Self-guided podcast tour of Lübeck's Iron Curtain

Kiel, Germany
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Duration2h 31m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English
Group sizeUp to 99 travelers

Overview

Dive into the shadows of the Cold War in a city that was suddenly surrounded on three sides by the Iron Curtain. Once the undisputed queen of the Hanseatic League, Lübeck woke up in 1945 to find itself in a geopolitical cul-de-sac, cut off from its natural eastern hinterland. On this captivating tour, you discover the psychological burden of living on the edge of the Western world. From the shattered bells of St. Mary's to the secret lifelines of the 'Westpakete, experience how a traumatized border city became the cradle of Willy Brandt's groundbreaking peace policy.

- 5.3 km self-guided tour with 8 stations over 151 min.
- Ideal for everyone interested in history, memory and identity, migration, and globalization
Excitingly told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Suitable audio content, AI guide, and navigation via the app

What's included

  • Exciting audio output in podcast style with experts and locals
  • Interactive guide in the app for questions about history and surroundings
  • Verified facts incorporated into an exciting story
  • Point-to-point navigation between stops

What to expect

  1. 10m
    The main station served as a tense transit hub during the Cold War and was the strictly monitored physical connection to the East.
  2. Salzspeicher
    10m
    Historic salt storage facilities that represent Lübeck's Hanseatic past and stood in stark contrast to its economic isolation during the Cold War.
  3. St. Marien in Lubeck
    10m
    The broken bells lying on the ground are a poignant reminder of the bombing raids of the Second World War and symbolize the cause of the division of Germany.
  4. Willy-Brandt-Haus
    10m
    A museum dedicated to Willy Brandt, whose 'Ostpolitik' was strongly influenced by his origin in this border region.
  5. Heiligen-Geist-Hospital
    10m
    A historical symbol of charity that housed refugees after the Second World War and served as a center for cross-border compassion.
  6. Burgtor-Befestigungsanlage Lubeck
    10m
    The northern city gate, which symbolizes Lübeck's forced orientation towards Scandinavia when the east was blocked by the Iron Curtain.
  7. 10m
    A historic drawbridge that offers a poignant axis view to the east over the water and underscores the psychological burden of the nearby border.
  8. 10m
    The smallest and easternmost old town church, which stands for the intimate, everyday emotional bonds and the resilience of the community.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point is at Lübeck main station. Go from the main entrance to the agreed starting point at the station. Check the current orientation and local signage on the travel day.

End point

Walk from St. Aegidien to the nearest stop and take local public transport back to Lübeck main station. The starting point is St. Aegidien. Please check the current connection on the day of travel.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Operated by Red Thread · Booked through Viator
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