Jan Becker and Imke Krüger guard a very special treasure in Lübeck. Or rather, an entire treasure trove: the Lübeck Treasure Trove . It consists of the antique shop Lübeck ZWISCHENZEILEN I'm starting with a visit to the shop on Untertrave and meeting Jan Becker for a quick chat.
Grown together
Jan Becker is at home in the world of antiques. For over 30 years, he has dealt in art, bric-a-brac, and genuine one-of-a-kind pieces. He rescues treasures from estate sales and auctions, finding them new homes. Regular trips to Sweden are also part of his routine. There, he usually buys in advance from trusted dealers. They know what people like to bring back to Lübeck. In return, his van never heads north empty, but is always loaded with all sorts of things ordered from Sweden. Or at least with typical German delicacies as souvenirs.
But his passion for collecting and buying brought a problem: where to put all the finds? The solution: a storage space in a backyard at Wakenitzstraße 12. Plenty of room for new treasures and also for a new love, because, as fate would have it, his future wife rented space in that very backyard at the time, opening her carpentry workshop there. The beginning of the treasure trove as it is today.
What started as a backyard storage area became a farm shop, and a few years later, the Schatzcafé (Treasure Café) was added. Finally, Jan and Imke bought the entire farm. Today, it's a vibrant meeting place for lovers of art, crafts, and culture. A real little neighborhood that warmly welcomes visitors.
Shop shopping – browsing in the heart of Lübeck
In the cozy shop, you can stroll through a small space filled with antique furniture, paintings in a wide variety of styles, porcelain, colorful glass, and all sorts of curiosities. As you wander through the shop, you'll constantly discover new treasures – whether a lovingly restored 19th-century wooden table, a delicate chandelier, or a nostalgic tin sign.
The farm shop – a treasure hunter's paradise
Everything you can find in the shop on Untertrave is also available here. And much more of it. Shelves are lined with glassware, lamps, and books, alongside boxes of tools and a wealth of antique furniture, all waiting to find loving homes. The farm shop is open every Friday (except public holidays) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Imke Krüger's workshop is also located on the premises. In her carpentry studio, she breathes new life into old pieces of furniture – sustainably, individually, and with her own unique style. She also creates one-of-a-kind pieces from her own collection, all genuine handcrafted work.
It's a bit like IKEA with its flea market items; you walk through all the rooms and you'll pass everything.
The courtyard has become not just a place to browse and buy, but a popular meeting place. Visitors also come to linger, chat, and explore.
The Treasure Café – coffee, cake and culture
Imke Krüger runs the small, charming café with great attention to detail. The atmosphere is relaxed, almost familial. Surrounded by nostalgic furniture, vintage decorations, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, it's a wonderful place to linger.
The café is open Fridays and Saturdays (except public holidays) from 10 am to 7 pm and offers breakfast as well as homemade cakes. It's a popular meeting place not only for regular customers but also for visitors taking a short break while browsing the treasure trove.
Furthermore, the Schatzcafé also serves as a stage. Regular events are held here, giving the place a special cultural flair. The café can also be rented for weddings, family celebrations, and birthdays.
Culture meets nostalgia – events at the Schatzcafe
The regular jazz events are particularly popular. For example, every second Friday of the month, the Schatzcafé hosts "After-Work Jazz" starting at 5 p.m. Singer-songwriter evenings and small jam sessions are also offered. Imke herself is not only a carpenter and café owner, but also a singer. Her jazz band provides musical highlights at some of the events.
The events are announced via the Instagram account @schatzcafe.luebeck or @luebeck_schatzkammer – so it's worth taking a look.
In conclusion – a visit to the treasury is always worthwhile!
Whether you're browsing, enjoying the atmosphere, or simply spending a relaxing afternoon in a special ambiance – the Lübeck Treasure Chamber is much more than just an antique shop. Here, art, craftsmanship, and culture come together in a unique combination. Whether you're looking for a special piece of furniture, want to buy a beautiful gift, or simply fancy a delicious cake in the charming café – you're guaranteed to find something here.
And who knows? Perhaps you'll even discover your very own treasure.
PS: Just a quick note on sustainability
Flea markets, second-hand goods, and upcycling are all wonderfully sustainable, and it's also a lot of fun to stroll through this huge flea market. And if you're already there and want to eat sustainably and healthily: the farm shop has been a sales point for the Demeter vegetable boxes from Natalie and Dennis's community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm .
The café is simply superb and incredibly cozy, no matter the season.
That's right, dear Ellen. And such delicious baked goods!!