Wittekindsburg Castle

The outer ramparts of the core castle are probably the oldest part of the complex, most likely dating from the time of Charlemagne's Saxon Wars (772 to 804 AD). Using the radiocarbon method, parts of found foundations of the main castle were also dated to the 7th to 9th centuries. The use of the castle ended as early as the late 10th century.

The castle is secured on all sides by natural obstacles such as steep slopes and stream depressions. The main and outer bailey were additionally protected by walls, ramparts and moats. Inside the main castle, excavations revealed the floor plans of several houses, including the foundation of a post-built house. In contrast, the older outer ramparts showed no internal structures.

The first archaeological investigations were carried out by the prehistorian Carl Schuchhardt around 1890. More extensive excavations took place from 1966 to 1972 and were continued in 2001.

The complex was first mentioned in writing in 1253, although the name "Wittekindsburg" in the Osnabrück region cannot be clearly assigned, so it is unclear whether the castle actually has a connection to the Saxon prince Widukind (also popularly known as Wittekind).