Burg Vlotho, Medieval castle ruins on Amtshausberg, Vlotho, Germany

Burg Vlotho is the ruin of a hilltop castle on the Amtshausberg, about 100 metres above the Weser. The site measures roughly 110 metres by 60 metres; the ring wall survives largely, while of buildings such as the Palas only foundation walls remain. Parts of the ruin were reconstructed above ground during excavations from 1936 to 1939, and one section now carries a modern protective roof. The castle well is currently 52 metres deep.

Count Henry of Oldenburg built Burg Vlotho around 1250 as an administrative seat to oversee trade on the Weser and its roads. Minden's troops destroyed it in 1368 during a feud with Lippe, but it was rebuilt because it was needed as an administrative centre. In 1709 it was sold for demolition at 172 thalers, and buyers removed stones as building material, largely dismantling the castle.

The ruins serve as a gathering place where visitors walk the grounds and take in the views across the surrounding landscape. People use the location as a starting point for hikes and to experience the connection between the castle and the river valley below.

The castle sits on a hilltop and is easy to spot from a distance, though only portions of the original structure remain visible. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and steps lead up to the highest point of the grounds.

The castle was sold "for demolition" in 1709 for 172 thalers: anyone who paid could quarry stones as building material, which is why little of the medieval structure survives above ground. The prison building lasted until the 1930s. Excavations from 1936 to 1939 exposed the well to 63 metres; it is now 52 metres deep.