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Lübeck Holstentor

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Lübeck Holstentor (Germany)

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The Holstentor (Holstein Gate) in Lübeck is the most iconic city gate in Germany and a global symbol of Hanseatic power. Built between 1464 and 1478, this monumental red-brick gate served as both a defensive bastion and a prestigious entrance to the 'Queen of the Hanseatic League.' Its two massive round towers and its characteristic lean, caused by the soft marshy ground, create a unique and imposing silhouette. The gate's inscription, 'CONCORDIA DOMI FORIS PAX' (Harmony at home, peace abroad), reflects the ideals of the wealthy merchant city. Today, the Holstentor houses a museum dedicated to Lübeck's maritime trade history and remains the definitive landmark of Northern Germany's UNESCO heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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Avg °C114812161818141052
Rain mm635147375467777155605866

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
Holstentorplatz, 23552 Lübeck
🕒
Hours
Museum Jan-Mar 11:00-17:00, Apr-Dec 10:00-18:00
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Entry
Outdoor area free, Museum approx. €8.00
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Transit
10-minute walk from Lübeck main station
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Parking
Parking at the Musik- und Kongresshalle, approx. €1.50/h
Accessibility
Museum interior not barrier-free due to historic spiral staircases
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Photos
Photography from the outside anytime, allowed in the museum without flash
Best time
Morning, when the sun illuminates the west side of the gate

Geography

Coordinates
53.86720, 10.68000

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage site and Germany's most famous city gate.
  • Built in the late 15th century to defend the western entrance of Lübeck.
  • Famous for its significant tilt and sinking into the soft soil.
  • Features walls up to 3.5 meters thick to withstand cannon fire.
  • The gate was featured on the 50 DM banknote and the 2 Euro coin.
  • Houses a museum exploring the 'Power of Trade' in the Middle Ages.

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Notable places around

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Sights in the town Lübeck Holstentor (10)

Holsten Gate

Two-towered city gate in Lübeck, now used as a museum.

Holstenbrücke

Bridge built in 1934, widened on both sides for pedestrian and bicycle paths.

Holstentormuseum🏛 museum

Museum inside the Holsten Gate, featuring city history and art.

🕒 Jan-Mar: Tu-Su 11:00-17:00; Apr-Dec: Mo-Su 10:00-18:00💶

Holstentorterrasse

Viewing terrace near the Holsten Gate overlooking the Trave river.

Kunsttankstelle

Former gas station, now an art gallery and space in Lübeck.

KOBALT Figurentheater Lübeck

Puppet theatre in Lübeck with changing performances.

Figurentheater Lübeck

Theatre for puppet and figure performance in Lübeck.

Theaterschiff Lübeck

Theatre operating on a ship in Lübeck.

Sankt Petri

Observation platform on the tower of St. Petri church in Lübeck.

TheaterFigurenMuseum🏛 museum

Museum in Germany dedicated to the history of figure theatre.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Holsten Gate leaning?
The heavy gate sank unevenly into the marshy subsoil because the pile foundation gave way.
What is inside the gate?
It houses a museum about Lübeck's city history and the Hanseatic League.
How much is the entrance fee to the museum?
Entry for adults is about 8 euros, children and teenagers pay less.
What are the opening hours of the Holsten Gate?
Usually from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer, with slightly shorter hours in winter.
Is the Holsten Gate a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes, it is part of Lübeck's old town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.
Lübeck Holstentor: where is it located?
Lübeck Holstentor is located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
Lübeck Holstentor: what is there to see?
Highlights include Holsten Gate, Holstenbrücke, Holstentormuseum.
Lübeck Holstentor: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lübeck Holstentor: why is it worth visiting?
The Holstentor (Holstein Gate) in Lübeck is the most iconic city gate in Germany and a global symbol of Hanseatic power.
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