Prince-Bishopric of Lübeck

Prince-Bishopric of Lübeck
Hochstift Lübeck (German)
1180–1803
Prince-Bishopric of Lübeck (Dark blue) with in the Holy Roman Empire (as of 1648), the episcopal residence in Eutin shown by a red spot (other prince-bishoprics in light blue)
StatusPrince-Bishopric
CapitalLübeck (seat of the chapter),
Eutin (prince-episcopal residence) since 1309
Common languagesHolsatian
Historical eraMiddle Ages
 Diocese reestablished at Oldenburg
1149
 Moved to Lübeck
1180
1180
 Joined Lower Saxon Circle
1500
1535
1803
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Duchy of Saxony
Duchy of Oldenburg

The Prince-Bishopric of Lübeck, (German: Hochstift Lübeck; Fürstbistum Lübeck; Bistum Lübeck) was an ecclesiastical principality of the Holy Roman Empire until 1803. Originally ruled by Roman-Catholic bishops, after 1586 it was ruled by lay administrators and bishops who were members of the Protestant Holstein-Gottorp line of the House of Oldenburg. The prince-bishops had seat and vote on the Ecclesiastical Bench of the College of Ruling Princes of the Imperial Diet.

The Prince-Bishopric of Lübeck, a secular state, should not be confused with the Diocese of Lübeck, which was larger and over which the bishop exercised only pastoral authority.