Braunschweiger Landwehr, Medieval defense system in Brunswick, Germany

The Braunschweiger Landwehr is a medieval fortification system made up of double ramparts, moats, and seven watchtowers that encircle the city of Brunswick. The structure spans several kilometers and connects various natural landscape features into one continuous defensive ring.

In 1376 Brunswick's council, with the duke's consent, began building steep earthen ramparts and deep ditches near Ölper, where the Celler Heerstraße crossed; the first tower, the Ölper Turm, rose there. Work stalled until 1384, when Duke Friedrich resumed it at the urging of mayor Ludolf von Ingeleben. By 1416 seven watchtowers and bergfrieds were finished. Duke August Wilhelm had the whole line repaired and the ditches deepened in the early 18th century.

The system incorporates natural waterways and wetlands as part of its structure, while dense shrubs were planted along the ramparts to discourage entry. Visitors can observe this connection between nature and defense when walking through the areas today.

Visitors can begin exploration at Gliesmaroder Tower and follow bicycle routes along the Wabe River to reach other sections of the system. The best time to walk through is during dry weather, when the paths are passable and views of the different sections are clear.

Each tower housed a paid watchman who controlled travellers at a barrier before a masonry tower and, in danger, closed the road with several heavy turnpikes. He could signal the tower wardens of St. Katharinen and St. Martini, who rang the alarm so Brunswick's gates could be shut in time.