Continuing north, our next stop was Lübeck, another of the great Hanseatic towns. We had made a reservation at a campground on a bus route into the old town. We then heard from Ron and Ton Corbin, who mentioned that they could meet us there and they would make reservations at the same campsite. We had last met in Aigues Mortes in France as they finished a tour last November. (https://travelintiger.com)
So we set off on the bus, bearing rain wear as the weather forecast was not great. To our surprise the sun came out and we had a great time discovering Lübeck. The bus, every 15 minutes, dropped us right at the old city gate.
We started our visit at the market, as always!
Lübeck is known for its marzipan so our first stop was to taste and buy some. Our first effort fizzled as, for the first time, ever, we encountered a waitress who refused to wait on us because we asked if she had a menu in English. She simply walked off and didn’t even wait for Denise to dust off her German. We did better on our second try.
Coffee and marzipan accomplished, we set off to discover the town, wandering the streets, admiring the architecture, and enjoying a walk along the canal.
Denise had made a day trip to Lubeck, about fifty years ago.
She was thrilled to revisit old sites.
On a second visit we visited the Marien Kirche or St. Mary’s Church. The church was severely damaged during World War II but has been rebuilt.
We admired the astronomical clock and also stood wondering before the bell shards lying in one corner. These pieces are all that was left of the bells after they fell during the bombing. They have been most poingnantly displayed.
On a lighter note, we met with the devil. He as, of course, outside of the church.
We had a lovely lunch at one of the oldest buildings in the city, one that fortunately missed being damaged during the WW II bombing. It was formerly the assembly hall of the traditional Schiffergesellschaft, the mariners’ association. Over the centuries it offered a crash pad for destitute sailors as well as seating, by language, for the various captains who navigated the Baltic.
The guild bought the house, built in red brick renaissance style in 1535, and made it their assembly hall.
Today, the Schiffergesellschaft is a landmark and also an excellent restaurant. We admired the large number of hanging ships which decorate the ceiling. Bible verses and wall paintings, darkened with age, decorate the walls. Our lunch was excellent, especially the white asparagus soup. It is the season after all!!
As the rain started, we caught our bus back to the campsite.
Heading north the next day, we tried a short detour to Kellenhusen, where Denise had worked as a student. Unfortunately, due to a Saturday festival, we could not even get to, let alone drive into, the car park, so we gave up and continued north to the ferry from Puttgarten to Rødby in Denmark.
Boarding was easy and we enjoyed the 40 minute trip in sunny weather and very calm seas!
Next up, Denmark!
DiploStrat 
fantastic Journey