Lübeck

Lübeck is located in northern Germany in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, near the Baltic Sea. The city sits along the Trave River, which flows through the Old Town and into Lübeck Bay, a natural harbor. Its proximity to the coast and network of navigable waterways shaped its development as a major medieval port.

Choosing the right time to visit Lübeck depends on what you value most—weather, crowd levels, or affordability. Below, we break down the best times to go, including ideal months for pleasant weather, the benefits of traveling during the shoulder season, and when to find the best value on accommodations and activities.

The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55°F and sunny. The weather in Lübeck is generally mild, but winters can be cold and damp, while summers are comfortable, with average highs in the 70s°F. If you’re visiting in January or February, be prepared for chilly temperatures and shorter days.

Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.

Lübeck’s shoulder season is from May to June and September to October. These months offer mild weather, manageable crowds, and lower prices on hotels, making them ideal for exploring the Old Town and nearby coast without peak-season congestion.

We spent the entire month of August in Lübeck. The weather was cool and pleasant in the morning, but warmed up during the day.

For the best value, visit Lübeck in May or September. These months offer decent weather for sightseeing and fewer tourists, allowing for lower hotel rates and a more relaxed experience in the Old Town and along the waterfront.

For the most immersive experience, we recommend staying near Market Square (Marktplatz) in Lübeck. This central area is home to traditional guesthouses, boutique hotels, and historic streets, all within walking distance of the city’s main architectural and cultural attractions.

Use the interactive map below to search for accommodations by date, budget, and amenities.

The main airport serving Lübeck is Lübeck Blankensee Airport (IATA: LBC), a compact regional airfield located approximately 7–8 km south of the Old Town and Holstentor, with a 12‑minute train ride or 10–11 minute drive via taxi or car to the city center.

A handful of European low-cost and charter airlines—such as Ryanair—operate seasonal flights, making it a convenient gateway for budget-conscious travelers.

The airport features its own railway station, a regular bus line (Line 6), taxi rank, car rental desks, and short- and long‑term parking, ensuring smooth onward travel into Lübeck.

Lübeck’s main rail hub is Lübeck Hauptbahnhof, the busiest station in Schleswig-Holstein, serving around 31,000 passengers daily via long-distance and regional services. Opened in 1908 and modernized in 2007, the station’s distinctive reception hall spans over 10 tracks and four platforms.

Located just 1 km (about a 10–15‑minute walk) west of the Old Town, it’s easily accessible by a frequent 5‑minute bus ride (€2–3), taxi, or on foot. 

Lübeck is in the Central European Time zone (CET = UTC + 1). Daylight saving time is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, during which clocks are set one hour ahead to Central European Summer Time (CEST = UTC + 2).

The Euro (€) is the currency of Germany.

German is the official language, but English is widely understood in Lübeck, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.

Citizens from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Germany for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

For more information on visa-free travel in Germany and the Schengen Area, check out our article on traveling visa-free. 

Germany’s electrical outlets are Type C and F. Both types have two round pins, but Type F also includes grounding clips on the sides. The standard supply is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Travelers from the United States will need a plug adapter and should check if their devices support 230V. For convenience, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USB ports and standard outlets—this allows you to charge several devices using a single adapter.

Travelers will want a SIM card for Germany. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.

To get a local SIM card, you must find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.

We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased before arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.

The fantastic train system in Germany makes rental cars unnecessary for most destinations. However, rental cars are needed to reach smaller towns and explore the countryside. In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.