Klaus Störtebeker and Hertesburg Castle on the Baltic Sea coast

The Darß, a picturesque peninsula on the Baltic Sea, is home to fascinating stories and legends from times gone by. One of the most exciting tales is that of Klaus Störtebeker, the notorious pirate who terrorized the waters in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Hertesburg Castle, a hidden place of great historical significance, was his refuge at times. The journey to Hertesburg Castle begins in Prerow, a picturesque coastal town on the Darß peninsula. From there, the route leads towards Zingst along the road, accompanied by the fresh Baltic Sea air in the north and numerous parking lots on the right-hand side. Those who choose this route embark on a historical journey that offers a deep insight into the life and times of pirates. A walk southwards finally leads to a signposted “Herberge an der Hertesburg” (Hertesburg Hostel). This is located in the immediate vicinity of the remains of the former castle. The path there runs for a few hundred meters to almost the Prerowstrom and reveals the beauty of the surroundings as well as the once strategically important location of the fortress. Today, only the ring-shaped rampart and the moat remain of Hertesburg Castle itself. However, these remains provide information about the structural organization and defense mechanisms of the fortress. The rampart probably served to ward off attackers, while the moat provided additional protection from enemies. The location close to the water suggests that the castle played an important role in maritime trade and piracy. Nevertheless, the surroundings, with their waterways and natural landscape, offer an atmosphere that allows visitors to imagine themselves back in the time of the legendary pirate Klaus Störtebeker. Klaus Störtebeker occupies a special place in the history of European pirates. Born around 1360, he was a notorious captain of the Likedeeler, a group of buccaneers who turned against the Hanseatic League and other commercial powers of the North and Baltic Seas. Störtebeker gained fame not only for his piracy, but also for his alleged generosity towards the poor, which earned him the status of a folk hero. The Likedeeler, meaning “equal sharers” in English, were a group of pirates who got their name from the fact that they divided their loot equally among themselves. This community stood in stark contrast to the feudal structures of the time, in which wealth and power were concentrated in the hands of a few. Störtebeker, as one of their leaders, not only carried out successful raids, but also shaped the culture and history of the pirates. Although the folk hero was executed in Hamburg in 1401, his story lives on. Hertesburg Castle was originally used by the princes of Rügen. However, after the Peace of Stralsund in 1354, the Pomeranians undertook not to build any more fortresses on the Darß peninsula. This political change led to Hertesburg Castle becoming a hideout for pirates in the 15th century, administered by a ducal bailiff. Its proximity to the Prerowstrom and the rugged coastline offered both protection and camouflage. It also enabled the pirates to quickly hide their loot and retreat when danger threatened. At that time, the Darß was not a peninsula, but a rugged chain of islands with many inlets. Ships often ran the risk of running aground here, which made the region a contested area. To help the expected flotsam along, the pirates around Störtebeker developed a special tactic. At night, they tied lanterns to the tails of their cows and chased them back and forth on the Baltic Sea beach. The light signals attracted sailors, who then set course and ultimately fell prey to the pirates. The aforementioned tactic of Störtebeker’s crew of tying lanterns to cows’ tails illustrates the cunning and ingenuity of the pirates. This method shows how skillfully they used natural conditions and simple tools to achieve their goals. It underscores the spirit of the pirate era, when courage and cleverness often triumphed over brute force. One of the most fascinating stories surrounding Hertesburg is the legend of the treasure-guarding maiden. It is said that she still lives under the former castle today, guarding the pirates’ gold. Only on St. John’s Night on June 24 can she be recognized as a woman carrying laundry. She can be redeemed by a friendly greeting from an unmarried man, who will receive her treasure as a thank you. Even if the legend of the treasure-guarding maiden belongs more to the realm of myth, it sheds an interesting light on the role of women in the age of pirates. Historically, women were rarely directly involved in piracy, but they often played an important role as supporters and companions of pirates. Their stories, whether factual or mythological, enrich the tales of pirates and their struggle against the authorities. The legend of the hidden treasure under Hertesburg Castle has inspired generations of adventurers and historians, albeit mostly without success. In fact, there is no concrete evidence of the existence of such a treasure. But the magical idea of hidden gold adds a touch of romance and mystery to the story that should not be underestimated. St. John’s Night, June 24, is mentioned in the legend as the time when the treasure-guarding maiden can be recognized and redeemed. This day, which is celebrated as part of traditional festivities, is a symbol of light and hope. In the history of Hertesburg, it connects the real world with the mystical and creates a bridge between the past and the present. Hertesburg and its surroundings offer not only a historical insight into the life and times of pirates, but also a journey into a world full of myths and legends. The journey there, the remains of the fortress, and the stories surrounding this place make it a special destination for anyone interested in history and adventure. The legends and historical facts surrounding Klaus Störtebeker and Hertesburg Castle show once again how storytelling and myth are interwoven, creating an immortal fascination that continues to captivate people. May the memory of the legendary pirate and his mysterious fortress continue to inspire and excite many adventurers and history lovers. The history of Hertesburg and Klaus Störtebeker offers a fascinating insight into a world shaped by a thirst for adventure, cunning, and historical turning points. The route from Prerow to Hertesburg not only leads through beautiful countryside, but also through time. The remains of the castle and the surrounding nature convey a vivid picture of the events of that time and bring the legends of pirates and hidden treasures to life.