Principality of Lüneburg
The emergence of the castle needs to be seen in connexion with the westward expansion of the rule of the Principality of Lüneburg in the 14th century. At that time Ahlden was the part of the estate of the Bishopric of Minden. Bunkenburg was built on the state border and secured the water route of the Aller. In 1431 Ahlden was captured by the Dukes of Lüneburg.