Landwehr

The Landwehr once marked the northern boundary of the Electoral-Cologne district of Kempen. It ran from the Eschel marshes in the west to Orbroich in the east. Over the centuries the vast majority of the structure was levelled — only near Hinterorbroich did a short section remain preserved in the ground, and today it enjoys monument protection.

Landwehren were typical medieval border fortifications: a system of several ditches and ramparts, often three ditches and two banks, with the central ditch originally around two metres deep. Densely trimmed beech hedges grew atop the ramparts, forming a barrier all but impassable to riders. The structure did more than separate territories — it deliberately funnelled travellers and wagons toward guarded barriers and toll stations. At the same time it protected the fields from robbers and kept livestock from straying onto neighbouring farmland.