Alte Burg, Medieval castle ruin in Osterode am Harz, Germany
Alte Burg is a castle ruin in Osterode am Harz situated on a hilltop between two river valleys. The defensive tower rises to about 33 meters tall with walls roughly 3.5 meters thick, and the structure now occupies land within the local cemetery.
The fortress first appeared in written records in 1153 under the control of Henry the Lion. It later became the seat of the dukes of Grubenhagen before falling into ruin after the early 16th century.
The ruins sit within a cemetery today, showing how medieval fortresses were woven into local life and landscape. The tower remains a landmark that reflects the power local nobles once held over the region.
The ruin sits on cemetery grounds and remains visible from outside, with the tower being the most striking element to see. Visitors should remember this is an active cemetery and treat the area with appropriate respect.
The tower originally contained at least five stories and served as both a residence and a defensive stronghold for ruling families. This dual purpose of living space and fortress protection was typical of noble castles of that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
