Alte Burg Padberg, Castle ruin in Padberg, Marsberg, Germany

Alte Burg Padberg is a castle ruin perched on a hilltop near Marsberg at roughly 516 meters elevation. The remaining foundations show a rectangular layout with rounded corners and a round tower positioned at the southeastern side.

The site first appeared in written records around 1030, though the Counts of Padberg built this fortification in the early 12th century. The 14th century brought changes to the structure of their rule, eventually leading to the development of a separate stronghold elsewhere.

The site carries the name of the Counts of Padberg, who made this their regional power base for generations. Today the ruins serve as a reminder of when fortified residences like this one anchored a family's authority over surrounding lands.

The ruin lies on the 520-metre Altenhagen hill above Padberg, at about 516 metres elevation, and is reached on foot. Only a few wall remains survive, including a round tower stump about 5 metres across at the southeast corner of the ring wall; the gate stood on the west side. Ground is uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.

The castle gate stood on the west side, and a round tower about 5 metres across sat at the southeast corner of the perimeter wall. The main house and a cistern are thought to have lain in the south of the roughly 18 by 32 metre enclosure. Only a few remains survive.