Osterburg

The Osterburg is a medieval castle ruin in the Wesergebirge hills near Deckbergen in Lower Saxony. It stands on a southwest spur of the Osterburger Egge ridge, a wooded height that commands views over the Weser valley to the south and the north–south crossing of the hills. Two earthen mounds mark the remains of what was once a double castle, a rare combination of a hilltop fort and a motte. The site first appears in records from 1121, when three sisters—Rasmonda, Bertheide and Wicburga—held it after inheriting it from their uncle Thuringus. The builders probably belonged to the circle of the Counts of Roden, who fought the Counts of Schaumburg for control of the Weser region in the 11th and 12th centuries. Archaeologists believe the castle was destroyed during these conflicts and later abandoned. Today the twin mounds and surrounding ring ditches are still visible beneath the trees. A modern information board shows a ground plan and reconstruction drawing. The northern mound, about 40 by 50 metres and 3 metres high, once held a small tower and ancillary buildings. The larger southern mound, roughly 50 by 70 metres and up to 7 metres high, preserves traces of a round tower and possible cellars. The whole layout, shaped like a figure of eight, gives a clear impression of the former defences.