Schiffergesellschaft occupies a Renaissance guild hall built in 1535 for Lubeck's sailors' brotherhood, and the kitchen still serves the hearty North German maritime fare the building was built around. There is no celebrity chef pedigree here; the appeal is continuity, with a menu built on Labskaus, pan-fried Baltic plaice, and a smoked eel platter that regulars order year after year. The dining room is the real draw: ship models hang from the beamed ceiling, long guild tables from the 16th and 17th centuries fill the hall, and stained glass filters the light over worn wood benches. Dress is casual, the noise level rises with tour groups at midday, and the atmosphere is more communal beer hall than quiet fine dining. The beverage list favors regional beers and modest German whites over an ambitious wine programme, in keeping with the trade-hall setting. Reservations are recommended for dinner and weekends, when Lubeck's cruise-ship and coach-tour traffic fills the hall, though walk-ins can often be seated at communal tables at lunch. Visitors touring the Altstadt around the Rathaus and Marienkirche should plan to arrive early or book ahead in summer.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 11:30AM-10PM |
| Reservations | Recommended for dinner and weekends |
| Address | Breite Strasse 2, 23552 Lubeck, Germany |
Signature dishes
- Labskaus
- Baltic plaice
- Smoked eel platter
Good to know
- Known for
- 16th-century timber-beamed guild hall serving hearty North German fish and Labskaus
Weather through the year in Schleswig-Holstein
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Schleswig-Holstein.
Location
Breite Strasse 2, 23552 Lubeck, Germany
53.8688, 10.6863 View on map
Highlights
- 16th-century guild hall with ship-model ceiling and antique tables
- Labskaus and smoked eel platter, Lubeck maritime classics
- Communal long tables in a historic beer-hall atmosphere
- Steps from the Rathaus in Lubeck's Altstadt
Tips for visiting
- Dinner and weekend tables fill with tour groups; reserve ahead
- Lunch is quieter and easier to get a walk-in table
- Try the Labskaus as a starter portion before committing to a full plate
- Communal tables mean visitors may share seating with other parties
When to visit
Weekday lunch offers a quieter, more spacious experience than the tour-group-heavy dinner and weekend service.
Accessibility
The historic guild hall has a stepped entrance and uneven wood flooring, which limit wheelchair access; visitors with mobility needs should call ahead to confirm the best entrance.
Frequently asked questions
Does Schiffergesellschaft take reservations?
Yes, reservations are recommended for dinner and weekends when Lubeck's tour groups fill the hall; walk-ins are more common at lunch.
What is Labskaus?
Labskaus is a North German dish of corned beef, potato, and beetroot mash typically topped with a fried egg, herring, and pickles.
Is the restaurant family-friendly?
Yes, the communal-table setting and hearty menu suit families, though the historic hall can get loud during peak service.
Is there a dress code?
No, the dining room is casual despite its historic setting.