The castle was built around 1200 by the Lords of Kien.

The original castle was expanded and repaired in the 13th or 14th centuries.

Under Bernese rule, the castle served as the administrative seat of the surrounding area until the creation of the Helvetic Republic in 1798.

[1] Tellenburg Castle was built as an administrative center and toll station.

Telle at beginning of the name likely comes from the German word for toll, Zoll, while burg simply means fortress.