You’re enjoying a slice of marzipan cake at the more than 200-year-old Café Niederegger in Lübeck. But did you know you’re sitting at the heart of one of medieval Europe’s key trading centres?

Lübeck, the Queen City of the Hanseatic League, was a founding member of the powerful federation of merchant guilds and market towns that controlled Baltic and North Sea trade from roughly the 13th to the 17th centuries.

The League connected cities across present-day Germany, Poland, Latvia, Estonia and beyond. Beyond trade, it also fended off pirates and marauding Vikings, influenced urban development, and wielded significant political power.

Baltic Boom Towns

The League made boom towns across the Baltic, attracting entrepreneurs and artisans who built sumptuous Gothic buildings and towering churches. Although the League in Germany petered out by the late 16th century, its legacy endures in art, architecture and early global trade principles. Revived in 1980 as “Die Hanse,” the association now promotes cooperation and cultural exchange among former Hanseatic cities.

A Gothic Trade Tour

As global trade dominates the news, isn’t it a good time to join a Historic Highlights of Germany tour of Hanseatic Germany? You’ll explore medieval shops, meet shipbuilders and brewers, and visit Lübeck, Rostock, Osnabrück, and Münster—each inspiring fairytale charm.

Some Highlights

Lübeck, the Hanseatic League’s de facto capital, was a hub where merchants strategized. Today, it’s one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at its ornate brick gabled homes, Gothic churches, and the iconic Holstentor, one of northern Europe’s most Insta-worthy spots. Lübeck’s famous medieval courtyards are hidden gems and a must-see.

Rostock, once a shipbuilding hub for the League’s high-sided cog ships, remains a city with more than a whiff of maritime flair. Each August, Hanse Sail draws historic and modern ships for one of Europe’s largest maritime festivals. Make time (excuse the puns) for a stop at the 15th century astronomical clock in St. Mary’s Church, and watch the clock’s hourly procession of dancing apostles—a sheer delight.

Münster looks remarkably well-preserved despite its 1,200-year history. Hanseatic influences are evident throughout the city, from aristocratic gabled houses to the mighty St. Paulus Dom, along with the Hall of Peace in the Gothic town hall. You must also visit the 1648 Café for the incredible panoramic view of the Gothic city. Münster exudes youthful energy, thanks to its many university students, navigating the city by bike.

Osnabrück’s historic Market Square showcases its Hanseatic-era brick and stone architecture. Take a look at the extraordinary silhouettes, showcasing its impressive brick architectural legacy. The city’s “Steinwerke” vault houses stand as testaments to its trading past. Browse the shops along the old trade routes before stopping at Osnabrück’s local brewery near St. Peter’s Cathedral for a well-earned beer.