Lüneburg is a town in northern Germany about 50km from Hamburg. It was one of the few towns in North Germany whose historic centre was not destroyed during the Second World War.
Lüneburg was first mentioned in medieval records in a deed signed on 13 August, 956 AD. But it is clear from archeological records the site had been settled for many centuries previously.
Lüneburg is allowed to use the title “Hansestadt” (Hanseatic Town) in its name in recognition of its membership in the former Hanseatic League. The town became wealthy because of its salt mines. The salt mine was closed in 1980, ending 1,000 years of salt mining here.
Unfortunately, because of the mining there has been some subsidence affecting buildings which now lean.
The Alter Kran (Old crane) located in the river harbor centuries-old harbor crane used to lift salt, as well as other valuable goods such as firewood.
We spent several weeks house sitting in a village near to Lüneburg, Germany. If you are interested in how we saved a fortune in accommodation by house sitting, you can read about it here – House Sitting is the perfect travel adventure.