Lübeck, Germany

Capital City

With a population of around 219,000, Lübeck is the second-largest city in Schleswig-Holstein - but don't let that fool you. This historic Hanseatic port is a bureaucratic headache, thanks to its convoluted division into 35 districts. And while the picturesque medieval architecture and seven church towers may draw tourists, the city's oceanic climate can be a persistent challenge, with long, cold winters and a high probability of summer heat waves. Still, for those who can navigate the red tape and unpredictable weather, Lübeck offers a charming slice of northern German history and culture.