Holstentor
Lübeck, Germany
A brick city gate with two round towers that lean slightly into the ground, marking the entry to Lübeck's island old town. Visit the museum inside, then cross to the old town and wander the lanes to the market.
The Holstentor is the landmark of Lübeck. The town's master builder Hinrich Helmstede began construction in 1464, and the late Gothic gate was finished in 1478. It consists of a south and a north tower and a four-storey central building; on the field side the semicircular towers stand 3.5 metres in front of the central building. Because the gate stands on a raised mound about seven metres high, the south tower began to sink even during construction, and over the centuries the whole gate sank further. Restorations took place in 1865–1871, 1933/34 and 2005/06.
On the field side the inscription "Concordia domi foris pax" ("Harmony within, peace without") has been in place since 1871. Since 1950 the gate has housed a museum of city history with nine themed rooms on trade, shipping and Lübeck law. The old town on the island between the Trave and the canal has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Allow half a day to a full day for the gate, the museum and a stroll through the old town.
- Nearest town
- Lübeck, Germany
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 53.8660, 10.6797
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Wakenitz-CampCampsite11 km from Holstentor · 25 pitchesTentsElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Campingplatz IvendorfCampsite14 km from HolstentorTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
- Naturcamping BuchholzCampsite15 km from HolstentorTentsCaravansElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping SchwalkenbergCampsite19 km from HolstentorTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Campingplatz SchmidtCampsite23 km from HolstentorTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- WoMo SierksdorfMotorhome stopover24 km from Holstentor · 28 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Germany · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Holstentor?
Holstentor is in Lübeck, Germany, at GPS 53.8660, 10.6797. It is about 16 km from Travemünde.
Can you camp near Holstentor?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lastadie P4 (Wohnmobile), about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 41 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Holstentor?
Places worth a stop nearby: Schwerin Castle (56 km), Miniatur Wunderland (58 km), Wilseder Berg (107 km) and Multimar Wattforum (123 km).
When is the best time to visit Holstentor?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)