Private Shore Excursion: Lübeck & Wismar Walking Tour

Summary

Discover Hanseatic History in Lübeck and Wismar

You’ll walk cobbled streets beneath leaning towers, explore medieval hospitals and grand churches, and hear stories that bring Lübeck and Wismar’s Hanseatic past to life—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and secret corner.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping off the bus in Lübeck was the smell of fresh bread drifting from a bakery tucked behind the Holsten Gate. Our guide, Anna, waved us over to snap a photo—she said locals call it “the city’s crown.” The red-brick towers lean just a bit, which you only notice when you’re standing right under them. Inside, the Holsten Gate Museum is packed with old merchant maps and stories about how Lübeck once ruled Baltic trade. I found myself tracing shipping routes with my finger, imagining all those ships coming in from Sweden or Denmark.

We wandered through narrow cobblestone streets to the Hospital of the Holy Spirit. It’s quiet inside—almost echoey—and there’s this faint scent of old wood and stone. Anna explained that merchants built it in 1280 for elderly townsfolk who couldn’t afford care. The stained glass windows throw colored patches onto the floor if you catch them at the right time of day. Just around the corner sits Buddenbrookhaus, where Thomas Mann grew up. Only the facade survived WWII bombings; now there’s a museum tucked behind it honoring his writing.

After a quick coffee near Lübeck Town Hall (the Rathaus), we drove out to Wismar. The sea breeze picks up as you get closer—salty and cool even in summer. St. George’s Church rises above everything else; you can spot its tower from miles away. Our group paused in the market square, which is huge—locals say it’s one of northern Germany’s biggest. There are pastel merchant houses lining every side, plus an ornate iron fountain called Wasserkunst brought over from Holland centuries ago.

The Fürstenhof stands out with its carved stonework—a bit fancier than most buildings here—and Anna pointed out details I’d have missed on my own, like tiny faces hidden above doorways. Before heading back to port, we ducked into Alter Schwede for a peek at what patrician homes looked like centuries ago. By six o’clock we were back at the ship, tired but feeling like we’d really seen something special.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lubeck and Wismar Highlights

• Visit Holsten Gate
• Explore Hospital of the Holy Spirit
• See St. Mary's Church tower
• Tour Lubeck Town Hall
• Visit Buddenbrook House
• Visit St. George's Church
• Explore Wismar Market Place
• See Fürstenhof Renaissance building
• Visit Wismar Town Hall and Alter Schwede

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t walk much?

The tour includes walking on cobblestones and some uneven ground, so moderate fitness is best. There are breaks along the way if you need them.

Will I have time for lunch or coffee during the tour?

Yes! There are short stops where you can grab coffee or snacks near main sights like Lübeck Town Hall.

Are entrance fees included for museums?

Entrance fees aren’t included unless specified; your guide will let you know about optional visits on-site.

Do guides speak English well?

Your guide speaks fluent English and knows both cities inside out—they’re happy to answer any questions as you go.

What’s included

You’ll get a panoramic drive and walking tours in both Lübeck and Wismar with an English-speaking guide for about 9–10 hours. Comfortable air-conditioned transport is provided throughout, plus drop-off back at your ship or port when you’re done exploring.