Burg Natternberg, Medieval castle ruins in Deggendorf, Germany
Burg Natternberg is a castle ruin on a hilltop near Deggendorf featuring a square corner tower and surviving wall sections. Archaeological discoveries uncovered the foundation of a Romanesque church that once stood adjacent to the fortification.
First recorded in 1145 as the residence of Hartwig von Natternberg, the fortress came under Wittelsbach control in 1242 when the Counts of Bogen dynasty ended. This transition marked a significant shift in the region's political allegiances.
The name refers to vipers, snakes that once lived in the area and shaped local perception of the place. Today visitors can see how the castle's location on the hill connected to this natural feature of the landscape.
The ruins can be reached from Deggendorf via forest trails starting from Mettenuferstrasse or Schlossbergweg near the Natternberg settlement. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and explore during daylight hours for safety.
Duke Heinrich the Natternberger died in 1333 from complications of an untreated leg wound, a fate that reveals the dangers of accidents in medieval times. This incident shows how limited medical knowledge made even minor injuries potentially fatal.
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