[2] Hermann inherited property from his father in eastern Franconia with the title of Count of Bildhausen (today a district of Münnerstadt) as well as in Höchstadt.
Although he was already appears powerful and influential as the sole heir to his father's numerous castles and estates, his reputation and lands were to be significantly increased by his marriage to Gertrud von Staufen, a sister of King Conrad and Frederick II of Swabia.
[3] In 1142/1143 he was made Count Palatine of the Rhine by his brother-in-law king Conrad III,[1]: 48 after the previous holder of that title, Henry II Jasomirgott had taken over the Margraviate of Austria.
[2][1]: 53 Otto I died the following year, and Hermann destroyed his castle at Rheineck on Conrad’s orders.
[2] After Hermann's death, Frederick Barbarossa passed the County Palatine to his half-brother Conrad von Hohenstaufen.