P ORT EXPLORER

TRAVEMUNDE UBECK LGERMANY

ravemunde and Lubeck have been closely associated Tfrom the beginning. Travemunde started out as a non- descript fishing village long before recorded history. Situ- ated at the mouth of the Trave River, where it flows into Lubeck Bay, the town has always been Northern ’s gateway to the . Likewise Travemunde has historically been a major point of entry The coastal region surrounding Lubeck has been for the Baltic’s access to North Germany’s state of Schleswig-Holstein. The inhabited since the Neolithic period, approxi- Duke of Saxony, Henry the Lion, well understood the strategic value of this mately 4,500 BC. The area was settled by vari- area and set about fortifying it. Shortly thereafter, in 1187, Count Adolphus III ous Germanic tribes known collectively as the of Schauenburg and Holstein officially established the town Travemunde. Port Saxons. In the 700s, AD Slavic tribes made their facilities were soon to follow. way into Saxony as they migrated west along the coastal regions of the Baltic Sea. Historic Lubeck is also on the Trave River, just a few miles inland and west of Travemunde. So as to secure their free passage to and from the Baltic, in 1329 The original town of Lubeck, first called , the city fathers of Lubeck, sea faring merchants all, bought Travemunde. was founded in the 800s along the banks of the Trave River just a couple miles north of the pres- In the late 1700s a number of well healed Germans discovered Travemunde’s ent day site. The original village was sacked and beautiful beaches and the town has not looked back since. It quickly became a burned by the Slavs in the early 1100s. The “new” popular summer retreat and resort for Germany’s polite society. Today Trave- town of Lubeck was founded in 1143 by Count munde is one of the best and most popular summer destinations on Germa- Adolf von Schauenburg II of Holstein. It was Ger- ny’s Baltic Sea coast. From open cafes or walking along the town’s sea side many’s first Baltic Sea port. A little over a decade promenade, visitors have a wonderful view of boats and ships sailing in and later the town burned to the ground again and out of the harbor. While exploring historic sailing ships tied up at the docks, was quickly rebuilt. In 1226 Lubeck was made a visitors can watch giant modern ferry boats coming and going from what is Free Imperial City by Emperor Frederick II. This now Germany’s largest ferry boat port. Travemunde’s “new” lighthouse has designation meant that Lubeck, unlike most other been a beacon for ships since it was built in 1829. The “old” lighthouse, built cities in the Holy Roman Empire, would be gov- three centuries earlier, had been destroyed by lightening. erned by a council selected by the Emperor as Lubeck, on the other hand, has an amazing history and interesting reputation. opposed to being ruled by a local prince or duke. Over 800 years old, the town is one of Northern Europe’s best examples of a The economic backbone of the town, as it had restored medieval city. In 1987 it was designated as a UNESCO World Heri- been from day one, was Baltic Sea trade. tage site (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). In the 1200s, Lubeck became the Queen City of The town was built on an island with the Trave River on one side and a canal the Hanseatic League. This organization was a acting as a protective moat on the other. The historic town is filled with tower- union of merchants and cities that formed a pow- ing churches, interesting museums, massive city gates and beautiful gothic erful trading monopoly stretching from Russia, period homes of wealthy merchants. In the middle ages, Lubeck built a vast, throughout the Baltic and on to Holland and Eng- powerful and wealthy sea trading empire that would stretch from Russia in the land. Large Hanseatic merchant fleets traveled east across the Baltic and into the North Sea and Western Europe. All of this in convoys in order to defend themselves against was accomplished without Lubeck having a merchant fleet of its own. Baltic and North Sea pirates and privateers. Lubeck is especially proud of three of its sons, two of which were born in this Lubeck and the League would wield great eco- small town and one who made it his adopted home, all of whom were awarded nomic power and influence on into the 1600s. the Nobel Prize. Native born writer Thomas Mann and former German Chan- With the coming of the Thirty Years War (1618- cellor Willy Brandt won their prize for literature and peace, respectively. Writer 1648) Lubeck strengthened its defensive fortifica- Gunter Grass, who chose to make Lubeck his home, also won his Nobel Prize tions and sharpened its diplomatic skills. In a war, for literature. The city honors their famous citizens with museums in their for- much of which took place on German soil and mer homes dedicated to their lives and work. involved most major European powers, Lubeck declared and was able to maintain its neutrality. Today Lubeck is a wonderful, beautiful and extremely interesting place to ex- Even so, the war brought famine, disease and plore. Visitors can still feel the proud city’s historically strong sense of drive, death to the region. confidence, dignity and independence. continued over history continued During the Napoleonic Wars, Lubeck tried again to remain neutral. The French LUBECK CITY MAP sacked the city in 1803. In 1806 French Marshal, Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, took the town after defeating the Prus- sia Field Marshal, Gebhard von Blucher. Von Blucher would have his revenge nine years later in the Belgian town of Water- loo. Soon after Lubeck fell to the French, Napoleon instituted a ban on trade be- tween any of his occupied territories and his enemy England. Again Lubeck suf- fered the economic, if not the physical, pain of war. A little over a century later it would be a different story. An hour before midnight on Saturday, March 28, 1942 Lubeck was a peaceful city. The following day would be Easter Sunday. A full moon washed over the old medieval town…making it an easy tar- get for the bombardiers of Britain’s Royal Air Force. Lubeck was not an important military target but the city would bare the brunt of the first successful and sustained Allied air attack on German soil. For the air-crews of over 230 British bombers that filled the sky that night, the attack was little more than retaliation for the earlier German bombings of civilian populations in English cities. Many of the old build- ings of Lubeck would be damaged or de- stroyed and a number of its citizens killed, hurt or made homeless by the raid. But once again, diplomacy and a strange twist of fate would save Lubeck from the near total destruction that befell so many other German cities during the war. This time it would involve a Swiss diplomat, a neutral Swedish flag, Allied POWs and the Red Cross. There were already many Allied POWs The Holsten Gate is the symbol number of rooms that have been deco- held in Germany on that fateful Easter 1 of Lubeck. The imposing towers rated with beautiful antiques from the Sunday, 1942. By the end of the war in were built in the 1400s as the city ex- middle ages that give visitors a glimpse 1945 there would be tens of thousands panded its defensive fortifications. To- into the life style of the citizens of Lubeck more. Carl Jacob Burckhardt was a Swiss day this wonderful example of medieval during that period in its history. diplomat and president of the Internation- architecture houses the city’s museum The St. Catherine Church is an- al Red Cross based in Geneva Switzer- and shows how international trade and other fine example of Gothic brick land. Lubeck was designated as a port 4 commerce influenced the growth and architecture. The church was built in of entry for neutral Swedish flagged ships prosperity of Lubeck. loaded with Red Cross food and medical the 1300s as part of a Franciscan mon- supplies, and the Red Cross ships also The Lubeck Cathedral was the astery. The church has an impressive brought in family mail for the Allied POWs 2 first church to be built in Lubeck. collection of art including the Italian Re- imprisoned throughout Germany. With the Construction began in 1173 at the direc- naissance master Jacopo Tintoretto’s encouragement of Mr. Burckhardt Allied tion of Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony. “Resurrection of Lazarus”. Bomber Command decided that the town Construction was completed in 1226. The Burgtor Gate was built in and port of Lubeck would not be bombed The church has undergone numerous the 1200’s as a part of the origi- again. The city fathers were very grate- renovations over the centuries includ- 5 ful to Mr. Burckhardt and the Allies for nal castle complex. Most of the castle ing repairs to damage that took place was later destroyed and replaced with sparing the town. They were not half as during World War II. grateful as the Allied POW’s who received a monastery. At the time this gate was cherished letters from home and one of St. Anne's Museum is housed in the only way to enter Lubeck by land. the 27 million Red Cross care packages 3 a former convent that dates to the Over the centuries the gate was re- that were delivered to the prison camps 1500s. The museum has on display a stored and strengthened as part of the during the war… many of which came wonderful collection of paintings and town’s defensive fortifications. through the city of Lubeck. church related articles. There are a The Castle Monastery is near Shore Excursions 6 Lubeck’s north gate. Construction began in 1229. After the 16th century Prot- To make the most of your visit to Travemunde and surrounding estant Reformation this Dominican monas- areas we suggest you take one of the organized Shore Excur- tery was used as a poorhouse. At other sions. For Information concerning tour content and pricing, con- periods in its long history the structure sult azamaracruises.com or contact the onboard Shore Excur- served as a courthouse and prison. Today sion Desk. When going ashore, guests are advised to take with the fully restored structure is a museum them only the items they need and to secure any valuables. and cultural center. The Buddenbrook House is a muse- Local Customs 7 um dedicated to the work and lives of the famous writers and citizens of Lubeck, Bargaining: Prices are usually set. Heinrich and Thomas Mann. The early Tipping: In cafes and restaurants it is customary to tip 5-10%. A 20th century novel “Buddenbrook”, by the 10% tip for a taxi is the general rule. younger brother Thomas, tells the story of a wealthy merchant family in Lubeck. Local Cuisine & Drink Specialties Thomas Mann was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for the book in 1929. The dishes and recipes of northern Germany have a strong Scan- The Drager & Behn Houses are dinavian influence. Some of the traditional dishes of Schleswig- 8 magnificently restored homes of two Holstein include: Bauernfruhstuck, called the farmer's breakfast. of Lubeck’s wealthiest merchants. The It consists of scrambled eggs and roasted potatoes. Spargel is beautiful 18th century homes, with their ham and asparagus with potatoes and butter. Labskaus is corned ornate interiors, are now art galleries dis- beef hash with a fried egg on top with herring and pickles on the playing a wide selection of Germany’s best side. It is said to be a favorite of local fishermen. Konigsberger 19th and 20th century art. Klopse is ground pork or beef combined with onions, eggs and hous- The Puppet Theatre Museum minced herring then formed into meatballs. Pfannkuchen is a 9 es one of the largest puppet collec- tions in the world. The puppets and their pancake covered with sugar and fruit puree. Schleswig-Holstein accompanying props, advertising posters has some of the best dairy land in Europe. Great cheese has and stage paraphernalia cover much of the been produced in the region since medieval times. Among some best that has been produced over the past of the favorites are: Sauermilchkase is a rich, sharp and firm 300 years. cheese. Tilsit is semi-soft, slightly tangy and has a smooth aro- ma. Holsteiner Marsch is similar to Tilsit but becomes richer with aging. German Camembert is soft, rich and creamy. It grows BEYOND LUBECK stronger with aging. Hamburg is about an hour south-west of Lubeck. This famous port city has many Schnapps is a strong spirit that is often made at home from fam- attractions for visitors such as the ily recipes that have been handed down for generations. People lakes and canals. The most familiar sym- who prefer traditional German schnapps often mention Berentzen bol of the city is St. Michael’s Church with Apfel Korn as one of the best commercial blends. its famed copper-plated spire. The church remains a point of reference for sailors With over 1,000 breweries making 5,000 brands in a countless bringing their ships into the historic harbor. variety of styles, Holsten Pils from Hamburg and Jever Pils The old city center consists of the Town (named after the town) are among northern Germany’s favorite Hall Square and Stock Exchange. The beers. old Hanseatic Quarter is a great place to shop and the Planten and Blomen Park is Shopping a beautiful setting in which to relax and un- wind. A couple of the best streets for shopping in Lubeck are Hux Strasse and the pedestrian only Breite Strasse. A value-added tax (VAT) is usually included in the price of any purchase you make. Unless you are a citizen of the EU you can get a VAT tax refund for purchases over a certain amount. Regu- lations and conditions governing the refund of VAT are subject to change and RCCL cannot guarantee the cooperation of local au- thorities. Keep your receipt and present it to the proper authority when you return to the port. Local Currency The unit of currency in this port is the euro. There are 8 euro coins with a common face. On the reverse, each member state contributes a design. There are 7 euro notes. All euro coins and notes are legal tender in member states. Post Office and Telephone Facilities Post Offices are located in Lubeck at 46 Konigstrasse, and in Travemunde at Rose 3-5 A coin or telephone card may be required to dial these access numbers: AT&T: 0800.225.5288 / MCI: 0800.888.8000 / SPRINT: 0800.888.0013 Transportation Taxis are always available but few of the drivers will speak English. In order to rent a car you must be at least 18 years old and have had your driver’s license for over one year. Local Tourist Office Holstentorplatz (Holstentor Plaza) near the Holstentor Gate and Museum in Lubeck. Useful Words and Phrases Good day - Guten tag Thank you - Danke Do you speak English? - Sprechen sie Englisch? You're welcome - Bitte schoen Please - Bitte Good-bye - Auf Wiedersehen

This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose. While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, we cannot accept responsibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing. Copyright RCCL 2008. All rights reserved.