After the Archbishop of Cologne, Engelbert von Berg, had fortified the town of Attendorn in 1222, he built Burg Schnellenberg at the same time. This is documented in an agreement with the Count of the Mark, who was granted two castle fiefs at the castle. The purpose of the construction of the castle was to secure the Heidenstraße.
Today, Burg Schnellenberg is a 4-star hotel and restaurant. The castle is still owned by the family Freiherr von Fürstenberg-Herdringen. The city of Attendorn offers civil marriage ceremonies in the cross vault.