Battle of the Alte Veste facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Alte Veste
Part of the Swedish intervention in the Thirty Years' War
A map of Wallenstein's camp from 1634. West is at the top.
Date 3–4 September 1632 (N.S.) Location Alte Veste, southwest of Nürnberg, Franconian Circle, Holy Roman Empire (today in Bavaria, Germany) Result Imperial victory
Belligerents
Holy Roman Empire Catholic League	Sweden
Commanders and leaders
Albrecht von Wallenstein Johann von Aldringen	Gustavus Adolphus Wilhelm of Weimar Bernard of Saxe-Weimar Lennart Torstensson (POW)
Strength
43,500 men	44,600 men 30,011 infantry in 37 regiments and 306 companies. 15,419 cavalry in 39 regiments and 263+ companies
Casualties and losses
900	2,500

The Battle of the Alte Veste was an important fight during the Thirty Years' War. It took place near the city of Nürnberg in 1632. This battle was a clash between the Swedish army and the Imperial army.

What Led to the Battle?

In the summer of 1632, the army of Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus was near Nürnberg. He faced the army led by Albrecht von Wallenstein.

Why Wallenstein Returned

King Gustavus Adolphus had won many battles. His victories, especially against General Tilly, worried Emperor Ferdinand II. The Emperor decided to ask Albrecht von Wallenstein to return to military service. Wallenstein was very good at gathering soldiers. In just a few weeks, he had a new army ready to fight.

Armies Gather Near Nuremberg

Wallenstein moved his army to stop the Swedes near Nuremberg. His army grew larger as he marched. King Gustavus Adolphus often prepared his army for battle. He challenged Wallenstein to leave his strong camp and fight. But Wallenstein refused to come out.

Supplies Running Low

As time passed, the Swedish army started running out of food and supplies. King Gustavus Adolphus became very impatient. He knew he had to do something to get his army moving again.

The Fight at Alte Veste

King Gustavus Adolphus decided to attack Wallenstein's camp. The camp was located at a place called the Alte Veste, which means "Old Fortress." This was an old, ruined castle on top of a wooded hill.

Attacking the Fortress

If the Swedes could capture the Alte Veste, their cannons could fire down on Wallenstein's camp. This would give them a big advantage. However, the Imperial soldiers were ready. They had built deep trenches and set up an abatis. An abatis is a barrier made of sharpened tree branches. These obstacles made it very hard for the Swedish soldiers to advance.

Swedish Struggles

The Swedish attack struggled against these defenses. Even their best fighting groups had trouble moving forward. Many cavalry (soldiers on horseback) had to get off their horses to fight on foot.

Wallenstein's Counterattack

Wallenstein saw a chance to strike back. He sent his own cavalry out of the camp. They attacked the tired Swedish troops. It was a very dangerous moment for the Swedes. Only when the Swedish cavalry reserve joined the fight did they avoid a complete disaster.

What Happened Next?

The Swedish army was defeated at the Alte Veste. They had lost the battle.

Prisoners and Retreat

The commander of the Swedish artillery, Lennart Torstenson, was captured. He was held prisoner for almost a year. After several weeks, Wallenstein's army also started to run out of supplies. He decided to leave his camp and move north. This allowed the Swedish army to finally leave Nuremberg. The two armies would meet again about two months later. This next battle was the Battle of Lützen. Sadly, King Gustavus Adolphus was killed in that battle.

The ruins of Alte Veste from the southwest in 2004