Burg Stolzenau, Medieval castle ruins in Stolzenau, Germany.
Burg Stolzenau is a castle site near the Weser River, where foundations and traces of the former moat remain visible today. The remains show the typical layout of a medieval defensive fortress with an outer ward and main area positioned along the river.
The fortress was built in 1346 by the Counts of Hoya to control border territories and trade routes. In the 16th century, the Dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg converted it into a residential palace, which eventually fell into decline.
The place name derives from the stone construction and elevated position of the fortress, visible in local field names today. The surrounding landscape still reflects how the stronghold shaped daily life and left its mark on settlement patterns around it.
The grounds are open year-round with informational panels explaining the site's architecture and layout. Visitors should be aware that the terrain is uneven due to excavations, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Two separate knight estates developed from the original castle fiefs, with one founded by the von Münchhausen family in 1378. This property has remained under their ownership ever since, showing how medieval inheritance arrangements could last for centuries.
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