Bertaburg (Landsöhr Castle)

Architecture, patrimoine et histoire · Allemagne entière

On the northern spur of the Kornberg, at almost 740 metres above Bad Boll, the Bertaburg – also called Burg Landsöhr or Landseer – is one of those places where history mingles with tradition. Of the vanished castle only traces in the terrain remain: two ditches once separated the castle core from the outer bailey, while the tip of the spur was protected by another ditch and a levelled rampart. Some researchers have seen the site as an ancient Celtic refuge fort. In the 13th century the castle is indirectly attested by the local noble family of the Lords of Boll. But it is legend that gave it its name: Berta of Boll, presented by tradition as a sister of King Conrad III, is said to have held her widow's seat here. Her memory remains alive in Bad Boll, which still celebrates a “Berta-Tag”. Reached by hiking trails on the edge of the Kornberg nature reserve, the site charms with its woodland atmosphere.