He was the son of Gerhard I, Count of Holstein-Itzehoe (d. 1290) and Elisabeth of Mecklenburg (d. c. 1280).

In 1285, he was able to persuade King Eric V of Denmark to release Duke Valdemar IV of Schleswig from captivity.

After the death of his father, the surviving sons divided the county among themselves.

Shortly before his death he introduced a toll on imported goods.

After the Dukes of Holstein died out in 1768, the proceeds went to Hamburg[1] The inscription in his seal reads: S (IGILLUM) * HINRICI * Comitis * HOLTSATIE * ET * EN * SCOWENBRCH (Seal of Henry, Count of Holstein and Schauenburg).