The Scent of Marzipan in the streets of Hansestadt Lübeck

I still shake my head whenever I see my daughter make a face whenever I eat Marzipan.It´s because she doesn´t like it, and she would never understand how good it is.Just imagine my joy when we had our trip to the north of Germany and one of the city that we´ve visited is Lübeck, yes, the birthplace of authentic German made Marzipan.Marzipan is a thick almond paste that is purely made of grounded almonds and of course, sugar. It was one of the food for the nobles in the old age but now its accessible to everyone.

Lübeck is known as the Gothic brick city.Actually, aside from the outskirts of Belgium and the Netherlands, its here that I´ve seen so much of brick Architecture made of redish-brown- bronze shade colors.I learned that during the medieval times, Lübeck was the capital of Trade or a Hansestadt. Its famous landmark ,the gigantic gate tower called Holsentör–or the huge gate made of red bricks that aesthetically and purposely guarded the Old town from invading factors of all kinds.After seeing it I kinda agree of its strategic location and purpose.

Even before visiting Lübeck, i´ve always loved Marzipan that I could eat it everyday.Marzipan is actually worldwide sold in most chocolatier shop or even in supermarkets here in Germany, but the original ones came from Lübeck, well at least there it was known to be less -sugar and just pure goodness gracious good.It´s a confectionery that is very common here in Germany.You can find it in any supermarket esp. in the baking section.During Christmas, I have a thing of baking Christmas cookies or Plätzchen ,and I would always put marzipan to my “Plätzchen” (cookies) so they won´t end up too dry.It always does the trick to make it gooey and yummy.When I visited Lübeck, I had no idea that I would be walking in the streets along the Trave river following the scent of marzipan .This time, it was the original scent of Lübeck Marzipan.

But of course, along following this delicious goodness , I also have the chance to see a little bit of this vibrant city, with its spires, red-brown brick architecture and lively buzzling old town. I wanted to share that here in Germany, every region has its own pride and Lübeck is no different.With German culture, originality is a big thing.Like Weißwürst and Pretzel is traditionally came from Bavaria and Lachsbrötchen is typically from the North.But Lübeck is more than just a marzipan capital in Germany.

From the moment I entered the city, I was greeted with this view–a gigantic Holsten Tor, a historical town gate made from thick red bricks with massive two towers on both sides.It is a famous landmark of this city, and of all Germany.Its actually a massive landmark so you cannot miss it as you enter the city.

The moment you see it, you would want to ogle it and stare at it for quite a while because it´s just an incredible testament of how this city manages to safeguard its city from invading forces.I felt like I was walking through a storybook where these spires, towers and Gothic masterpieces dominates its skyline.Also, I was also stunned by the amount of tourists buzzling in every street.Why there are so many people here? Reminds me so much of the Speicherstadt in Hamburg–where it almost have the same architecture in every angle.I could gaze at the exterior facade for a while and admire the significant details

I´ve got some photos to share while gallivating this city and feeding both my curiosity and thing for Marzipan! One of its highlight is visiting the Niederegger main Marzipan Museum and shop.

On the other hand, roaming around the inner courts and wandering in the busy streets feet led us to the Stammhaus, or the well -renowned Niederegger Cafe, which is located just behind the Rathaus or City Hall.Every visitor, even locals gathered around this spot and just admire the details, and sculptures depicting the old Hanseatic features engraved in every way.Even if you don´t like Marzipan, it´s no wonder that you´ll find yourself admiring this place and would be probably standing in this beautiful square!

Marienkirche is also a very impressive structure that really caught my eye.I just love looking at beautiful churches like this, filled with history as well. Once I stood there in front of the door, I just can´t help to wonder how on earth this church survived from World War II bombings.This church, with all the restorations it undergone, had been named as the mother of all Gothic cathedral style using local bricks.Joyful, lively, serene – this is Lübeck’s heartbeat, pulsing through the winding streets of the old town and filling the imposing brick architecture of the old town island with life.This Nordic beauty has retained the charm of its original port city and welcomed us openly with its motto “Concordia domi foris pax” – harmony within, peace without.

The fine little details for sure have kept our eyes wandering and loving this town even more.Once we sat down and have a taste of locally made marzipan cake, our hearts were glad, grateful and eager to have more so a drive to the marzipan factory was next to our itinerary.There we find ourselves the great marzipan haul that filled our appetite to the rim.

Whenever I get to see a new city, I always have this “first impression” feeling or that “wow moment“, if there is. Looking at the outskirts, town proper, the way the garbage are disposed,some quaint local behaviours, and the entire ambiance that gives me an overall grasp of what the city is.I noticed that Lübeck is just as laid back as Hamburg.This carefree Unesco World Heritage site is so full of history,artistic flairs blended with maritime culture and culinary delights.

Walking back to the carpark, we´ve got the chance to admire the quiet Trave river.The walk along the river allows me to admire the shops that lined the promenade and the laidback feels that local people give.I stumbled across some nice art installations, statues like Johannes Brahms and unique street artworks along the way.

At the end, I cannot help but to snap another photo of this impressive door and admire the little Devil´s figure on Devil´s stone just outside the Marienkirchhof.This statue honors the so´called “Teufel” that help rebuild the church, thinking that the church will be built into a wine bar.The people of Lübeck also kept their word, and built the Ratskeller tavern just across the road from Marienkirchhof.