The Otto Burg

Hedwig Halle, also known as the Otto Burg, or Schloss Altenwald, the seat of the Family Altenwald since the time of the Crusader Karl Otto and his espoused wife, Hedwig. Surrounded by the ancient forest, from which the family generally takes its name, the Burg has stood witness to Altenwald good management for 500 years.

Stephan-Bertholdt and Sophie-Maria returned to Hedwig Halle after their marriage, prefering it to other estates in Bern and Berlin. The Erb-Fürst Mikhail and the Fürstin Sophie-Louise were born here.

Lost to the Family during the Soviet period, there are rumors that the Family may try to regain the Halle. Wandel relations have managed to secure parts of the forest, including a small hunting lodge built by the father of Stephan-Bertholdt.

Nearby, the Abbey of St. Agnes has remained in the hands of the Poor Clares untouched by the Communist regime. Generations of Altenwald's lie undisturbed there in vaults under the Lady Chapel. Tellingly no marker for either Stephan-Bertholdt, nor Sophie-Maria has ever been erected.