The 81-year-old writer and literary critic Elke Heidenreich opens her latest essay “ Aging ” with two different perspectives on her life so far.
Version 1: My life is a failure: difficult childhood, divorce, illnesses . Version 2: My life is wonderful: my friends, great trips, literature.
I liked this approach so much that I immediately used it for my own reflection and wrote it down. Life is often about perspective on what has happened and the decisions we have made.
What does Elke Heidenreich have to do with Beckergrube in Lübeck? Explaining that is easy for me, because you can approach construction project Version 1: Everything is absolutely terrible. You can't get anywhere comfortably. Driving, parking – impossible. And there weren't any trees missing before. Does it really have to be like this? Version 2 : It's actually a really cool project. Yes, of course, it will take some time until everything is nice and tidy, but as soon as the work is finished, Beckergrube will be a showcase project. Green and inviting. A place to linger, to look around, and to stroll. Almost like in Paris or Barcelona, where life is returning to places that were previously just gray and noisy.
I definitely prefer version 2! Even during the renovation phase, Beckergrube deserves a second look. So today I'm introducing you to seven of my favorite spots.
7 towers – 7 tips
Fermenti – The Pizza Bistro
Fermenti, located at Beckergrube 90, Germano Alfarano offers pizzas made with high-quality sourdough, which he prepares himself and allows to mature over three days. "A true slow-food option," says Germano. "The long fermentation time makes a significant difference in flavor. The flour becomes more digestible through the acidification process." Germano learned his craft from the renowned Italian pizza chef Maurizio Capodicasa. Besides wines from small vineyards in his home region, he recommends northern Italian craft beers as a perfect accompaniment to the pizza. My recommendation is the Pizza Fermentina Salvatore with scampi and stracciatella cheese. Light and crispy at the same time. Perfect simplicity.
brickworks
The Ziegelei at Beckergrube 88 is a relatively new favorite spot for many Lübeck locals. Two friends have created a place here that makes you wonder why it didn't exist sooner. Markus and Monib serve German home-style cooking at its finest. Tradition, craftsmanship, and flavor combine harmoniously, so that familiar dishes you probably know from home arrive on your plate with modern twists. Collaborations with local and regional producers are particularly important to the owners. For example, they serve gin from the Burning Bricks distillery and wines from their "neighbor" – the HF von Melle winery . The specialty coffees come from Cycle Roasters . And you experience all of this in a space typical of Lübeck – a traditional farmhouse with high ceilings and stone floors. In the summer, I recommend a table in the charming courtyard.
wreath-like precision
Hannah Sonntag and Sina Fischer have fulfilled a long-held dream with their dried flower decoration shop at Beckergrube 59-61 . What was fashionable in the 1970s is now back in style and has – thankfully – evolved. Blossoms are presented in glass containers or arranged as branches in decorative vases – as small arrangements or individual pieces. So-called hoops are incredibly popular. These handmade floral rings now adorn many homes, from doors to walls. For festive occasions like weddings, births, or the first day of school, they can be personalized at Kranzgenau according to your wishes. The owners are happy to advise you, even on short notice. If you have the time and inclination to make a wreath or ring yourself, attending a workshop is well worth it. Hannah and Sina truly excel in these workshops. Even people who think they aren't creative discover their talent under the guidance of the ever-cheerful Kranzgenau experts.
Langenkamp – the traditional bookstore
the offerings at Beckergrube 19. My love of literature and reading is nothing new. Langenkamp Bookstore is a Lübeck institution. It was founded on Königstraße back in 1894. In 2021, Michele Piroli – a newcomer to the book trade – took over the business, which he and his wife have rejuvenated and modernized. This applies to the brightly colored interior as well as the selection. Michele has set up a play area in the back of the bookstore. As a young father, introducing children to books from an early age is very important to him. So your little companions can play and browse the books while you look around. At Michele's, you'll find reading material beyond the usual offerings. A fine, carefully curated selection of titles, including those from smaller publishers. You'll definitely get lost browsing and leafing through the pages. That much is certain.
That this bookstore does excellent work is well known, and not just to its many regular customers. In September, Michele received the 2024 German Bookstore Prize in the category of Outstanding Bookstore . With this prize, the German Federal Government honors bookstores that have made a special contribution to the social significance of books as cultural assets, to local cultural life, or that offer a particularly diverse or specialized selection of books. The Lübeck bookstores maKulaTUR and Prosa also belong to this illustrious circle.
MatutT – Paper goods
Erwin Matutt, at Beckergrube 35/37, undoubtedly belongs among the ranks of traditional businesses . Since 1927, Matutt, a family-run company, has been the specialist for paper goods and office equipment. For generations of Lübeck residents, it has been the go-to place for expert advice, for example, when purchasing a high-quality fountain pen. Here, it's all about writing, beautiful things, and gifts. The selection is vast.
Elsewhere – Record stores
Vinyl is a reliable companion. It crackles, hisses, and unfolds a very special magic – the good old record. This magic comes alive at the record store " Wo-Anders " at Beckergrube 60-62 . Here you'll find a carefully curated collection of vinyl treasures that goes far beyond the mainstream. From rock and jazz to indie and classical – the store's shelves tell stories from bygone eras and offer discoveries for every taste. Rainer Marenke has been a fixture in the scene since 1998. That's when he took over the business, where he had already worked part-time as a student. Record sales have experienced a real boom in recent years. "People appreciate being able to consciously listen to an album from beginning to end without being interrupted by digital distractions," explains Rainer. "It's a moment of pausing, of enjoyment."
Les Téméraires – creperie and café
The Daring One. The Fearless One. La Téméraire. That's Seneka Wichmann Beckergrube 39 is still quite new . "Eating is a necessity, enjoying is an art." This quote from François de La Rochefoucauld could serve as the motto above the door of the small crêperie. Here, everything revolves around the wafer-thin, golden-brown delicacies from France. Seneka is no stranger to Lübeck with her exclusively vegan and vegetarian crêpes. Until now, the newly minted café owner has been traveling to festivals and events with her offerings, including the Lübeck Christmas Market. Now, Seneka has boldly ventured into realizing her vision, aiming to delight her guests with savory and sweet creations. She focuses on seasonal and regional ingredients. You can be sure that every bite will bring a little piece of France into your heart.
