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.
Construction of this fortification began in 1376 on the city council's initiative, with approval from the Welf rulers and Riddagshausen monastery. The project emerged during a period when city defenses were considered essential for protecting the growing power of northern German trading centers.
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.
The watchtowers were originally built for military purposes but later transformed into inns, with some like Gliesmaroder Tower still operating as taverns today. This conversion shows how defensive structures took on new roles in city life after their original function ended.
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