Jan Becker and Imke Krüger are the proud guardians of a very special treasure in Lübeck. Or rather a whole treasure trove, the Schatzkammer Lübeck. It is made up of two parts: the antiques store at Untertrave 104 and the courtyard at Wakenitzstraße 12. The courtyard has a huge sales and storage area, Imke Krüger’s carpentry workshop and a cosy café. For Lübeck ZWISCHENZEILEN I start with a visit to the store at Untertrave and meet Jan Becker for a little chat.
Growing together
Jan Becker is a real character, with a passion for antiques that has lasted for over 30 years. He’s been dealing in all sorts of items, from the everyday to the truly unique. His speciality is finding treasures in auctions and liquidations, and making sure they go to a good home. He also makes regular trips to Sweden, where he usually buys in advance from well-known dealers. They know exactly what he likes to take to Lübeck. And whenever the van heads back north, it’s never empty – it’s always filled with all kinds of things that have been ordered in Sweden, or at least with some German delicacies as souvenirs.
But his passion for collecting and buying brought with it a problem: where to put all the finds? The solution was as easy as pie: a storage space in a backyard at Wakenitzstraße 12. Plenty of room for new treasures and also for a new love, because as luck would have it, Imke rented a room in this very backyard to open her carpentry workshop. And so the story began…
The backyard was lovingly transformed into a charming little shop, and a few years later, the delightful Schatzcafé was added. Finally, Jan and Imke bought the entire yard, and now it has grown to become a lively meeting place for lovers of art, crafts and culture. A place where guests are always welcome.
The store sale – rummage in the middle of Lübeck
At the cosy little shop at Untertrave, you can take your time to browse through the charming collection of antique furniture, paintings in various styles, porcelain, colourful glass and all kinds of curiosities. As you wander through the store, you’ll discover plenty of objects, whether it’s a lovingly restored wooden table from the 19th century, a delicate chandelier or a nostalgic tin sign.
the yard sale – a treasure hunter’s paradise
Shelves full of glassware, lamps, books, boxes of tools and lots of antique furniture are lined up here, waiting to be passed on to loving hands. The yard sale opens its doors every Friday (except on public holidays) from 8 am to 6 pm, so why not pop by? Imke Krüger’s workshop is also located on the premises. In her workshop, Imke breathes new life into old pieces of furniture – sustainably, individually and with her very own signature. She also creates unique pieces from her own collection here – genuine craftsmanship through and through.
It’s a bit like IKEA, but with junk. once you’ve seen everything, it all starts to make sense.
The courtyard is now not only a place to browse and buy, but has long since become a popular meeting place. Visitors also come to linger, chat and discover.
the Schatzcafé – coffee, cake and culture
Imke Krüger is the heart and soul of her little café. She makes sure everything is just right, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. With cute old-fashioned furniture, charming vintage decorations and the delicious smell of fresh-brewed coffee, it’s a place where you’ll want to hang out and relax.
The café is open on Fridays and Saturdays (except on public holidays) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s the perfect place to grab a delicious breakfast or a slice of our mouth-watering homemade cakes! Whether you’re a regular or just passing through, you’re always welcome here.
culture meets nostalgia – events at the schatzcafe
The Schatzcafé is also a stage where events are regularly held, making it a vibrant cultural hub. On the second Friday of every month from 5 p.m., for example, the Schatzcafé hosts an after-work jazz evening. Plus there are singer-songwriter evenings and small jam sessions. Imke is not only a talented carpenter and the owner of a cosy café. She’s also a brilliant singer. Her jazz band brings joy to so many people. Check the Instagram accounts @schatzcafe.luebeck or @luebeck_schatzkammer for info about upcoming events.
Conclusion – a visit is always worthwhile!
Whether you want to browse, enjoy or simply spend a relaxing afternoon in a special atmosphere, the Schatzkammer Lübeck is the perfect spot. It’s a place where art, crafts and culture come together in a unique combination. Whether you’re looking for a special piece of furniture, a beautiful gift or just fancy a delicious cake in the charming café, you’re guaranteed to find something here.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll discover your own personal treasure here!
ps: briefly on the subject of sustainability
Rummage, second-hand and upcycling are all wonderful ways to shop sustainably, and it’s such a fun way to spend an afternoon strolling through this huge flea market! And if you’re already there anyway and want to eat in a sustainable and healthy way, you’re in luck! The farm shop has been selling Demeter vegetable boxes from Natalie and Dennis’Solidarische Gemüsegärtnerei for a year now.
