Burgruine Sternberg

Burgruine Sternberg stands on a rocky ledge above the village of the same name in the municipality of Feistritz im Rosental, Carinthia. The ruins overlook the valley between Lake Ossiach to the north, Lake Wörth to the east and Lake Faak to the south. Built in the 12th century, it was once the seat of the Strmec lordship and county and closely tied to the Counts of Ortenburg.

The site witnessed a turbulent history. In 1311 Countess Catherine sold it to Duke Henry VI of Carinthia, who returned it as a fief. After the Ortenburg line died out in 1418, the castle passed to the Counts of Celje. Emperor Sigismund granted it to Herman II of Celje in 1420, who gave it to his commander Jan Vitovec. In 1456 the castle was demolished during a war between Emperor Frederick III and the Counts of Gorizia.

Today only the base of the keep remains, its walls forming part of modern houses. The tower’s ground-level ruins are still visible. The surrounding lakes and the Gailtal Alps create a quiet setting for a walk among the remnants of a once-powerful fortress.