Lübeck plans accessibility upgrades for historic Market Square

The city of Lübeck has presented a new concept to make the Market Square (Markt am Rathaus) fully barrier-free. The approximately 4,800 square meter area currently features uneven cobblestones that pose significant challenges for wheelchair users, people with walkers, and parents with strollers.

To preserve the square's historical character as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, the administration proposes lifting the existing natural stone paving, reprocessing it, and relaying it with a level surface. This method aims to maintain the characteristic visual structure and historical appearance while ensuring uniform usability across the entire space. The design will also utilize a water-permeable construction to allow rainwater to soak into the ground.

The project has received explicit support from both the Advisory Board for People with Disabilities and the Advisory Board for Seniors. Planning efforts are also prioritizing the square's continued use as a venue for weekly markets, Christmas markets, and other public events during the construction period.