The castle was documented in 1252. From then till 1662 it was home to the von Frankenstein clan. The first said to live there was Arbogast who was a knight. The most famous was Georg who was known for the slaying of a dragon at the cost of his life. Next was the most notable resident Johann Konrad Dippel 1673 – 1734. He was not a true Frankenstein but still often used that name. He was originally a priest, but was known for being an alchemist and grave robbing to steal bodies for his experiments. Also for the mixture Elixir of Life, a potion to prolong life, but this it is said was what unfortunately caused his death.  Most people thought of him as being a secretive and sinister person. After it was used as a military prison and a home for military invalids, until 1742 when it was abandoned. The castle was rediscovered in 1835 and some restoration was undertaken.  The castle is said to be where Mary Shelley got her inspiration for her Frankenstein book after she had visited the area with her husband in 1814. Since 1972 it has been opened to the public, with a restaurant and a yearly Halloween festival.