel
Perhaps Lüneburg’s most famous landmark: St. John’s Church with its leaning tower is one of the oldest baptisteries in Lower Saxony. Here you can follow in the footsteps of Johann Sebastian Bach, who learned to compose in this church.
San Miguel Church
St. Michael’s Church is also one of the attractions of Lüneburg. Its baroque dome can be seen from afar. On the way to the church, be sure to pass the street “Auf dem Meere”: the picturesque alley is one of the most beautiful streets in Lüneburg.
Lun Monastery
The former Benedictine monastery is tucked away from Lüneburg’s old town and is a true oasis of peace.
In the current monastery, old buildings dating back to 1172 stand among field gardens and ancient trees. Here you will also find the Lüneburg Textile Museum.
German Salt Museum
In the Middle Ages, Lüneburg became a rich city with the salt trade. Today, the German Salt Museum is a reminder of this time. Until 1980, the Lüneburg salt pans were located here, and today you can learn all about salt, its extraction and trade.
Kalkberg
The next attraction in Lüneburg is the beautiful park next to the old town. Here you can climb the so-called “Kalkberg”, a mountain of gypsum that has been pressed to the surface under a salt dome.
At a height of 58 meters, from here you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Hanseatic city and its surroundings.
Alter Crane
The old port of the Hanseatic city was a hive of activity; After all, it was the shipping point for salt from the salt flats.
Even today, life here is no quieter, although it is dominated by many restaurants and pubs. Here you will find a historical industrial monument: the old crane. Built in 1797, the crane still dominates the cityscape and is still in operation.
Lüneburger Heide
Last but not least: Lüneburg Heath. This beautiful landscape is located southwest of Lüneburg and can be reached by car in 40 minutes.
This unique region is characterized by lush bushes, rolling hills and white birch trees. The Lüneburg Heath Game Park is also worth a visit. Learn more about the cultural landscape of around 5,000 years ago in our blog article about the Lüneburg Mountains.
The Hanseatic city of Lüneburg is famous for its medieval architecture with historic walls, which were largely protected from war. The city, which was once rich thanks to salt mining, is now very popular with young students. And of course you can’t talk about Lüneburg without mentioning Lüneburg Heath. The beautiful and beautiful scenery is a must-see on your trip to Lüneburg.