 The city of Geislingen an der Steige grew up at the foot of the castle as a toll collection station and rest stop for travellers.Around 1200 Count Ludwig IV of Spitzenberg (near Kuchen) and Sigmaringen married the heir of Eberhard II (known as the Younger) of Helfenstein, his daughter.Through the marriage to the heir of Helfenstein family, the fortunes of both families were intertwined.