Dauchstein Castle

The construction of Dauchstein Castle is presumed to have occurred around 1030, possibly as a toll castle to control Neckar shipping. The name Dauchstein might derive from a chain stretched across the river for toll collection, which was 'dipped' only after payment. Another interpretation suggests its origin in the word 'tuff stone'. The early history of the castle is only sparsely documented; a Kuno von Tahenstein is mentioned around 1080. Only in the early 14th century do further documentary proofs appear. A piece of scaffolding wood discovered in the residential tower in 2004 indicates a construction period around 1334/1335, possibly commissioned by the Palatine Counts, who then occupied the castle with the Lords of Bynheim. After the extinction of this family at the end of the 14th century, the castle passed to the Lords of Helmstatt. In 1448, Hans von Helmstatt and his wife sold the castle to Dieter von Bödigheim. In the late 16th century, Dauchstein came into the possession of the Landschad von Steinach family through marriage, who built the nearby Binau Castle. Afterwards, the castle lost its significance as a residence and fell into disrepair.