Tours

Self-guided podcast tour of Lübeck's Iron Curtain

Kiel, Germanyby Red Thread

2.5 hours
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Up to 99 travelers
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

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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

Itinerary

1
Stop 1
10 min
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
10 min
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
10 min
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
10 min
A museum dedicated to Willy Brandt, whose 'Ostpolitik' was strongly influenced by his origin in this border region.
5
Heiligen-Geist-Hospital
10 min
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
10 min
The northern city gate, which symbolizes Lübeck's forced orientation towards Scandinavia when the east was blocked by the Iron Curtain.
7
Stop 7
10 min
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
Stop 8
10 min
The smallest and easternmost old town church, which stands for the intimate, everyday emotional bonds and the resilience of the community.

Meeting and pickup

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.

Good to know

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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Kiel, Germany

8 hours

8 hoursFree cancellation

from $101

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