Luneburg

Luneburg, also spelled Lüneburg in German, is a historic town in northern Germany. It is the capital of the district of Lüneburg in the state of Lower Saxony. The town is situated on the Ilmenau river, southeast of Hamburg, and lies on the northern edge of the Lüneburg Heath. Its well-preserved medieval core features brick Gothic architecture and timber-framed houses, with the town hall as a notable landmark.

Historically, Lüneburg grew as a major member of the Hanseatic League and as a center of salt production, which contributed to its wealth in the Middle Ages. Today the old town remains a focal point for tourism, education, and culture, hosting institutions such as Leuphana University of Lüneburg and the Deutsches Salzmuseum (German Salt Museum).

The surrounding district of Lüneburg shares its name but is administered separately from the town. The region is known for its heath landscapes, forests, and its proximity to Hamburg, making it a gateway for visitors exploring northern Lower Saxony.

In broader usage, the name Luneburg also appears in optics in the Luneburg lens, a gradient-index lens named after German physicist Rudolf Luneburg. This use is geographically and historically distinct from the town, but the name reflects its German origin.