Burg Ravensberg

Burg Ravensberg stands on a 269-metre hill in the Teutoburger Wald, about 2.5 kilometres south of Borgholzhausen. It was built around 1080 by Hermann II of Calvelage and became the seat of the Counts of Ravensberg until 1346. The castle was protected by a ring wall and dry moat, with a gatehouse, drawbridge and zwinger leading to the inner and outer baileys. The inner bailey contained the great hall, keep, well and chapel of Saint Magdalena. The keep has a distinctive teardrop plan, its sharp point designed to deflect missiles. The castle passed through several noble houses after the last local count died in 1346, including Jülich-Kleve-Berg and the Hohenzollerns. It was rebuilt in 1646 and again attacked in 1673 by Christoph Bernhard von Galen, Bishop of Münster, who largely destroyed it. By 1695 the Drostei administration had moved out, and in 1733 Frederick William I of Prussia ordered the remaining buildings demolished, leaving only the keep. In the 19th century Ludwig von Vincke secured the ruin and added an observation platform. Today the keep can be climbed for wide views across the countryside. The Stiftung Burg Ravensberg has restored the site and runs educational programmes for schools. The castle also marks the start of the 41-kilometre Sachsenweg, a long-distance trail to Burg Limberg. Guided walks and cultural events bring the medieval past to life in the former forester’s house.