Falkenstein Castle (Ruin) (Bad Emstal)

The origins of Falkenstein Castle likely date back to the late 13th century, with its first documented mention in 1346. At that time, Landgrave Heinrich II of Hesse pledged the already dilapidated complex to the Lords Hund von Kirchberg and Holzhausen. They were obliged to rebuild the castle and received a castle fief in return. Despite protests from the Archbishop of Mainz, reconstruction proceeded, and a chapel at the castle is documented as early as 1351. In 1363, members of the Hund family concluded a castle peace. Later, the Holzhausen line lost its share, which eventually passed through various hands to Ekkebrecht von Grifte.