Kograben

Kograben is a medieval hillfort system in Schleswig-Holstein consisting of an earthen rampart, wooden palisade, and V-shaped defensive ditch. The structure extends between Selk Noor and the Rheide Au river, forming a linear barrier designed to block movement across the landscape.

King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark ordered construction of this fortification in the late 900s as a key part of the Danevirke defense line. The site represents an early medieval effort to secure a strategic border across shifting terrain.

The fortification reflects how different peoples shaped this borderland between Scandinavia and Central Europe. Local communities built defenses that brought together Danish, Frisian, Saxon, and Slavic traditions in one integrated structure.

You can reach the site by walking along Rheider Weg, where signs point toward the earthworks and remaining structures. Wearing sturdy shoes is wise since the ground can be uneven or muddy depending on weather and season.

The builders incorporated natural water features like rivers, swamps, and lakes directly into the defensive design rather than building around them. This approach shows how local geography was turned into a strategic advantage for controlling the border.

Location: Schleswig-Holstein

Part of: Danevirke

GPS coordinates: 54.46710,9.50903

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:03