Lübeck's Salzspeicher: A Legacy in Salt

Explore Lübeck's historic Salzspeicher, six brick buildings that once stored salt, the 'white gold' that fueled the city's Hanseatic League dominance and Baltic trade.

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Salzspeicher

The Salzspeicher, or salt storehouses, of Lübeck are a striking row of six historic brick buildings that stand as testaments to the city's Hanseatic past. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, these structures once held the precious salt that fueled Lübeck's trade empire. Mined in Lüneburg, the salt arrived via the Stecknitz Canal and was then shipped throughout the Baltic region, preserving food and building fortunes. Today, the Salzspeicher are a protected landmark, their gabled facades a reminder of Lübeck's rich history and architectural heritage. Located near the iconic Holstentor, they are easily accessible and offer a glimpse into the city's prosperous past, now housing shops and businesses.

A brief summary to Salzspeicher

Wallstraße 1, Lübeck, Lübecker Altstadt, 23560, DE
+4943622828
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Local tips

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photographing the Salzspeicher, especially with the Holstentor in the background.
Combine your visit to the Salzspeicher with a walk along the Trave River for scenic views of Lübeck's Old Town.
Explore the shops and cafes housed within the Salzspeicher to experience the blend of history and modern life.

Getting There

Walking

From Lübeck Hauptbahnhof (main train station), the Salzspeicher is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Exit the station and head towards the Holstentor, Lübeck's iconic city gate. Pass through the Holstentor, and the Salzspeicher will be immediately on your right, lining the Trave River. The walk is straightforward and well-signposted.
Public Transport

From Lübeck Hauptbahnhof, take any bus heading towards the city center (Altstadt). Several bus lines stop near the Holstentor, including lines 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 30, 31, 32, 39 and 40. Get off at the 'Holstentorplatz' stop. From there, the Salzspeicher are a short walk across the Holstenbrücke (bridge). A single bus fare is approximately €2-3. Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver or via the Stadtverkehr Lübeck mobile app.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Lübeck Hauptbahnhof to the Salzspeicher takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost is typically between €11-€15. Taxis are readily available at the train station.
Driving

If driving, parking is available in several garages near the Old Town, including the 'Am Holstentor' parking garage and the 'Haerder Center' parking garage. From either garage, it's a short walk to the Salzspeicher. Parking fees typically range from €2-3 per hour, with a day ticket costing around €6 at selected car parks. Be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity of the Holstentor can be limited, especially during peak tourist season.

Discover more about Salzspeicher

The Salzspeicher, a row of six imposing brick buildings lining the Upper Trave River, represent a tangible link to Lübeck's powerful Hanseatic past. These structures, whose name translates to 'salt storehouses,' served a vital role in the city's economic success from the late Middle Ages through the early modern period. Constructed between 1579 and 1745, the Salzspeicher were strategically located to facilitate the storage and distribution of salt, a commodity of immense value at the time. The salt, mined in the Lüneburg region south of Lübeck, was transported north via the Stecknitz Canal, a feat of medieval engineering completed in 1398. Upon arrival in Lübeck, the salt was stored in these warehouses, awaiting shipment to ports throughout the Baltic Sea. The importance of salt in this era cannot be overstated. Before refrigeration, salt was essential for preserving food, particularly fish. The Baltic region, with its abundant herring stocks, relied heavily on salt to preserve this vital food source for both local consumption and trade. Lübeck, as a central hub in the Hanseatic League, controlled a significant portion of the salt trade, amassing considerable wealth and influence as a result. The architecture of the Salzspeicher is notable for its simple yet imposing design. Built in the Brick Renaissance style, the buildings feature gabled facades, multiple stories, and sturdy construction, reflecting their purpose as secure storage facilities. The uniformity of the buildings creates a striking visual impact, especially when viewed from across the Trave River or from the nearby Holstentor. Over the centuries, as the importance of salt declined, the Salzspeicher were adapted for other uses. They served as warehouses for various goods, including cloth, grain, and wood. During the Third Reich, one of the buildings was even used as a Hitler Youth center, marking a dark chapter in their history. After World War II, the buildings transitioned to commercial use, housing shops and businesses that continue to operate today. Today, the Salzspeicher stand as a protected historical landmark, a reminder of Lübeck's rich mercantile past. Their proximity to the Holstentor, the city's iconic western gate, makes them a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can stroll along the riverbank, admire the architecture, and imagine the bustling activity that once characterized this area. While the interiors of the buildings have been modernized to accommodate their current uses, their facades remain largely unchanged, preserving their historical character. The Salzspeicher have also gained notoriety as a filming location, most notably for the classic silent horror film "Nosferatu" (1922) and its remake "Nosferatu the Vampyre" (1979). The buildings' imposing presence and historical atmosphere made them an ideal backdrop for these cinematic tales of the supernatural. Visiting the Salzspeicher offers a unique opportunity to connect with Lübeck's history and appreciate its architectural heritage. The buildings serve as a tangible reminder of the city's role as a major trading power in the Hanseatic League and the importance of salt in shaping its destiny. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or film, the Salzspeicher are a must-see destination in Lübeck.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Lübecker Löwen

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St. Peter's Church

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Puppenbrücke

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Cross Lübeck's historic Puppenbrücke, adorned with captivating statues, and step into a world where art, history, and Hanseatic charm converge in a picturesque setting.

Reliefkarte von Lübeck

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Discover Lübeck's historic heart: Markt, where centuries of history meet vibrant modern life in a UNESCO World Heritage setting.

The Broken Bells Of St. Mary's

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Witness history etched in shattered bells at Lübeck's St. Mary's Church, a powerful memorial to peace within a Brick Gothic masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Marktplatz Lübeck

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Discover Lübeck's Marktplatz: a historic square in the heart of the Altstadt, surrounded by stunning architecture and steeped in Hanseatic history, offering a vibrant cultural experience.

Marienkirche

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Bismarckdenkmal

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Palais Rantzau - ein Haus der Deutschen Stiftung Denkmalschutz

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Stadtgraben

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Lübecker Altstadt

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Lübeck Altstadt

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Church of St. Lawrence

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Koberg

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Discover Koberg in Lübeck: A captivating square where medieval architecture meets Hanseatic history, offering a unique glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage.

Burgtor in Lübeck

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Unmissable attractions to see

Museum Holstentor

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Holstentor square

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Haus Senkbeil

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Experience the rich heritage and stunning architecture of Haus Senkbeil in Lübeck's historic Altstadt, a must-visit tourist attraction.

Wasserspiele Obertrave

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Hansestadt Lübeck Bronze

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Experience the historical essence of Lübeck at the Hansestadt Lübeck Bronze, a stunning monument celebrating the city's rich Hanseatic heritage.

Wasserspiele Breite Straße

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Stadtverwaltung Hansestadt Lübeck

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Wasserspiele Klingenberg

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Marzipanmuseum Niederegger

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Malerwinkel

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Stitens Almshouse

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Buddenbrookhaus

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Predigerhaus von St. Aegidien

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Museumsquartier St. Annen

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Lübeck Cathedral

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Experience authentic German flavors at Stadtschänke in Lübeck's historic Altstadt - where tradition meets taste.

Experience ethical indulgence at ONE-Fair Trade Coffee Roaster, where every sip supports fair trade and sustainability in a cozy Lübeck setting.

Trekking König Outlet

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Enjoy a lively dining experience at Time Out Sportsbar in Lübeck, where great food, refreshing cocktails, and live sports come together.

Time Out | Sportsbar • Restaurant • Cocktails

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Lübeck's Salzspeicher: A Legacy in Salt

A brief summary to Salzspeicher

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Salzspeicher

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Salzspeicher

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Lübecker Löwen

St. Peter's Church

Puppenbrücke

Reliefkarte von Lübeck

The Broken Bells Of St. Mary's

Marktplatz Lübeck

Marienkirche

Bismarckdenkmal

Palais Rantzau - ein Haus der Deutschen Stiftung Denkmalschutz

Stadtgraben

Lübecker Altstadt

Lübeck Altstadt

Church of St. Lawrence

Koberg

Burgtor in Lübeck

Unmissable attractions to see

Museum Holstentor

Holstentor square

Haus Senkbeil

Wasserspiele Obertrave

Hansestadt Lübeck Bronze

Wasserspiele Breite Straße

Stadtverwaltung Hansestadt Lübeck

Wasserspiele Klingenberg

Marzipanmuseum Niederegger

Malerwinkel

Stitens Almshouse

Buddenbrookhaus

Predigerhaus von St. Aegidien

Museumsquartier St. Annen

Lübeck Cathedral

Essential places to dine

Kartoffelspeicher

Potters Restaurant

Ristorante San Remo

Restaurant am Holstentor Lübeck

L'Osteria

BLOCK HOUSE

Lübecker Hanse - Lübeck

Thana Asia Restaurant

Buddha Bowl - Lübeck

Brauberger zu Lübeck

SALIS

Merhaba - Lübeck

Café Erdapfel - Lübeck

Restaurant Lübke's Speicher - Lübeck

Stadtschänke

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Between

TWEEN MODE - Lübeck

NEW YORKER

BlueBrixx Store Lübeck

KULT

TALLY WEiJL

Marc O'Polo

TK Maxx

Wicky Lübeck

Boutique Armoni

Haerder-Center

Lübeck Laden

Your Style- Man Store

ONE-Fair Trade coffee roaster

Trekking König Outlet

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Dietrich's Bar - Luebeck

Lulu's Pub