Tringenstein Castle (Ruin)

The origins of Tringenstein Castle date back to the mid-14th century. A first mention appears in a document from 1356, although it is presumed to be identical with the "Murstein" castle mentioned as early as 1352. Its construction took place around 1350/51 at the behest of Countess Adelheid, widow of Otto II of Nassau-Dillenburg, as a response to the Hessian castle Neu-Dernbach. The site on Murstein hill belonged to the noble lords of Bicken. The castle developed into the administrative seat of the Nassau office of Tringenstein and also served as a hunting lodge in the Schelderwald forest. Towards the end of the 15th century, after expansions by Count Johann IV, it even served temporarily as a residence, including for Countess Elisabeth. At the beginning of the Thirty Years' War, the Counts of Dillenburg also sought refuge here for extended periods.