Sterrenberg Castle is likely one of the oldest castle complexes on the Middle Rhine: Its keep was built no later than the end of the 12th century.

Aside from its age, Sterrenberg Castle has the unique feature of two successive curtain walls. The outer wall is stronger and taller than the inner one and is clearly directed against the neighboring Liebenstein Castle. These two once bitterly rival castles illustrate the centuries-old problem of changing ownership in the Middle Rhine valley. In the Middle Ages, the territories of various rulers often lay directly next to each other. Various hostilities between princes, counts, or abbots manifested themselves in the counter-castles that secured their territories. According to the legend of the “Hostile Brothers,” in the case of Sterrenberg and Liebenstein, it would have been siblings as well who built the fortifications out of conflict.

Instead of family disputes, today’s visitors are welcomed by a castle with facilities for celebrations, holiday apartments, and a restaurant with an outdoor terrace and a magnificent view. During the season, guided tours of the old premises take place on certain dates.