Hardenberg Castle
Description
Burg Hardenberg is the ruin of a former rock castle near Nörten-Hardenberg in Lower Saxony. It sits atop a rocky outcrop with steep cliffs and was originally built by the Archbishopric of Mainz to control two important trade routes. The structure is a double castle, divided into Vorderhaus (front house) and Hinterhaus (rear house), each once occupied by different branches of the von Hardenberg family.
Architecture
The two castle sections were separated by a moat and connected by a wooden bridge. Unusually, neither part had a central keep (Bergfried), which was typical for castles owned by the Church. Entry was possible only from the north. Today, remnants of the outer walls and the Gothic-style watchtower remain. Due to structural concerns, the site can only be visited with a guided tour, which includes access to the viewing tower.
History
The castle was first mentioned in 1101 and became fully associated with the von Hardenberg family in 1287, after it was pledged to them by Mainz. Over the centuries, the family gained full control, dividing into two lines (front and rear), which led to disputes and the formal split of the castle in 1409.
Legend attributes the wild boar head in the Hardenberg coat of arms to a boar warning the inhabitants of a surprise attack, saving the castle. During the 17th century, structural damage—such as the collapse of the Vorderhaus in a storm—forced the family to move into a new Baroque residence (Schloss Hardenberg) built around 1710 at the base of the hill.
Though partially abandoned, the ruin remained symbolically important. In 1840, it underwent partial restoration with Neo-Gothic additions. Further conservation and excavations followed from 1962 onward, including work between 1998–2000 to stabilize the buildings and uncover historical structures.
Today
Still owned by the von Hardenberg family, the site has evolved into a cultural and tourism hub. Below the castle, the Gräflicher Landsitz Hardenberg hosts a hotel and restaurant, distillery, event venue and seasonal activities.
Address
Hardenberg-Hinterhaus 12, Nörten-Hardenberg, Germany
Established
11th century