The medieval castle stands on the highest point of the town of Lichtenau.
The founding and development of the town of Lichtenau, which was first mentioned in writing in 1326 AD, and thus also the construction of the striking 14th century castle, are closely linked to the great feuds of the late Middle Ages and the resulting devastation of numerous villages. Many citizens from the unprotected neighboring small settlements settled in the newly fortified Lichtenau to seek protection under the mighty castle and its lords.