Norderburg Castle

Norderburg Castle was likely built in the 14th century, possibly under Olde Hero von Dornum. Around 1397, a family drama unfolded here when Lütet, the builder's son, killed his wife Ocka. Subsequently, Ocka's mother, Foelke Kampana, took over the castle and had both Lütet and his father beheaded. Around 1420, Norderburg passed to the Kankena family through marriage. In 1514, the castle was destroyed during the Saxon Feud but was rebuilt in 1534 by Hicko Kankena. In 1556, the property changed hands to the von Closter family, who held it until the 18th century. Haro Joachim von Closter transformed the castle into a Baroque palace between 1698 and 1707, also adding a 30-meter-high tower to the gatehouse. After a fire in 1721, which necessitated the reconstruction of the north wing, the castle changed owners several times.