Osterburg Groothusen

The village of Groothusen in the Krummhörn was an important trading center in the early Middle Ages. At that time, like many other places in Krummhörn, it was located directly on a bay and could be used for shipping. There were three castles in Groothusen, of which only one, the Osterburg, remains today. If you turn off in Groothusen in the direction of Greetsiel, you will find the castle, built as a simple manor house, on the right-hand side in a park. Four baroque gate pillars lead to the three-winged castle complex. The central building still contains parts of the original 15th century walls. The two side wings were added in the 16th century and modified and renovated in the 18th and 20th centuries. The castle is privately owned by the Kempe family and is therefore not easily accessible. However, the family is happy to open its doors to smaller groups by prior arrangement by telephone and personally guide visitors through the historic rooms. Only then will guests be able to appreciate the true splendor of this cultural monument, because inside they will find gold-leather wallpaper, valuable pieces of furniture and furnishings from various eras. A gallery of ancestral portraits brings the history of East Frisia to life. It is a special experience to listen to the story of each piece, which has been handed down for centuries.