The castle was originally the stronghold of the lords of Sausenburg, and is built on a hill, 665 metres high, known as the Sausenberg.

The counts of Hachberg-Sausenberg moved to Rötteln Castle and established their advocates (vogts) on the Sausenberg.

The castle was destroyed in 1678 during the Franco-Dutch War by the army of French Marshal de Créquy.

At this point, medieval fortifications could not survive long against the advances in artillery and siege warfare.

Today an old circular rampart, a tower and several wall segments remain of the former castle.