Wasserburg Alt Barenaue, Medieval lowland castle in Bramsche, Germany
Wasserburg Alt Barenaue is a medieval moated castle situated on a sand island within the Großes Moor near Bramsche. The estate includes a gatehouse built in 1689, stables, a carriage house, and remnants of the main residential building arranged in a unified layout.
The castle was first documented in 1305 and served as the residence of the von Bar family. This family appeared in records from 1204 onward as officials of the Osnabrück bishopric.
The name comes from the von Bar family who lived here for centuries and shaped the estate. Visitors can still see today the typical round layout that is characteristic of moated castles in this region.
The castle sits in an open moorland setting at the foot of Kalkrieser Berg, making it easy to spot from a distance. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the surrounding terrain can be damp and marshy in places.
An underground pipeline stretched for several kilometers from Kalkrieser Berg to supply water to the castle courtyard. This early water system demonstrates the engineering thought that went into sustaining this remote estate.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
