It’s was time to move on from Germany, but before we did we had one last night, and one last place to see. When we found out that the ferry we intended to take to Denmark cost around €100, we decided to drive the long way round. This meant that Lübeck had became slightly off the beaten trail. However, the town had been recommended to us by my Mum, as well as Lonely Planet, because 1) it’s super cute, and 2) it’s where my Great Grandfather went to university. So on we went.
We had looked up a camper van parking spot in the centre of town, but as we were driving in, we found ourselves on a small street with free parking, within eyesight of the central cathedral… perfect. After a quick false start to go back to the van to get sunblock, and for me to have a random brain meltdown, because it’s been a tiring journey up until this point, and sometimes your brain just sort of melts… we made it to the old city gate.
This is an incredibly cute, double spired, medieval gate that marked the entrance to the city. Both spires are warped and twisted, adding a quirky Tim Burton-esque, German Expressionist feel to the place. These great, dark spires were direct juxtapositions to the amazingly bright and sunny day that they basked in.
Back when we were in Mallorca, we had the most amazing iced coffee ever. Full of ice cream and topped with cream and chocolate covered coffee beans. It was so friggin good! Laura had found out the reason for these decadent delights was down to the German tourists that swarmed on the sunny island. So with the idea that ‘Germany does good iced coffee’ we set out to find one. My correct guess saw us looking for Eiskaffe, and sure enough, right past the city gate, in a small cafe overlooking the river, we found our Eiskaffe with what we translated to be ‘vanilla’, ‘cream’, and something else? Sure enough, out came two giant glasses, practically overflowing with cream and ice cream. We spent the next little while enjoying the sun, and the cold, sweet coffee, as well each other’s company.
Our next stop was the cathedral in the centre of town. Sitting next to the side door is a little statue of the Devil, being super mischievous, and super naked! The story goes that whilst building the church the Devil came across the workers, who convinced him to help by telling him they were building a wine bar. So the Devil began laying bricks and mortar. When the Devil found out what they were really building, he became enraged and began to destroy the church he had just helped to build. At this stage the workers convinced the Devil that if he let the church be, they would build him a wine bar when they had finished. The Devil thought this sounded fair, so he left them to it. Once the church was finished, the workers kept their promise; and this explains the huge wine cellar that is under the town hall, across the road from the church!
After hanging out with our horn-y friend, we wandered around the town, just taking in the amazing buildings, narrow streets, and the pleasant vibe that comes from the modern-meets-medieval city.
Before we moved on to our campsite, we made a stop to Decathlon, the best chain sports store in Europe! With Scandinavia fast approaching, we knew that if we needed anything cheap, this would be our last chance…
That night’s stop was at the most amazing little lake. Since we didn’t need power we ended up being allowed to park in the tent-zone, right on the waters edge. An evening swim, and dinner with the best view made for a fantastic last night in Germany. Tomorrow… Denmark…
– Lars
Two Travelling Kiwifruits 