Schiffergesellschaft, Maritime guild house and restaurant in Lübeck, Germany
The Schiffergesellschaft is a brick Renaissance guild house on Breite Strasse with large dining halls featuring long wooden tables. The interior is decorated with model ships, exposed wooden beams, and maritime objects that speak to its seafaring heritage.
Founded in 1401 as St. Nicholas Brotherhood, the organization supported seafarers and their families during the Hanseatic League period. Over centuries it became an established institution in Lübeck's port life.
The dining halls still show the traditional arrangement of captains separated by their sailing destinations and languages. Visitors can see how this historical order shaped the space and reflected the daily life of seafarers.
The building is centrally located on Breite Strasse in Lübeck's old town and easily accessible on foot. When visiting as a restaurant, it operates during regular service hours, so checking ahead for reservations and availability is worth doing.
The building's cellar once sheltered around 50 people who were asked only to say prayers for seafarers in exchange. This practice shows how the house supported people in need through a simple but meaningful arrangement.
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