European Hansemuseum Lübeck

European Hansemuseum - Where Hanseatic History Comes to Life

Salt and Stockfish, Power and Privileges

Your journey through the Hanseatic history begins at the archaeological site, offering a glimpse into 1,200 years of life on Lübeck’s castle hill.

From there, the exhibition takes you to the banks of the Neva River in the northwest of present-day Russia – the home of early trading networks and the forerunners of the Hanseatic League. Step into the year 1193, when courageous long-distance merchants joined forces to brave the seas together.

The next scene transports you to Lübeck around the year 1226, showcasing the rise of cities in the Middle Ages – and with it, the growing influence of merchants who began shaping Lübeck’s destiny.

A leap forward to 1361 brings you to the bustling trade hub of Bruges, a vibrant center of commerce filled with goods from across Europe. Here, the immense power of the Hanseatic merchants becomes clear – especially during the Flanders embargo.

Just a few steps away, the next room immerses you in the horrors of the Black Death. Nearly a third of the population perished. Discover how the pandemic and the economic crisis of around 1367 impacted trade and everyday life.

After this dark chapter, travel to London in 1478 and experience the Stalhof – the Hanseatic trading post on the River Thames. A multimedia installation brings the trade offices, living quarters, and even a Rhineland wine tavern to life.

Your journey continues from the era of the Hanseatic assemblies "Hanseatic Days" in Lübeck’s grand Hanseatic Hall to Bergen, Norway, in the year 1764. Learn about one of the most important trade routes, the export success of stockfish, and the dawn of a new era.

In the final section of the exhibition – the Epilogue – you are invited on a virtual journey through time. A large-scale 360-degree video projection highlights both the similarities and differences between the Hanseatic League’s medieval world and our modern one.

Visitor Information:

› Approximate duration: 90 minutes

› Languages available: German / English / Swedish / Russian

› Family-friendly for children aged 8 and up

› Fully accessible for visitors with mobility needs