“Dat niege Huus” or “Nyhus,” as it was known in Danish, once stood proudly here. Today, we stand near what remains of Burg Niehuus. It’s more than just an archaeological site. It’s a window into a time of tolls and defenses. This motte-and-bailey castle has a captivating story.
Burg Niehuus emerged around 1345. Count Klaus of Holstein-Rendsburg ordered its construction. Burg Niehuus guarded Flensburg from the north. It also acted as a vital toll station. The Krumme Weg or “Crooked Path” was crucial. This path connected Flensburg to the Ochsenweg. The Ochsenweg served as the main medieval route through Jutland. Burg Niehuus controlled this important intersection.
Imagine the scene. Merchants and pilgrims trekked along the Krumme Weg. They journeyed to holy sites in Rome and Jerusalem. They all had to pay a toll at Burg Niehuus. In 1365, Hermann Wonsflet, a nobleman, paid 150 marks. This payment was made to the Counts of Schauenburg here at Niehuus. In 1423, a complaint arose. The Danish king’s bailiff charged eight shillings per ox. This “Ochsenzoll” or ox toll was collected at Burg Niehuus.
Graf Klaus also fortified Flensburg at the same time. Burg Niehuus became a part of Flensburg’s defense system. The Graf feared King Waldemar IV of Denmark. He thought that Waldemar would try to conquer Schleswig. Burg Niehuus was a key part of his defense strategy. Near the Burg Niehuus, the small settlement of Niehuus arose. It was first mentioned in 1371.
In the early 15th century, the Duburg castle was built. It was located above Flensburg’s western part of the town center. Burg Niehuus protected this newer, larger castle to the south during its construction. Lorentz v. Heesten was the only known captain of Burg Niehuus. He held the fief from about 1405 to 1409.
Burg Niehuus met its end in 1431. It was destroyed. Today, only traces remain. Look around. You can see the Burg Niehuus mound. This hill was once the base of a tower castle. The main tower measured 40 by 30 meters. A semi-circular rampart surrounded it. It spanned 120 by 80 meters. The Krumme Weg still exists as well. It stretches from the castle site to Rønsdam. This border town lies 800 meters to the north. A stone bridge replaced a wooden bridge in 1800. This bridge was part of the Krumme Weg.
Today, the Gendarmstien hiking trail passes by the Burg Niehuus site. The Jakobsweg pilgrimage route also runs by here. Nearby lies Oldemorstoft. It is said that various kings resided there.
Burg Niehuus may be gone. However, its story lives on. It reminds us of a time when this place was a hub of trade and defense. A vital point on the journey through Schleswig.