Auerbach Castle

The castle's origins date back to the 13th century when the County of Katzenelnbogen began construction on the Auerberg. Count Diether IV of Katzenelnbogen likely initiated the building of this fortress from 1222 onwards, aiming to secure possessions south of the Main River and control tolls on the north-south connection of the Bergstraße. The first documented mention of the castle dates to 1247. In 1479, the County of Katzenelnbogen, and with it Auerbach Castle, fell to the Landgraviate of Hesse due to succession. In the 16th century, the complex lost its military significance, and during the Thirty Years' War, it was plundered and set on fire by soldiers in 1634. Further destruction followed in 1674 by French troops under Marshal Turenne and in 1693 by General Lorges, leaving the castle in ruins. From 1820 onwards, preservation and reconstruction efforts began, continuing to this day. An inn was built in the forecourt of the core castle in 1888, and in 1990, a panoramic restaurant opened.