Raubritters took advantage of the weakening of central power to spread their wings in criminal activity. They were favored by situations of struggle for the throne or interregnum.

Most of the raubritters activity took place in mountainous areas where they could easily attack from concealment. They could also move quickly away from the scene of the attack. For example, robber barons attacked in Scotland, Bavaria, Tyrol, Italy, and Silesia.