Falkenberg Castle

The origins of Falkenberg Castle date back to the mid-13th century, when it was presumably built by Konrad von Hebel at a strategically important location. Its first documented mention occurred in 1250. Around 1270, Konrad's descendants adopted the name “von Falkenberg.” In the 14th century, the family branched into several lines. The castle was often the subject of disputes between Kurmainz and the Landgraviate of Hesse, with the Falkenberg family attempting to secure their position through tactical maneuvering. This led to the castle serving as an 'open house' for either the Landgrave or the Archbishop of Mainz at different times. In 1354, the Archbishop finally ceded the castle to Hesse. Family feuds and military conflicts characterized the region around the castle in the following decades.