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

Besides its age, Castle Sterrenberg has the unique feature of two successive curtain walls. The outer wall is even stronger and taller than the inner one and is clearly directed against the neighboring Castle Liebenstein. These two once bitterly rival castles reflect the centuries-long issue of changing ownership in the Middle Rhine Valley. In the Middle Ages, various rulers' territories often lay directly next to each other. Various hostilities from princes, counts, or abbots were manifested in counter-castles that secured their domains. According to the legend of the “Hostile Brothers,” in the case of Castle Sterrenberg as well as Liebenstein, they would have additionally been siblings who built the defensive structures in conflict.

Instead of family strife, today's visitors are welcomed by a castle with rooms for celebrations, holiday apartments, as well as a restaurant with an outdoor terrace and a magnificent view.