The Hanseatic League Towns Rostock, Wismar and Luebeck

As my journey continued to the north west of Germany (after Berlin) I found myself following the route of the Hanseatic League towns. Rostock and Wismar, as well as Luebeck were the first ones with many others to follow. I didn’t know there were that many. But which are the most beautiful Hanseatic league towns?

The Hanseatic League was a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe. Starting from the late 1100s, the league came to dominate the Baltic maritime trade for three centuries along the coasts of Northern Europe. All the way from the Baltic to the North Sea and inland. Then, it slowly diminished after 1450. (Read more here)

There are 194 Hanseatic League towns in 16 countries and I have been to a few already. (Without fully knowing about the history, I admit). I was already in Riga and Tallin from the Baltic States as well as Gdansk and briefly in Stettin (Szczecin), only last week. The Hanseatic League Towns also continue further west towards Hamburg and Bremen. And above all, London as well! I had no idea (history was never my strengths)! I guess, now I can say, as a result of this route, I learned a little bit more about history again.

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The most beautiful Hanseatic League towns

Well, I had to separate all the towns into a few blog posts, so stay with me on this one. I am starting with Rostock, Wismar and Luebeck.

Lueneburg, Bremen and Hamburg are to follow on my next blog.

Rostock and Wismar

Rostock and Wismar are so similar but yet so different. I really enjoyed walking the city of Rostock. It is an university town and I liked how the modern architecture has been mixed into the old baroque and gothic style homes. Walking along the harbour was great and I managed to get some fresh smoked salmon from an old fisherman and his tiny boat. Very idylic and the salmon was delicious.

What a great town to continue and start the journey with!

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I have never heard of Wismar, but it was on the way to Luebeck so I stopped there. And I am glad I did. Wismar was just as cute and unexpected. From the gorgeous inner city, to the oldest building from around 1380 and the nice waterfront, Wismar is certainly worth a visit. Even if it is just for a quick walk through (like I did).

Maybe, as it is a smaller town, it wasn’t bombed during WWII? So, as a result, I find there is lots of originality in this city. In other words, to me, Wismar belongs to one of the most beautiful Hanseatic League towns. On this trip and in Germany of course.

I mean Riga and Tallinn in the Baltic States are just as cute. And some of the towns remind me a little bit of the towns of Holland and Belgium! What do you think?

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Luebeck (Lübeck)

Luebeck was very different again to Rostock and Wismar. The red brick architecture, with the unique finishes and touches, certainly stands out (especially the Burgtor and the Holstentor) and is great to see. Furthermore, I would agree that the Rathaus building is quite stunning as well. So much detail in the finishing touches! That said, although there were some impressive individual buildings, for me, Luebeck didn’t have the same amazing feeling as the other Hanseatic League towns. It felt a little bit more run down.

It was certainly nice to walk around, and I am glad I visited Luebeck. Because, I would have never had the pleasure of buying some of the original Niederegger Lübeck marzipan Chocolate! But, to me, and as mentioned already, it is probably not a Hanseatic League towns I would like to revisit. But…

On the other hand, I can’t wait to tell you more about the other towns along the Hanseatic Route, especially THE most beautiful one of them all! Lueneburg, just south of Hamburg!

(post 137)