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Borough of Lübeck, Germany
Photo: Jürgen Howaldt, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Travemünde is the closest of the boroughs of Lübeck to the Baltic Sea. As the name suggests, it is at the mouth of the river Trave. For hundreds of years, Travemünde has been a popular seaside resort and harbour on the German Baltic coast of Schleswig-Holstein. Daily passenger and cargo ferries leave to Scandinavia and the Baltic states but the pristine white beach and the rich history encourages people to stay. The town is trying to build a new future as a tourist destination to avoid the fate of many faceless ports.
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The 1.7 km of white sand is the town's main attraction and the beach is, without a doubt, the place to be during the summer. The beach is the main reason why this town has been a popular seaside resort since 1800s.
Travemünde has two light houses. The old one was erected in 1539 and is one of the oldest light houses in Germany. The light house is 31 metres high and you need to climb 142 steps to the top. It was in service until 1972, when the new navigation light on top of the Maritim Hotel was erected. Today it houses a maritime museum that focuses on the history of the light house. During the summer season (May until October), the museum offers several walking tours to explain the history and development around the light house.
The new lighthouse is on the Mole, which delimits the passage for the ships, right on the summit of the navigation channel. The new lighthouse is not to be confused with the navigation light on top of the Hotel Maritim.
Seebadmuseum
The exhibition illustrates the development of Travemünde as a sea resort since 1802.
Glacial erratic which legend says a seagull dropped. Basically a rock sticking out of the water but has a history regarding bathing local activities and in German literature.
The Priwall ferry commutes over the navigation channel for the big boats and connects Travemünde with the Priwall Peninsula. It is a historic ferryboat and very popular during summer as it is the easiest mode of transport to the sailing ship Passat and the calmer beaches on the peninsula.
This tall sailing ship was built in 1911 in Hamburg and sailed between South America and Europe. In 1957 it was taken out of service due to the wreck of its sister ship Pamir. Today it is a museum ship and popular for wedding receptions and youth groups.
Walk along the steep cliff line of Brodtner Ufer from Travemünde to Niendorf. The 4-km walk can be done in 1-1½ hr and it offers great views along the coastline.
boat excursions
60 minutes sea and harbour cruise.
boat excursions
Sea and harbour cruises, trips along Trave river to Lübeck or along the Baltic Sea to Grömitz or Boltenhagen.
The main event of the year is organised by the Yacht Club. Around 1,500 sailors compete and parade with their ships. The event takes place in July and lasts about ten days.
Several fishermen set up huts or small shops where a variety of fish dishes are offered. These dishes are simple but good and offer good value for money. Popular with kids as they can see the fishing business in detail.
An institution for fish sandwiches. Open only during the summer. No fixed closing time, but usually closes at sunset.
This house was built in 1551 as the bailiff's residence, served later as police station, then turned into a restaurant with fresh local kitchen. Brunch on Sundays.
Yacht Club restaurant next to the harbour. The patio is very popular.
Stylish restaurant with good roof-deck bar. Good view on the bypassing ships. During summer weekends reserve for dinner.
Lounge with live music next to the beach. Open during the summer and offers cocktails, et al.
Probably the most spectacular sleeping place in town is a dorm. After the ship was decommissioned it was turned into a youth hostel. Today there are 102 beds in several dorms. They are spartan but popular with youth groups in summer.On board number +49 4502 5287
Camping ground Priwall on the Peninsula with 200 places. Pre-booking is recommended in summer.
Reisemobilstellplatz Travemünde
Rental Vehicles place next to the ferries. Really basic infrastructure but prices including disposal of waste water and trash. More convenient place to wait for the next ferry than the waiting lines in the harbour.
Wohnmobilstellplatz Kowitzberg Travemünde
45 RV camp sites next to the golf course. Place is operated by the Lübeck-Travemünde tourism office and only operational from 15 May until 14 Sep. Good and clean infrastructure and serves also bigger RVs.
Directly on the promenade and just several metres from the beach. 33 rooms for one to three people in art nouveau style and a good restaurant. Closed in January. Minimum three nights during high season.
Traditional, but completely renovated grand old hotel in the centre of Travemünde, in the middle of a green garden. It's the former spa house of the town and has an amazing outdoor pool. 185 rooms and suites with sea view. Strong focus on spa and fine food.
Casino and hotel in one complex that opened in 1825. This art nouveau building houses several rooms and suites, most with outstanding sea views. Its casino closed in 2012, and today there is an excellent restaurant and bar on the premises.
Completed in 1974 and has 35 floors. The completion of this building was a milestone for the tourism industry, and it is still the tallest building on the German Baltic coastline at 119 m. This edifice houses the hotel, a pub and on its top floor a restaurant with wide views over the complete region. The spa area is completely renovated but the rooms are not. It is very popular for receptions and associations or company parties, so reserve in advance during holiday seasons.
Founded in 1806, this shop and café is an institution in Lübeck and Travemünde. A visit to buy some marzipan or drink a hot chocolate is a must.
Traditional department store.
By train
All trains travel from Lübeck's main station to Travemünde, operated by Deutsche Bahn.g. Travemünder Woche, a special schedule will be displayed.
By car
Use Autobahn A1 until you pass Bad Schwartau, then A226 or B76. Travemünde is directly connected to Lübeck (20 min) and Hamburg (1 hr).
By bus
By boat
To travel between Lübeck Hbf and Skandinavienkai Terminal, take buses ##30, 31, or 40.
The main street, Vorderreihe, and the sea promenade of Travemünde are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. There are buses that run to the town (every two hours) and the connection point is the train station.
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Lübeck · Regional · LBC
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