Lautenbach Castle

The history of Lautenbach dates back to the Middle Stone Age, with archaeological finds from that period and the Neolithic era. Lautenbach was first documented in 1254 in connection with Lichtenstern Monastery. A village at this location was first mentioned in 1335 when it was part of the Scheuerberg dominion, sold to the Archbishopric of Mainz. After various changes of ownership, including to Hans von Sickingen and the Teutonic Order, the settlement was destroyed after 1484, possibly during the German Peasants' War. Lautenbach developed into two manors, one of which, Lautenbacher Hof, remained in the possession of the Teutonic Order for a long time. After the Thirty Years' War, the manors were restored and sold to Johann Esaias von Rühle in 1687. Under the Frederking family, who owned Lautenbach in the 18th century, the estate experienced economic prosperity.