Schwalenburg

Willingen-Schwalefeld (51.315921 | 8.625310)

Eternally transient

Fortified castle complex with a diameter of 300 m and three circular ramparts from the late 8th to 10th century.

Why? As a reporter, I know this question is particularly fruitful. Mr. Lange, why are the "Friends of Schwalenburg Castle" committed to an ancient, almost derelict rampart castle?

"The castle is part of our history," he explains as we stroll across the grassy grounds. "It's a part of us. Who were our ancestors, how did they live, what have we inherited from them? This also raises the question of our own identity." So much for the past. Lange also combines his commitment with a look to the future: "Schwalenburg Castle attracts hikers, excursionists and people interested in history. If we let the Wallen become overgrown, the castle will disappear and we will lose an attraction. Preserving it also keeps our village alive."

A few times a year, the "Friends of Schwalenburg" organize work campaigns to clear the ramparts and remove overgrown bushes. With the help of funding and advice from archaeologist Dr. Armin Fuchs, a circular rampart path with information boards was created in 2015. Guided tours for interested groups take place regularly. The large observation tower in the middle of the inner ring of ramparts was also built by volunteers. All voluntary work, only the building materials were paid for by the municipality of Willingen.

We stand on the Burgring tower and enjoy a magnificent view. To the south-east is the village of Schwalefeld, which Lange clearly considers to be "the most beautiful in Upland". A small flock of sheep graze on the northern meadows in the outer ring wall, keeping the grass low. The whole area can be seen from the lookout. A journey through time with your eyes. Construction of the first Wallen began around the year 800. Stone on stone, carefully piled up without mortar, dry stone walls. A spring supplied the people and animals below the middle ring of ramparts with water - probably the most important reason for building the complex at this exact spot. It is assumed that there will have been stables and simple accommodation inside the castle. In the 1000 years that have passed since the castle was built and used, many traces have been erased. Who built the castle, who conquered it? Did it house the retinue of Emperor Charlemagne, who also passed through the Sauerland many times on his military campaigns against the Saxons? Was the Schwalenburg one of these supply camps? What did the inhabitants who lived at the castle in summer do in winter? Many questions remain unanswered. One thing is certain: After a comparatively short 200 years, the fortress had lost its protective function and was abandoned.

Today I can walk around the Wallen. My imagination runs in circles, like the rings of the mysterious rampart castle. The empty meadows in between are perfect as a projection surface for imagining wars, crises and battles - dramatic ones at any rate. But perhaps it was also much more mundane; soldiers' lives often consisted of waiting, playing dice and washing clothes. Women were certainly there too, they marched with the soldiers as sutlers. What was it like to live together in such close quarters? There was certainly violence and quarrels, as there always is when people come together. Everything is conceivable, everything has disappeared, given over to transience.

Even the ring walls will not stay the same forever. They are already crumbling today, and nature is persistently trying to reclaim its terrain. If nothing is done to counteract this, the ravages of time will gnaw away at the remaining ramparts ever faster. Stopping the natural decomposition is what the "Friends of Schwalenburg" are all about: they want to preserve a valuable historical resource. During our tour, Willi Lange tells us that planned activities often have to overcome bureaucratic hurdles, which are common with such a huge monument and the different ownership and responsibilities.

Back on the tower, I ask him again: Why do they keep at it, he and his friends, despite all the adversities? In response, he shows me a few pages in the tower book, which is kept in a copper box for guests. Some of the entries: "A great place to unwind." - "How wonderful Jehovah's creation, the sky, the land...!" - "At first we wanted to avoid Willigen because of the extreme party culture. Then we came here for mountain biking and were totally thrilled. The landscape, the people and so much beauty for the soul!" - "New life grows from the ruins." It is this appreciation for the place and its custodians that gives the volunteers new impetus time and again. Joy is a renewable source of strength.

Author: Michael Gleich