Arnsberg Castle

The history of Arnsberg Castle dates back to the 12th century when it was owned by the noble free lords of Erlingshofen, who subsequently named themselves after the location. Gozwin von Arnsberg was already mentioned as a witness in 1087. In the 13th century, the family changed its residence and name, and by 1278, the castle was in the possession of a Gottfried von Heideck, though as a fief of the Prince-Bishopric of Eichstätt. Before 1305, Gottfried IV sold the lordship to Duke Otto III of Lower Bavaria. The castle was pledged several times, including around 1350 to the minnesinger Hadamar III von Laaber and from 1365 to the Frauenhofer family. After a dispute and accusations of highway robbery, this pledge relationship ended violently around 1416.