Schloss Aschhausen, Medieval castle in Schöntal, Germany

Schloss Aschhausen is a castle complex in Schöntal with an approximately rectangular layout, its buildings enclosing a common courtyard. The north side is formed by the long old castle building with two towers, which also serves as the gatehouse. The oldest parts—the keep, granary and a round tower—stand to the east and are reached by a bridge from the courtyard. The south side includes the estate administration building and a distillery, while a 1912/14 extension in the northwest corner serves as the owners' residence.

The castle was first documented in 1165 and came under Mainz rule by 1315. After destruction in 1523, it was rebuilt at a lower location in 1579.

The castle chapel was consecrated in 1748 by Weihbischof von Gebsattel, during the Schöntal abbots' ownership. The family von Zeppelin, owners since 1803, keeps part of the complex as a museum showing pieces from the family treasure. The castle itself now mainly serves as a venue for events.

The complex is entered from the north through the gatehouse formed by the long old castle building with its two towers. The oldest parts — keep, granary and round tower — lie to the east and are reached by a bridge from the inner courtyard. The 1912/14 extension in the northwest corner serves as the owners' residence and is not open to visitors.

The castle mill once belonged to the estate; from 1894 it generated electricity, and on 16 November 1894 Aschhausen became the first village with electric light. The mill was sold in 1960. The round tower built in 1537 burned down in 1945 and was soon rebuilt.