Brunsburg

Brunsburg occupies a defended peninsula of firm sand projecting into marshland, with two sides naturally bounded by stream channels and the remaining approach secured by man-made earthworks. The fortified complex comprises a smaller inner stronghold and a larger surrounding ward. The inner area measures about one hectare and sits toward the tip of the ridge, while the outer defended zone extends across roughly 4.5 hectares.

The inner stronghold preserves two earth ramparts today; archaeologists suspect a third rampart once stood as part of its defensive sequence. The surviving banks form an irregular triangular layout, with side measurements on the order of one hundred metres and one hundred fifty metres. Present heights of the ramparts are modest, generally around one to two metres, though they are reported to have been substantially higher in the past.

A separate outer rampart protects the formerly vulnerable southwest approach where the sand ridge connects to drier ground. This barrier lies about three hundred metres southwest of the main stronghold, spans roughly one hundred seventy-five metres in length, measures around twenty metres across, and stands approximately three metres high. It crosses the neck of the peninsula and would have blocked movement across that strip of dry land.

Excavation revealed that the ramparts were built using a combination of earth and turf reinforced with wooden structural elements, a straightforward wood-and-earth technique that added strength to the embankments. A vertical facing of tree trunks was probably installed along the outer face to hinder attackers from penetrating the wall body.

Inside the inner enclosure investigators exposed the ground plans of several buildings. Floors identified within these structures were composed of pebble surfaces, indicating prepared internal living or working areas. The larger outer ward, which shows traces suggesting removed flank ramparts and is framed by the two stream courses, has not been subjected to archaeological trenching and therefore awaits further study.

Local tradition connects particular features of the site with named figures: the story of Count Bruno is tied to the castle’s identity, and the tale of Captain Bruns is associated with a hidden war chest in the stronghold. These narratives are part of the site’s historical footprint alongside the physical remains.