Rothenburger Landwehr

The Rothenburger Landwehr is a medieval border defense structure near Ohrenbach in Bavaria. It consists of a network of earthen banks and ditches that extend across the landscape and trace the historical boundary zone of the former territory.

The structure was built around 1480 when the region faced territorial competition and border disputes. It became part of a system through which communities wanted to demonstrate their power and influence to neighboring areas.

The fortification shows how medieval communities marked and protected their territorial boundaries. These earthen walls were everyday border defenses that separated villages and regions from one another.

The structure can be explored on marked trails that connect different sections throughout the landscape. Sturdy footwear and weather protection are recommended since the paths cross open terrain and conditions change with the seasons.

The banks preserve features of the original construction, including their characteristic shape and depth. Such structures were cheaper and faster to build than elaborate stone walls, which explains their widespread use in this region.