Rare Old Map of Holstein by Visscher, 1690: Hamburg, Lübeck, Kiel, Rendsburg, Neumünster

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Northern Germany with this meticulously detailed map of Holstein, created by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Visscher, hailing from a family of esteemed Dutch cartographers, presents a comprehensive view of the region, capturing the essence of the late 17th century landscape. The full name of the map, 'Holsatiae Tabula Generalis: in qua sunt Ducatus Holsatiae, Dithmarsiae Stormariae et Wagriae', translates to 'General Map of Holstein: in which are the Duchies of Holstein, Dithmarschen, Stormarn and Wagria'. This gives a hint of the wide scope of areas covered in this masterpiece.

The map highlights five significant cities: Hamburg, Lübeck, Kiel, Rendsburg, and Neumünster. Hamburg, a key port city, stands out with its intricate network of waterways and bridges. Lübeck, known as the 'Queen of the Hanseatic League', is prominently featured, reflecting its historical importance as a major trading hub. Kiel, Rendsburg, and Neumünster, each with their unique geographical and historical attributes, add to the richness of the map.

In addition to these cities, the map also outlines the political divisions of the time, providing a glimpse into the administrative structure of the late 17th century. The Duchies of Holstein, Dithmarschen, Stormarn, and Wagria are clearly demarcated, offering an insight into the regional dynamics of the era. The borders, towns, and landmarks are intricately drawn, reflecting Visscher's attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

This map is not just a geographical representation, but a historical document that takes you back to the late 17th century. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the past, understand the political and geographical landscape of the time, and appreciate the craftsmanship of one of the finest mapmakers of the Dutch Golden Age. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of old maps, or someone who appreciates fine art, this map of Holstein by Visscher is a treasure to behold.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Duchy of Holstein

• Hamburg: Known as the 'Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg', it was a major port and member of the medieval Hanseatic League.
• Kiel: Founded in the 13th century, it served as an important maritime center and base for German Baltic fleets.
• Rendsburg: Established in the 12th century, it was known for its fortress, which played a key role in the Schleswig Wars.
• Neumünster: Founded in 1127, it was a significant center for textile industry.
• Pinneberg: Known for its fortress of the same name, it was the seat of the Pinneberg district.
• Elmshorn: Established in the 14th century, it was a significant center for the processing of grain and livestock.
• Itzehoe: Founded in the 12th century, it was known for its copper and brass works.
• Wedel: Known for the Schulau Ferry House, it was an important landing for ships sailing to Hamburg.
• Quickborn: Established in the 14th century, it was known for its watermill and church.
• Ahrensburg: Known for the Renaissance castle of the same name, it was the seat of the Stormarn district.

Duchy of Dithmarschen

• Heide: Founded in the 15th century, it was the capital of the Dithmarschen district.
• Meldorf: Known for the Meldorf Cathedral, it was an important religious center.
• Lunden: Established in the 8th century, it was known for its church and marketplace.
• Marne: Known for its windmill, it was a significant center for agriculture.
• Brunsbüttel: Established in the 13th century, it was known for the Brunsbüttel Castle.
• Friedrichskoog: Known for its harbor, it was a significant center for fishing.
• Wesselburen: Established in the 12th century, it was known for its church of St. Bartholomew.
• Büsum: Known for its harbor, it was a significant center for fishing and tourism.
• Wöhrden: Established in the 12th century, it was known for its church of St. Nicholas.
• Eddelak: Known for its church of St. Nicholas, it was a significant religious center.

Duchy of Stormarn

• Lübeck: Known as the 'Queen of the Hanseatic League', it was a major trading hub.
• Bad Oldesloe: Founded in the 8th century, it was known for its salt production.
• Reinbek: Known for the Reinbek Castle, it was the seat of the Stormarn district.
• Glinde: Established in the 13th century, it was known for its watermill and church.
• Barsbüttel: Known for its church of St. Mary, it was a significant religious center.
• Trittau: Established in the 12th century, it was known for its watermill and church.
• Großhansdorf: Known for its church of St. Mary, it was a significant religious center.
• Ahrensburg: Known for the Renaissance castle of the same name, it was the seat of the Stormarn district.
• Reinfeld: Known for the Reinfeld Abbey, it was an important religious center.
• Bad Segeberg: Founded in the 11th century, it was known for its limestone mountain, the Kalkberg.

Notable boundaries with neighbouring nations, rivers, national parks, canyons or other natural phenomena:

• The Elbe River: A major waterway that flows through Hamburg.
• The Kiel Canal: An important artificial waterway connecting the North Sea to the Baltic.
• The Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Eider River: The longest river in the region, known for its scenic beauty.
• The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park: A beautiful natural area with multiple lakes.

Notable historical events in this region between 1600 and 1690:

• The Battle of Lutter: In 1626, during the Thirty Years' War, the Catholic League defeated the Protestant forces near Lutter.
• The Peace of Westphalia: In 1648, the series of peace treaties marked the end of the Thirty Years' War and the Eighty Years' War.
• The Second Northern War: From 1655 to 1660, the region was involved in the conflict, also known as the First or Little Northern War.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.