It was built north of Darmstadt from 1578 as a Jagdschloss, a hunting lodge for George I, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt.

[1] It serves as a hunting museum, and as a hotel with restaurant and event location including for weddings.

Jagdschloss Kranichstein was built on a commission from George I, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt by his master builder Jakob Kesselhuth [de] as a palace with three wings.

[2][3] Transformation of a former agricultural estate to a courtly palace began in 1578[3] and was completed in 1580.

[1] Queen Victoria visited the palace as a summer guest several times.