Museum Harbour Lübeck (“Museumshafen”)

Museum in Lübeck

The Museum Harbour Lübeck (Museumshafen Lübeck) is a unique open-air maritime museum located along the Trave River, near the heart of Lübeck’s historic Old Town. This living museum is home to a collection of beautifully restored historic sailing ships and working boats, many of which date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. These vessels represent the kinds of ships that once frequented Lübeck’s busy harbors during its time as a powerful trading city in the Hanseatic League. Rather than being static exhibits, many of the boats are still seaworthy and maintained by passionate volunteers.

Established in 1991, the Museumshafen was created by a group of local ship enthusiasts and preservationists with the aim of saving traditional wooden ships from decay and showcasing Lübeck’s rich maritime heritage. The harbor now features more than 20 historic vessels, including cargo schooners, cutters, and fishing boats, all moored near the An der Untertrave promenade. The area offers visitors a chance to stroll along the waterfront, admire the craftsmanship of the ships up close, and imagine what Lübeck’s harbor looked like in its seafaring prime.

One of the most special aspects of the Museumshafen is its hands-on, living nature. Many of the ships are still actively sailed by their owners and are involved in maritime festivals and events throughout the Baltic region. This dynamic character sets the harbor apart from typical museums—it’s a place where tradition is kept alive not just through display, but through use and practice. Some ships even offer onboard tours or allow visitors to speak with crew members about restoration work and life at sea.

The harbor is also a picturesque and peaceful place to visit, with scenic views of Lübeck’s old gabled houses, church spires, and riverside cafés. It’s particularly lively during special events like the Lübeck HanseKulturFestival or the Travemünder Woche, when many of the historic ships set sail or host demonstrations. Even on a quiet day, the gentle creaking of wooden hulls and the flutter of sails evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia for Lübeck’s maritime past.

The Museum Harbour Lübeck (“Museumshafen”) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lübeck!

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