Oberburg

Kobern, Germany

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Oberburg in Kobern, Germany, is a medieval hill castle built in the early 12th century on the site of an ancient Celtic fortress.

It is first recorded in 1195 when its lord made it a vassal of the Electorate of Trier. The castle features a rectangular layout with a prominent square bergfried (tower) that includes vaulted ground and upper floors accessible by a stairway within the wall. St. Matthias' Chapel, built around 1220-1240 by Lord Henry II of Isenburg, was designed to house the relic of St. Matthias’ head and expanded the castle grounds.

The castle was held by the lords of Isenburg-Kobern until the mid-14th century, after which it was sold to the Archbishop of Trier and eventually fell into ruin. Restoration work in the 20th century preserved the bergfried, which now hosts a restaurant, and the castle is open to visitors year-round. Access to the site is via a steep vineyard path, offering panoramic views of the Moselle valley.