Lüneburg, Lower Saxony

Lüneburg, Germany
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sint_L%C3%BCneburg.jpg
Author: Flo!an


Lüneburg is a small town in the German state of Lower Saxony, in northern Germany. It covers 70.34 sq km (27.16 sq mi) and has a population of 73,000 (2011 estimate). The town observes the Central European Time (UTC+1) and in summer the Central European Summer Time (UTC+2).

View of Lüneburg from its water tower (Wasserturm)
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vista_desde_la_torre_del_agua.JPG
Author: Jörn Wendland


Lüneburg is located on the banks of the river Ilmenau, which flows into the Elbe. To the south of town is the Lüneburg Heath, which covers some 7,400 sq km. The heath, formed as a result of deforestation since prehistoric times, covers the landscape in this part of Germany to include Hamburg, Hanover and Bremen.

Human habitation in the Lüneburg area dates back to an astounding 150,000 years ago - that based of the age of 56 prehistoric axes discovered in the area. Ancient graves have also been discovered dating to the first few centuries AD. The earliest mention of Lüneburg dates back to 956 AD, when Otto I, the Holy Roman Emperor granted a monastery there tax exemption.

Medieval houses on Grapengießerstraße in Lüneburg
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2010-06-06-lueneburg-by-RalfR-11.jpg
Author: Ralf Roletschek


The Lüneburg area is a major salt producing region of Germany. Salt has been mined in Lüneburg since prehistoric times. In the 12th century, it was admitted into the Hanseatic League, largely due to the importance placed on its salt. Salt made Lüneburg one of the wealthiest towns in Europe. In recognition of this glorious past, Lüneburg began since 2007 to once again title itself the Hanseatic City of Lüneburg or Hansestadt Lüneburg.

Visiting Lüneburg

Lüneburg is located to the southeast of Hamburg. The best option for foreign visitors is to fly to Hamburg Airport (HAM), and take a train from there to Lüneburg.

Rathaus (Town Hall) of Lüneburg
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RATHAUS_LUE.jpg
Author: Stephan Komp

Places of Interest in and around Lüneburg

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