By Vesi Maslenishka
Lübeck – the gorgeous historic city renowned for its brilliant Christmas markets come to the end of November.
Surrounded by water on all sides, the old city of Lübeck is actually an island enclosed by the river Trave. You can enter the glorious old part through the Holsten Gate. Known for its two round towers and an arched entrance, its one of Lübeck’s medieval Brick Gothic constructions, which was built back in 1464 and you can still come across it stamped over the 2 Euro coin.
Lübeck has vastly preserved its medieval appearance with seven churches dotted around the old town – you would be fooled to think that during World War II, it was the first German city to be attacked, demolishing a lot of its historic buildings along the way.
Thankfully, however, the Lübecker Rathaus (Town Hall) – undoubtedly one of the most beautiful town halls I have ever seen – is still in one piece and in its full glory. Based in the city centre, Lübeck’s Town Hall looks out onto the market square, where the Rathausmarkt Christmas market is held and thinking about the aroma of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and sausages are making me wish I there right now… is it Christmas yet?
Once you’ve had enough of the Christmas markets, time to sit down, relax and refuel, so what better way than by satisfying your sweet tooth. Located behind the Town Hall is the Niederegger Café (believe when I say) is basically the German equivalent of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory!
Situated on three floors, the shop floor of the café has every possible marzipan, truffle and nougat confection imaginable, with recipes dating back to 1806. You can also find all sorts of things made out of marzipan-like a giraffe or a toy train! The list does not end there, so if you’re travelling with a case I would recommend to pack light and save yourself some spare room for all of the treats you will undoubtedly pick up during your visit. (Don’t worry if you exceed your luggage allowance because you can get Niederegger from John Lewis.)
Make your way up the stairs and you’ll find yourself in the café where you will then be greeted by an overwhelming display of cakes. But before you delve into choosing your cake, sit down and take a look at their food menu as this is also a great spot to grab some lunch – I recommend the prawn and herb scrambled eggs and the marzipan tea.
Time for dessert – you’re in for a treat! If you’re in a big group, I would advise you all order something different so that you can sample more of the cakes. Now, I’m not saying you’ll be able to try them all as there really are too many options, but I would advise you definitely try the marzipan cake, it really is a hidden gem of a treat.
If you’re not a big cake fan, try out the marzipan pancake. It’s super fluffy and the ice cream on top makes a great addition to the hot pancake, it’s to die for!
After lunch, make your way up to the Marzipan Salon on the second floor. There you’ll be taken through a historic journey of marzipan’s oriental beginning, right through to how it came to Lübeck and you will even be able to order a mini marzipan sculpture, handcrafted by one of Niederegger’s creative specialists – I thought this would be the perfect little custom gift or a mini souvenir that will remind you of your time in Lübeck.
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Christmas markets on Markt
• 27th Nov. – 30th Dec. 2017 • daily 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. • Fri./Sat. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• 24th and 25th Dec closed
• 26th Dec. 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• 30th Dec. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Christmas Market Breite Straße
• 27th Nov. – 30th Dec. 2017 • daily 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. • Fri./Sat. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• 24th and 25th Dec closed
• 26th Dec. 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• 30th Dec. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.