Sport Infrastructure in Lübeck: Challenges, Renovations, and Future Visions in February 2026

The Condition of Sports Halls: Old Buildings, Renovation Needs, and Usage Possibilities

Lübeck's sports infrastructure is at a turning point. Many of the sports halls at central-city schools are over a hundred years old and no longer meet today’s requirements for barrier-free access, equipment, and room size. Only the gymnasium of the Johanneum, which was fundamentally renovated between 2015 and 2022, is considered largely up to date. The remaining eleven sports halls in central Lübeck were built before 1928 and thus urgently require renovation.

Most of the halls do not meet the requirements of DIN 18032, the current standard for sports halls. The gymnasium of the Domschule (1878) and the Berend-Schröder-Schule (123 years old) are not suitable for ball sports. Even the gymnasium of the Ernestinenschule, which is generally usable for ball sports, has an extension that does not meet today’s standards.

Some renovation measures are planned — such as the roof renovation of the Johanneum gymnasium or traffic safety measures at the Domschule — but due to the current budget situation, many aspects remain unclear. The financial resources are insufficient to bring all halls up to the latest standards.

Inclusive Sports Offers and Barrier-Free Infrastructure

A central topic in February 2026 was the implementation of barrier-free sports facilities. The city of Lübeck is committed to inclusive sports offers that are accessible to all population groups. The Falkenwiese sports and leisure facility, opened in 2019, is a pioneering project featuring barrier-free pathways, easily accessible running tracks, and inclusive sports equipment.

In 2026, Falkenwiese will receive a new two-field hall, which will also include barrier-free restrooms. Additionally, the "House of Sports" at Falkenwiese is planned to be completed by the end of 2026 and will be fully equipped with barrier-free facilities.

In other districts such as St. Lorenz Nord and Kücknitz, projects for inclusive sports design are also underway. The Sports and Citizens' Park in St. Lorenz Nord will offer barrier-free pathways and an inclusive changing facility. In Kücknitz, an adrenaline park is planned for the Mühlbachtal sports facility, which will integrate inclusive elements.

Rental Agreements, New Halls, and Future Visions

Since many school gymnasiums are not sufficiently equipped or unsuitable for ball sports, Lübeck has been renting sports halls from sports clubs for years. For school sports at the Hanse-Schule, the large sports hall of TuS Lübeck is used, and for the Emanuel-Geibel-Schule and the Katharineum, the multi-purpose hall of LBV Phönix v. 1903 is utilized.

Additionally, since November 2025, the heated air-supported sports hall of the Lübecker Racket Club has been in use until March 2026. For the winter of 2026, the setup of a heated beach dome with three beach volleyball courts is planned at Possehlstraße.

In the long term, Lübeck aims for a comprehensive reorientation of its sports infrastructure. In addition to Falkenwiese and the "House of Sports," a new two-field sports hall including a sports field changing facility is also planned for Falkenwiese. These projects are intended not only to relieve the utilization of existing halls but also to enable new sports offerings and increase the city's attractiveness as a sports location.

Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities

Lübeck's sports infrastructure is currently at a turning point. Many halls are outdated, renovations are necessary, and the expansion of sports offerings must be re-planned. At the same time, the city offers visions for the future through projects such as the "House of Sports" or the inclusive sports facilities in Falkenwiese and St. Lorenz Nord.

The challenge lies in distributing financial resources in such a way that urgently needed renovations can be carried out without endangering the implementation of new projects. It is also important to strengthen cooperation with sports clubs to fill the gaps in municipal sports equipment.

With a clear focus on barrier-free access, inclusion, and modern equipment, Lübeck can rethink its sports infrastructure and make it accessible and attractive for all residents.