As an architectural and archaeological monument, Lichtenhaag Castle is listed in the Bavaria Atlas under the numbers D-2-74-135-10 and D-2-7540-0163. Historical research has shown that its external appearance has changed little since it was built. Only the tower was presumably converted into an onion-domed tower in the 17th century to reflect the Baroque style of the period.
Lichtenhaag Castle is situated on the edge of the village of the same name, at its highest point. The location was presumably chosen because its elevated position, offering views across the surrounding landscape, ensured control over important transportation routes. In 1305, Lichtenhaag Castle was confirmed as the residence of the noble Knights of Leberskirchen. The neighboring village of Leberskirchen is documented in historical records as early as around 900.
According to tradition, the Edlen von Leberskirchen were a noble family originally from Bavaria who were driven back from Hungary. Several generations of this family are documented as owners of the castle until the noble line died out in the 16th century.
The Visier, Everhard, Counts of Seyboldsdorf, and Counts of Montgelas: Over the centuries, various noble families owned Lichtenhaag Castle and the associated Hofmark. They ruled over the Hofmark of Lichtenhaag and other Hofmarks, with the Hofmark of Lichtenhaag itself already comprising 25 properties with commercial operations in 1597.
From the 19th century until the mid-20th century, the Wagner and Reichgruber families, among others, owned the castle. From the mid-20th century until 1971, the castle’s ground floor was used as a restaurant with a dance hall.
The Mayor of Freising, Adolf Schäfer, eventually acquired the estate and devoted his free time to maintaining the castle.
