Burg Ilow, Medieval fortification in Neuburg, Germany

Burg Ilow was a castle complex on Wallberg hill, with visible fortification remains still evident today, particularly in the southwestern section. The site spans several hectares and shows traces of the former defenses along with archaeological findings discovered in the northeastern area.

Burg Ilow was one of the Obotrite territorial castles, guarding and governing the surrounding area. It was set on fire and abandoned during Henry the Lion's war against the Obotrite prince Niklot, and Henry had it rebuilt in 1164 as a border fortress. Niklot's son Pribislaw failed at first to retake it, but in 1166 the Abodrites stormed and burned it; after his reinstatement Pribislaw rebuilt it. It was mentioned again around 1298 under Prince Henry of Mecklenburg and abandoned soon after, possibly because Neuburg castle was newly built.

The name Ilow comes from the Slavic word 'Ilu', meaning clay or mud, and reflects the local clay extraction work that took place here long ago. This naming shows how deeply farming and craft activities shaped life in the area.

The site is now used as farmland with a signpost marking the former castle location. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and can be muddy depending on the season.

The second, early Slavic hillfort of the same name lies 1.3 km east in a wood and is called Burg Ilow II in scholarly literature. The main site on the Wallberg, by contrast, is a lowland castle of the late Slavic period covering about 3.5 hectares.