Johann Adolf of Holstein-Gottorp (27 February 1575 – 31 March 1616) was a Duke of Holstein-Gottorp.
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Life
He was a third son of Duke Adolf of Holstein-Gottorp and his wife Christine of Hesse-Kassel (or Hesse-Cassel). He became the first Lutheran Administrator of the Prince-Bishopric of Lübeck (1586–1607) and the Administrator of the Prince-Archbishopric of Bremen (1589–1596). He became the Duke after the deaths of his two elder brothers; as Duke of a sovereign state in the early 17th century, he became involved with the religious wars of the time.
After succeeding his brother as Duke in 1590, the Bremian Chapter enforced his resignation in favour of his younger brother John Frederick of Holstein-Gottorp, Prince-Bishop.
Diplomatic efforts
John Adolf entered into a secret treaty with his cousin, King Christian IV, to suppress the nobility, in 1608. He wrote at least one diplomatic letter to Queen Elizabeth I.