Ulrichstein Castle (Ruin)

The exact beginnings of Ulrichstein Castle are not fully clear. It is presumed that it came into the possession of the Landgraviate of Hesse via the noble families of Büdingen and Breuberg. A document from 1296 confirms that the forest of Ulrichstein belonged to Henry I of Hesse at that time. In the 14th century, the castle was enfeoffed to the Lords of Eisenbach, who extensively fortified and expanded it. Later, the Barons of Riedesel took over the complex as landgravial hereditary marshals and rent administrators. They used the castle and the outwork for collecting tolls and tithes, as well as for exercising jurisdiction until the end of the Old Empire in 1806. Its location meant that the castle hill was contested in various wars, including the Seven Years' War.