Diedrichsburg Castle
Description
Diedrichsburg is a small hilltop castle located on the Meller Berg in Melle, Lower Saxony, Germany. Built between 1844 and 1860 in a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style, it was designed to resemble a medieval watchtower. The structure includes a 26-meter-high tower flanked by two single-story wings, but lacks traditional defensive features, making it more of a residential tower than a true castle.
Commissioned by General Ernst Freiherr von Vincke and completed by his son-in-law Count Werner von der Schulenburg-Wolfsburg, the castle quickly became a popular excursion destination. It suffered fire damage in 1909 and vandalism in 1983, but was restored and reopened in 1985 by a local beautification and tourism association.
The castle now hosts a restaurant and exhibitions on local wildlife. Its tower offers panoramic views, especially after the 2007 Kyrill storm cleared surrounding trees. A large wildlife park once surrounded the castle, featuring wild boars, mouflons, and sika deer, but it was closed in 2021. The area remains a popular destination within the TERRA.vita nature park.
Archaeological finds suggest earlier structures existed on the site, possibly a refuge castle. Legends link the location to Count Dietrich of Ringelheim and his daughter, Saint Matilda, who may have been born there around 892. However, the historical accuracy of these claims is uncertain.
Address
Ostenwalde 1, Melle, Germany
Established
1844-1860