Löcknitz Castle: Lowering stones - visitors have to stay outside!

Löcknitz Castle: Lowering stones - visitors have to stay outside!

In the picturesque border region between Pomerania and Brandenburg, where the story in the stone walls of Löcknitz Castle is interwoven, the former splendor of the building is evident in a depressing state. The castle tower, which has shaped the area for over 810 years, is currently closed to visitors. As the Nordkurier , the causes of this measure are diverse: The 17 meter high tower is not crumbling, and the roof is not tight. Mayor Detlef Ebert (CDU) makes it clear that the safe protection of visitors has a top priority, since falling stones are a latent danger.

The condition of the masonry, especially in the upper third, suffered from moisture and frost during the past winter. Due to these structural problems, the inside staircase, which is often slippery and narrow, is closed to the public. Although some repairs have already been carried out on the roof and masonry in recent months, there are currently no capacity to continue the work. The repairs are expected to be resumed until the coming year, to the annoyance of many disappointed tourists who would like to have entered the tower.

History of Löcknitz Castle

The story of Löcknitz goes far back: The Slavenburg "Lokenitza" was first mentioned in 1212. From a simple Slavenburg, a German castle developed around 1400 with a fixed masonry, known as "Castrum Locenize". Gutshaeuser.de shows that the castle was owned by the Stettiner Ratsherren family Wussow between 1390 and 1468. This changeable story, which is characterized by the Thirty Years' War and other conflicts, has left its mark.

The original structure served as a border fortress for a long time and was a strategically important object. One of the most remarkable construction measures is to redesign by Joachim von der Schulenburg, which in 1557 had a man's house in the Renaissance style built. However, it did not understand well over time and the elaborate lifestyle of a descendant led to the loss of the estate. Historical documents show that after the Thirty Years' War there were only ruins of the once impressive castle.

present and challenges

Today, the octagonal mountain fried, some outbuildings, remains of the wall and the basement vault are mainly preserved from the castle complex. These remains are used by the Löcknitz tourism, local and castle association, which has been organizing events regularly for 20 years. Visits are only possible from the outside because the remains of the former castle complex are privately owned and do not offer public access. In 1985 the dilapidated mansion was blown up after 20 years of vacancy, which makes the historical importance of the system appear in a still lavish light.

The Löcknitz Castle was and remains a lively testimony from a past time. Your continuous maintenance, as Mayor Ebert emphasizes, is essential. "We have historical roots here that not only shape the townscape, but also our identity," he adds. The challenges are great, but the hope of comprehensive renewal of the castle remains, even if this process still requires a lot of patience.