Burg Berge

Burg Berge stands on a steep hill above the Dhünn river near Odenthal-Altenberg in the Rhineland. It was the first fortified home of the counts who later became dukes of Berg. Today only fragments remain, protected as an archaeological monument. The site is worth visiting because it marks the birthplace of the Berg dynasty. The counts began building here about 1060 and gave their name to the whole region. After they moved to a new castle in the 12th century, Cistercian monks briefly used the ruins before building the great monastery of Altenberg downstream. Visitors see low stone walls and a raised mound that once supported the main hall. A path follows the line of the old moat and the buried foundations of the great house. Finds from digs include bone dice, a gilt pendant and Italian tiles, showing the wealth of the early lords. The hilltop offers views over the Dhünn valley and the later monastery below.