When in Lemgo simply let your instincts take over and relax. Once you’re ready to leave your busy self behind, you’ll realize you’ve reached a spot on earth meant for sheer rejuvenation. You are in an ancient town which still refuses to let go entirely of it’s beauteous past while willing to wallow in the conveniences of modernity.
Take the Lemgo Marketplace for instance. The Gothic Town Hall stands tall amid a spectacular array of medieval homes. The whole place has a clean refreshing look as if it was just built a few months ago.
Right across from the Town Hall is the Balhaus dating back to the 17th century. You can easily spend half a day here without once glancing at your watch. Examples of renaissance and gothic influences in architecture abound giving you a sense of history while you sip your steaming latte.
As you proceed south from the Lemgo Marketplace along Breite Straße stands the unpronounceable yet magnificent Hexenburgermeisterhaus — a fine specimen of 16th century Renaissance architecture. Visit the Heimatmuseum to learn about the pioneer Kampfer who traveled to Japan in the 17th century.
Nearby, in Stiftstraße, is the Gothic St. Mary’s Church with its revered organ from the 1600s. This has even inspired an annual organ festival. If you liked that you should go over to Burg Sternberg where they have a collection of historic musical instruments which they actually use in concerts.
More architectural wonders await you in Lemgo in the form of churches. The St. Nicholas Church east of the Marketplace has an awesome interior with a Baroque altar and baptismal font. Don’t be in a hurry to leave the area for you are surrounded by medieval charm in the form of half-timbered homes evoking admiration from the sleepiest visitor.
Lemgo does have its share of the grotesque. For those who find that sort of thing interesting the Junkerhaus is a must-see. The owner, Karl Junker has covered his home with bizarre carvings that would indeed call for a certain aptitude to appreciate. ;-)
