The north-eastern part of the Hammerstein district was crossed by the Upper Germanic Limes during the Roman Empire.

Part of this border wall was the small fort "Am Forsthofweg", which is located on today's municipal territory.

Centuries later, the villages of Niederhammerstein and Oberhammerstein developed under the protection of the hilltop castle of Hammerstein, which was first mentioned in a document in 1002.

In 1357, Emperor Karl IV confirmed to the lords of the castle an even older right to strike coins and hold fairs.

Hammerstein is home to numerous historical monuments whose origins date back to the High Middle Ages and Roman times and which bear witness to the town's long history.