Lost in legends, the name Räuberkuhle Gosevelde evokes images of daring knights and hidden treasures. This place whispers tales of medieval times. We stand before what remains of Burg Gosevelde. It is also known as Burg Gosefeld or Burg Räuberkuhle.
This was once a medieval Turmhügelburg. That is a motte in the Timmendorfer Strand area. It is in the Ostholstein district of Schleswig-Holstein. Burg Gosevelde sits northeast of the Hemmelsdorfer See. It’s about 500 meters east of the Aalbek River. It is also 200 meters east of the Twerbek. The Twerbek is the eastern branch of the Aalbek. You will find it south of Niendorf and west of Häven.
Today, the former Turmhügel is still visible. Look closely. You can see some erratic blocks. These were once foundation stones. A moat surrounds the area. Burg Gosevelde was built on a steep ridge. It was on the edge of the Hemmelsdorfer See. The lake has since become silted up.
Imagine a motte. It had a diameter of 12 to 14 meters. Historians believe it was made of wood. A stone foundation supported it. It stood on a small hill. The lake and a four-meter-wide moat protected it.
Historical records first mention the castle in 1255. It existed during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Holstein knights of Buchwaldt owned it. Today, the remains are a protected historical monument.
In 1255, Counts Johann I and Gerhard I of Holstein joined forces. They opposed Detlev von Buchwald and his brothers. These knights endangered local roads. Otto von Padelügge was also part of this group. The counts paid Lübeck subsidies. They planned to use the funds to fight against the Burg.
The hill of Räuberkuhle is part of a geest ridge. It slopes down six to seven meters toward the lake. In the 13th and 14th centuries, a multi-story wooden tower stood here. It rested on a foundation of erratic blocks. This is why it was called a Turmhügelburg.
The name “Räuberkuhle” is a local term. The Aalbeck River was once called “Gosebek.” Nearby, there was also a forest area called “Goostnest.” Historians believe this is the Burg Gosevelde mentioned in 1255.
The atmosphere at Burg Gosevelde is pleasant. The natural surroundings invite you to hike. The castle grounds are small.
Today, you will find an empty plateau. It is fenced off to protect the hidden foundations. You can walk around the small hill. You can imagine its past. You may spot erratic blocks sticking out of the ground. They offer no clear layout.
Burg Gosevelde stands as a testament to the passage of time. It reminds us of the knights and conflicts of the medieval era. It is a peaceful place now. The surrounding nature embraces the site.