Green Phoenicia
WHAT?
The 12-century, UNESCO-listed town of Lübeck is a hidden gem on the north coast, and considered to be one of Germany’s most beautiful city-breaks thanks to its gothic architecture and colourful terraces. On one such brightly-coloured street, you find the strikingly-beautiful Green Phoenicia. I was initially drawn to it due to its pastel palette, chic-industrial interiors and minute attention to detail, but was bowled over by its zero-waste credentials.
Once the family home of owner Anni, this townhouse has been transformed by her and her partner Dany into two enticing apartments. They worked tirelessly to restore and renovate the house, exposing the red-oak staircase and adding pieces of upcycled furniture to ensure that their green-lifestyle values were at the heart of the building. Their passion and impeccable taste shine through, and I couldn’t think of a better base from which to explore.
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- The attention to detail in the apartments is amazing. Modern art, minimalist decor, plus it’s green and zero waste!
- Anni and Dany’s love of Lübeck radiates. They have so many great recommendations of alternative, memorable experiences
You must...
- Take the bikes and cycle along the untouched eastern side of the Baltic Sea. A good route starts from Travemünde
- Come in the summer and chill out at one of the open-air cinema, either in the countryside or on the beach
You might dislike...
- You’re a 20-minute walk from Lübeck’s old-town island, but there are bikes to borrow for free
- That you have to leave!
WHO?
Introducing Anni and Dany!
“The townhouse was built in 1910, and has been passed down in Anni’s family from generation to generation. It was such fun to renovate, and make the most of the gorgeous, century-old features.”
They love…
“We are so proud that we managed to blend modern design with green-living measures. We offer guests the chance to try out a sustainable, package-free lifestyle, and hope they will be inspired to make some changes themselves.”
Anni and Dany’s insider tips
- Grab the FAIR walking map, and get exploring the city’s fair and sustainable shops, restaurants and cafés! There are also some exceptional weekly markets selling local produce dotted throughout Lübeck
- Take a boat trip to Travemünde, and bring the apartment’s bikes so you can discover the Brodtener Steilufer. In summer, take a break on the beach and jump into the cool waters!
- Another great bike tour is along the beautiful Heinrich-Dräger-Weg, named after the successful entrepreneur from Lübeck. It leads along the Wakenitz, the "Amazon of the North" to Rothenhusen at the Ratzeburger See. In the "Fährhaus" you can enjoy a cool beer on the lake terrace.
- Lübeck is home to the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in summer and the Nordic Film Days in November.
Green Phoenicia
“Anni and Dany are two super nice and helpful hosts! We has a very warm welcome and got some great tips to discover the city. The apartment is wonderful, designed with a lot of love for details and immediately gives you the feeling of being home!”
THE
ESSENTIALS
- Sleeping arrangements: There are two apartments: Green Family has a double bed and two single sofa beds, and Green Suite has a double bed only.
- Bathroom set up: Both apartments have ensuite bathrooms with a shower.
- Food: Green Family and Green Suite have fully-equipped kitchens that feature tea, coffee and sustainable mini-bars. There is also an honesty kitchen with basic food. A Lebanese organic brunch can be ordered on request - available at weekends with a few days advanced warning - and delivered to your room.
- For families: Green Family is perfect - as the name suggests - for families. As well as the two single sofa beds, a cot can be added to the room on request. Plus there’s a washing machine in the bathroom should you need it.
- On-site equipment: Both apartments come with bikes, so you can explore the area on two wheels. Each apartment also features board games, books and radios.
- Help: Anni and Dany live on-site, and are around to provide lots of recommendations!
- Remember to pack: Swimwear! You'd be foolish to visit and not take a dip in one sea.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed.
- Sustainability: Green Phoenicia is wonderfully sustainable! When renovating the townhouse, Anni and Dany use materials such as clay, limestone and wood, and they re-used a lot of existing features. The apartments are zero-plastic, and all food is sustainably sourced.
WHERE?
Green Phoenicia is located at the heart of Lübeck on the colourful Lilienstraße, a 20-minute walk from the old town.
You can reach Green Phoenicia in just under 3 hours by car from Berlin.
From Hamburg, it’s just a few stops on the train to Lübeck Central Station. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk.
