Wohldenberg Castle

Wohldenberg is a castle in Holle, Lower Saxony, with ruins standing at 218 meters elevation and a restored keep rising 32 meters high. The site spreads across the northwestern reaches of Hainberg and its tower top offers wide views across the surrounding landscape.

The counts of Wöltingerode built the fortress between 1153 and 1160 to strengthen their power in the Ambergau region. The castle construction was part of their strategy to expand and control territory as a noble family.

The gatehouse has served as a vicarage since 1668, showing how the site took on religious functions over time. Local residents see the castle as connected to this long spiritual role in their community.

The restored keep has an observation platform at its top that lets visitors see across the Lower Saxony landscape from above. Plan to visit when the weather is clear so you can make the most of the views from up there.

The castle was built on the site of an ancient offering stone dedicated to the Germanic god Wodan, connecting pagan and medieval religious practices. This layering of different faiths makes the location a special intersection of belief traditions across time.