The early history of Triberg is mostly unknown. Only a few sources, including e.g. Archaeological finds and cairns lighten up the historical developments before the 12th century.

Coming from the Ulm area, Adelbert von Ellerbach developed the whole “Gutachtal“ area around 1100. This knight, who is considered to be the progenitor of the Hornberg and Triberg lords, built a rock castle in the middle of this area on a dominant mountain outcrop in today's district of Gremmelsbach, which can be seen as the starting point for the settlement of the upper Gutachtal.