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Offered languages
- German
- English
Dive into the shadows of the Cold War in a city that was suddenly surrounded on three sides by the Iron Curtain. Once the undisputed queen of the Hanseatic League, Lübeck woke up in 1945 to find itself in a geopolitical cul-de-sac, cut off from its natural eastern hinterland. On this captivating tour, you discover the psychological burden of living on the edge of the Western world. From the shattered bells of St. Mary's to the secret lifelines of the 'Westpakete, experience how a traumatized border city became the cradle of Willy Brandt's groundbreaking peace policy.
- 5.3 km self-guided tour with 8 stations over 151 min.
- Ideal for everyone interested in history, memory and identity, migration, and globalization
Excitingly told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Suitable audio content, AI guide, and navigation via the app
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The meeting point is at Lübeck main station. Go from the main entrance to the agreed starting point at the station. Check the current orientation and local signage on the travel day.
Walk from St. Aegidien to the nearest stop and take local public transport back to Lübeck main station. The starting point is St. Aegidien. Please check the current connection on the day of travel.
Itinerary
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1
The main station served as a tense transit hub during the Cold War and was the strictly monitored physical connection to the East.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Salzspeicher
Historic salt storage facilities that represent Lübeck's Hanseatic past and stood in stark contrast to its economic isolation during the Cold War.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
The broken bells lying on the ground are a poignant reminder of the bombing raids of the Second World War and symbolize the cause of the division of Germany.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
A museum dedicated to Willy Brandt, whose 'Ostpolitik' was strongly influenced by his origin in this border region.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Heiligen-Geist-Hospital
A historical symbol of charity that housed refugees after the Second World War and served as a center for cross-border compassion.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Burgtor-Befestigungsanlage Lubeck
The northern city gate, which symbolizes Lübeck's forced orientation towards Scandinavia when the east was blocked by the Iron Curtain.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
A historic drawbridge that offers a poignant axis view to the east over the water and underscores the psychological burden of the nearby border.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
The smallest and easternmost old town church, which stands for the intimate, everyday emotional bonds and the resilience of the community.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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