On the road in Große Burgstraße

In the north of Lübeck's old town

We begin the admittedly not-so-new year of 2024 for Lübeck ZWISCHENZEILEN with a trip to Große Burgstraße. It provides access to the water-surrounded old town from the Burgtor (castle gate) and thus from the north. The Burgtor was built between 1444 and 1448 under the rule of Duke Adolf VIII of Schauenburg and Holstein.

The Große Burgstraße is often underestimated, especially by people who live here in Lübeck. At first glance, it's not as picturesque as other alleyways in the old town. However, it has developed very positively in recent years. New shops, galleries, and cafés have enriched the area. It's worth keeping your eyes open while you walk through it, as is always the case in life. Otherwise, we miss out on the best things!

If you need a motto for the new year: Please leave the beaten path every now and then. Go a little further and explore a bit.

Tonfink Cultural Café and Bar

We start diagonally opposite the Holy Spirit Hospital. At Große Burgstraße 46 in Lübeck, you'll find a very special favorite spot for all lovers of good entertainment: the Tonfink. A cultural meeting place, it regularly hosts live music evenings, readings, and art exhibitions. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal. I especially appreciate that at the Tonfink I can experience both well-known singer-songwriters and up-and-coming artists. René Kragl and Carolin Peter have excellent international connections and also bring artists from overseas to Lübeck. There's no entrance fee, but you can show your appreciation by contributing to the hat box, which, by the way, isn't a hat, but a pug figurine.

My personal highlight is the table quiz, which takes place on the last Friday of every month. Quizmaster Albrecht guides us through the evening. Following Goethe's motto, "I know much, but I want to know everything," you can put your knowledge to the test. The Tonfink is usually packed for the quiz night, so reservations are recommended.

La Cucina in Große Burgstraße

Katja Hagen offers a truly wonderful homemade breakfast at her La Cucina restaurant at Große Burgstraße 40. In the long, narrow space, you'll discover many lovingly arranged little treats. La Cucina is also known for its generous and high-quality picnic boxes prepared in a "grazing style." Here, presentation is definitely key, and everyone simply helps themselves to the snacks. I especially like them for a trip to the Trave River or for my e-boat tour. Although, it's currently a bit too cold for that outside. It's also worth taking a look at La Cucina's event calendar: if you happen to be in Lübeck at a convenient time, one of Katja's cooking classes might tempt you.

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Fraj Organic Hairdresser

Planning a visit to the hairdresser during your trip to Lübeck? Absolutely! The organic hairdresser Fraj, located at GroßeBurgstraße 30, is known for its ecologically sustainable philosophy and the exclusive use of organic products. I stumbled upon this very special salon by chance during Museum Night 2023 and was instantly impressed.

, Rebekka Jeß and Albertina Flaverny spoke passionately about their work. A sustainable lifestyle is very important to both women. Over the years, they have developed an increasingly strong awareness of sustainable practices, both personally and professionally. Hair care should contribute to well-being, and feeling good here is immediately apparent. The lovingly curated interior reflects the hairdressers' philosophy: handcrafted furniture and Art Nouveau lamps. An impressive chandelier. A cabinet salvaged from an estate sale.

Comfortable chairs that once graced the NDR (North German Broadcasting). Heavy upholstered furniture. This mix simply works. Each piece has a story to tell. And then there's the art on the walls. Creative people from Lübeck and the surrounding region take advantage of the opportunity to showcase their work in the salon. Currently, for example, Dana Klak exhibiting her colorful pieces.

Studio 1

Studio 1 at Große Burgstraße 34 in Lübeck is a true paradise for vinyl and CD enthusiasts. Owner Petra Willems offers an extensive selection of records from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Rock classics, independent music, classical, hip-hop, German pop. You can also find German pop and a large selection of classical records here. Actually, Petra Willms has something for literally every taste. I have to warn you: if you reach for the first box to browse, you'll be hooked. So many discoveries and memories! Back in the 1970s, I had to save up my pocket money for ages to buy an LP. 20 DM! You really had to think carefully about which record you bought.

And then there's that feeling of putting on a record: inspecting the cover, taking the record out of its sleeve, and placing it on the turntable. The slight crackle as the needle touches down. Vinyl remains alive. You might find a treasure in Studio 1!

Art in the Passage

To conclude our little walk, I recommend a detour to the "Struß Thorweg." This is one of the many residential alleyways in Lübeck's Old Town. For over 700 years, people have used this shortcut from Große Burgstraße to Rosenstraße. The artist and architect Stephen Perry into a vibrant representation of the crafts of bygone eras. The photographs depict scenes from the late 19th century. The images were printed directly onto ceramic tiles using a special process – dot-matrix printing in indigo blue.

Once you arrive at Rosenstrasse, don't miss taking a look in the rose-lined passageway . I love this little passageway in every season. Decorated with large red stars, it offers a unique moment of peace.

We recently visited the smallest museum in Lübeck, the Rosengang, for our podcast Lübeck ZWISCHENTÖNE . Curious? Then listen to the episode here.