Since 27 November 2006 Grillenberg has borne the title "state-recognised resort" (Staatlich anerkannter Erholungsort).

Grillenberg was probably first recorded in the register of the tithes of Hersfeld Abbey dating to between 881 and 899, as the tithe-owing village of 'Coriledorpf'.

In 1147 the Grilleberg Castle estate (Burgamt Grillenberg) appears as part of the old Barony of Sangerhausen.

The farmers of the village had all taxes and services waived for three years because, during the siege of the castle they had suffered much damage.

The last occupant of the castle in 1683 was the Royal Forester and Armourer (Königliche Forst- und Zeugknecht), Hans Lehmann.