The center of the city is overflowing with history and beautiful architecture.

Something that did not go unrecognised by UNESCO. In 1987 Lübeck became the first ever city to have its entire historic centre with over 1000 buildings listed as a UNESCO heritage site. The pattern of narrow streets has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages.

Lübeck was founded in 1143. The town hall consists of three buildings, each with a different architectural style. Lübeck was the leading city of the Hanseatic League and became so wealthy that rich merchants commissioned their own church, the church of St Mary... it's the largest house of worship in Lübeck with 126 meter high towers. The famous German author Thomas Mann and his brother Heinrich were both christened here. Their grandmother lived near the church. Today the house is home to the Buddenbrook museum, named after the novel by nobel prize winner Thomas Mann.

The poor people of the city used to reach their homes via small alleyways behind the large houses. There are more than 85 such narrow passages that now lead to pictoresque courtyards. In the 13th century Lübeck's merchants also commissioned a home for the poor and sick. Its residents had to commit themselves to poverty, humility and chastity. Now open to the public it's an impressive example of social commitment.

Recreation and Relaxation
Anyone looking for recreation and relaxation in Lübeck should head for the water where you can take in the sights during a one hour canal trip. Alternatively, you can opt to hire a canoo and explore the nooks and crannies of the city's waterways alone. And for those who prefer to stick to dry land, there are plenty of bikes for hire in the city as well.

Fish and Ferries
The resort of Travemünde with its fine sands is just a few kilometers away. It's the perfect place for bathing or catching a few rays of sun or just passing the time relaxing in a beach chair. And between dips in the sea, you can watch the ferries go by Travemünde's landmark is the Passat. A remnant from the tall ship era, it's the last commercial sailing ship to have rounded Cape Horn. Built in Hamburg in 1911 it is now a museum.

The trail offers breathtaking views of the Rhine... and if the going gets too tough or there are alternative and more gentle ways of getting up the mountain. The direct route certainly isn't advisable for anyone without a head for heights but an the instructor is always there who is careful to keep an eye on those in his care. There are a total of eleven climbing stages to cover. Going climbing above the Rhine is a great family day out.

Along the tree-lined route to the riverside meadows of Torgau in Northern Saxony the Elbe river meanders slowly through the landscape.

The Castles
Hartenfels Castle in Torgau is the only remaining early renaissance castle in Germany. Back in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, it was home to the electors of Saxony. These days it is a museum. Some sixty kilometers from Torgau is the pictuesque town of Meissen, and the road that links the two is lined with old birch trees. En-route and near the river Elbe is the 18th century Proschwitz castle. Confiscated from its rightful owners after the war, the castle was recently repurchased by Georg Prinz zur Lipppe and restored. Proschwitz is the oldest and largest private vineyard in Saxony. From its slopes you can enjoy fine views of Meissen and its mighty castle. The late gothic edifice is regarded as the first castle in German architectural history. It was originally an official residence of the rulers of Saxony. Meissen is of course also famous for its fine porcelain. You can visit the porcelain museum and see fine pieces in the making.

Dresden A little further downriver from Meissen is the city of Dresden, which is home to many architectural pearls including the recently restored Church of Our Lady. The city offers visitors a stunning array of buildings to admire and ample opportunity to take a trip along the Elbe on one of its fleet of river steamers. It is the ideal way to see the surrounding area and take in some of the historic landmarks that line the river. Among them are the Albrechtsberg, Ligner Castle and Eckberg castle.