Wittekindsburg, Archaeological castle site in Porta Westfalica, Germany.
Wittekindsburg is a castle ruin situated on a ridge in the Wiehengebirge mountains between Minden and Porta Westfalica. The fortification covers a large area with remains of walls and foundations from different time periods.
This fortification has roots in the pre-Roman Iron Age, when it served as a checkpoint for trade routes passing through the region. It was later expanded during the Middle Ages and became a strategic point in local power struggles.
The Margarethen Chapel from Romanesque times stands on the grounds and shows how people used the site for worship over many centuries. You can see the remains of the Kreuzkirche as well, which was uncovered during excavations.
The site is accessible through several hiking trails, including the Wittekindsweg, which offers good views of the surrounding valleys. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground.
A restaurant with a distinctive tower stands on the grounds and can be seen from the surrounding valleys. This brings a modern visitor experience to the historical site in an unexpected way.
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