Hattstein Castle

The exact construction date of Hattstein Castle is unknown, but it is believed to be older than the nearby Reiffenberg Castle. As early as 1156, a Guntramus de Hazechenstein is mentioned as the lord of the castle. In the 14th century, the Hattstein knights gained a reputation as robber barons, which led to a punitive expedition by Frankfurt troops in 1379. The castle was captured, and the Hattsteiners promised to cease their raids but had the castle returned to them. Despite the oath, further raids occurred, including one on Thron Monastery in 1387. Two more punitive expeditions in 1393 and 1428 were unsuccessful. Despite familial ties, feuds erupted with the Reiffenbergs. During the Hattstein Feud, the Reiffenbergs, together with Frankfurt and Kurmainz, conquered the castle in 1432. Until 1468, it was managed as a joint inheritance, before Walter von Reifenberg captured and razed it in 1467.