Hagen Castle

The first mention of a church near the castle dates between 900 and 1000, while the village of Dorfhagen is first mentioned in 1110. The castle itself was likely built under Archbishop Hartwig II (1184–1207) to combat the Stedingen farmers. Its strategic location on the edge of the Geest, in the Drepte river valley, allowed for complete flooding of the surrounding area. A 140-meter long causeway led to an artificial mound (warf) on which the castle stood, surrounded by a wide moat. In 1212, rebellious Osterstade farmers besieged the castle, with an uncertain outcome. The first brick castle, approximately 30 meters long and 10 meters wide, was built in the first half of the 13th century. Archbishop Gerhard II appointed a bailiff here and expanded his bailiwick. In 1307, the people of Bremen occupied the castle, and in 1389, Archbishop Albert II pledged it to the Count of Oldenburg.