Hainchen Castle

The first documented mention of Hainchen Castle dates back to 1290, when it was owned by the von Hain family. In 1313, the castle was sold to Count Heinrich I of Nassau-Siegen. Later, in 1355, it was granted as a Nassau fief to Knight Konrad von Bicken. Philipp von Bicken acquired the entire estate as a fief in 1443 and had the castle expanded, adding a chapel on the northeast side of the main building. In the early 16th century, the Lords of Bicken fortified the moated castle as their residence with walls and bulwarks. In 1511, it was agreed that Nassau troops could be permanently stationed in the castle. A son of Philipp von Bicken was Johann Adam von Bicken, who served as Archbishop and Elector of Mainz from 1601 to 1604. In the 18th century, the von Bicken family fell into poverty and sold the castle in 1711 to the Prince of Nassau-Siegen. After further changes of ownership, the castle fell into disrepair in the 19th century.