The ruins are surrounded by forest on the southwestern slope of the 757-metre-high Auersberg in the Rhön Mountains, at the end of a popular hiking trail north of Hilders.

Built on a militarily vulnerable, forward slope position, it was probably intended from the outset only as a seat of power or office.

Around 1120 it was renovated or remodelled into a small knight's castle, probably by the counts of Henneberg, who had since acquired the territory.

Thereafter it had a very varied history, being located as it was on the border between several rival ecclesial and secular rulers.

In 1214, the Lord of Nithardshusen from the House of Henneberg, sold the property back to Fulda Abbey.