Built at the intersection of the Harbor and Sea promenades, directly on the beach in Lübeck-Travemünde, the Pirate-themed playground is a popular destination both for day tourists and locals alike. 

The centerpiece of this playground is a stylized 15-meter-long pirate ship nicknamed “the Wild 13”. Entirely crafted in wood, the partly planked, partially open construction allows for it to be climbed both from the side and from the inside up. With different decks connected by ropes, nets and stairs, a steering wheel, and telescope bring about all possible kinds of adventures.
The mast and lookout post are intended for bold, older climbers, while the net bridge with gangway platform and slide are designed for the smaller pirates.

At the edges, alongside with other maritime borrowed elements and structures resembling a smaller size fleet, the pirate’s lair is then recreated with flotsam, net constructions and treasure chests that complement the remains of a shipwreck-like scene. 

Today, the Pirate Playground has become an institution in Lübeck-Travemünde, where even annual pirate festivals use the themed setting as a backdrop for their performances. 

Landscape design: TGP

Other designers involved in the design of landscape: Playground element design: Tilman Stachat, Berlin (SpielAHOI)

Project location: Lübeck-Travemünde, Germany

Design year: 2003 – 2004

Year Built: 2004

Manufacturer of playground equipment: SpielAHOI Tilman Stachat, Berlin

Photographer: Stephan Baumann, bild_raum