The Eltz Castle in Germany: Experience the Echoes of the Medieval World!

Are you a history buff and are always excited to know interesting history tales? Okay, so I have something interesting for you. Yeah, I’m talking about the enchanting Eltz castle in Germany. Literally, it’s a fairytale Castle to experience life at its grandest without leaving the 21st century! So are you ready to indulge in ultimate luxury and romance and escape the life of the mundane for a few minutes at this castle?

I highly recommend you visit this one among the many castles in Germany that have transcended the test of time to date. And the reason behind this is because it is the place where history, romance, and luxury come alive! This enchanting castle stands in the heart of a dense forest rich with flora and fauna on a 70 m high rock and is surrounded by a stream. The astonishing part is that the castle has been owned by the Eltz family even today since the 12th century. The current castle owner is Dr. Karl Graf von und zu Eltz-Kempenich, alias Faust von Stromberg, living in Frankfurt am Main. 

Let Me Take You on the Historic Ride to the Old Eltz in Wierschem Germany

Being one of the famous medieval historical castles that have remained untouched for over 800 years, the once-upon-a-time story of the castle begins with Rudolf von Eltz, who built Eltz Castle. In 1157 the fortress was constructed as a deed of donation by Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. It was named after Eltzbach, a stream which, in the old British tongue, was referred to as Els/Else, the name of the black adder tree found beside the river. 

Subsequently, the castle was strategically built on a 70-meter-high rock amid the Elzbach River surrounding the fortress on all three sides. And the locale was then an important trade route linking the Mosel with the Eifel River, which the Romans frequented. Later in the 12th century, three local landlords (Kempenich, Rubenach, and Rodendorf), who were the descendants of the Eltz Castle Family, with their substantial construction funds, began developing and renovating the castle.

The three families separated, and each began constructing a separate place within the castle. Platteltz kept with the Rübenach section was the first part added in 1472. Then the Rodendorf section was added between 1490-1540, and finally, the Kempenich section in 1530. So, the Burg Eltz is not a single castle but a combination of three. 

However, you must also note that the castles grew in height rather than width as it was founded on a rock surface. And the three families called themselves the Eltz of the Golden Lion (called today the Counts of Eltz-Kempenich), Eltz of the Silver Lion (called today the Barons of Eltz-Rübenach), and Eltz of the Buffalo Horns (called today as the Barons of Eltz-Rodendorf ).

The three families resided in their own space of the castle, sharing the defensive foundation, wells, courtyards, and chapel. Others who supported the Eltz family, including the servants, craftsmen, and other families, lived in a village at the castle’s base.

In the following centuries, numerous tit bit renovations were happening to preserve the fortress to what we see today. And in the course of time, only the Eltz-Kempenich or the Eltz of the Golden Lion family survived and became the sole owner of the entire property since 1815. Nevertheless, between the years of construction and renovation, there was a severe attack on the Eltz Castle. It was known as The Eltz Feud, which occurred between 1331 to 1136. 

The feud began when the lords of the Eltz Castle confronted Balduin, the Archbishop of Trier. There are records of cannon attacks from the northern Alps in 1331 due to the confrontation. When this proved futile, a siege castle called the Trutzeltz was erected Balduin to besiege the Castle with heavy stone balls and catapults. Ultimately when the knights of Eltz conceded in 1333, the three Lords signed a peace treaty in 1336 with Balduin. 

However, the end of that feud left the castle demolished and not utterly destroyed. Since that feud, the castle had not seen any battles or attacks. And because of skilful diplomacy, the castle survived the Thirty Years’ War when the French conquered almost all the Rhine castles.

Today two sections of the castle are open to tourism, and the third section is still a residence of the Kempenich family. The fortress is best known for its eight towers of 30 to 40 meters height, eight floors, and fully heated 100 rooms, an exotic medieval construction.

Now what they do after the tourist hours cannot be comprehended by me. But I am sure they’re up in that place to host some epic events and get-togethers!

I’ll Tell You How to Reach the Eltz in Germany

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Believe me, you may not find similar castle tours like this in the heart of a forest in Germany, away from the urban areas. But this is an extraordinary place that offers a variety of ways to reach and step back in time into the world of wonder and luxury!

1. Taking a Car Drive

This is the top way to reach Burg Eltz. However, you must pay a parking fee of €2 for cars and €4 for cars with trailers or camper vans. It’s a drive through some windy forests that offer some stunning views as you drive through them. Then, it’s a 600-meter walk from the parking lot to the castle’s base. 

2. Taking a Public Transport

Depending on where you come from, various services by bus and train are offered to reach the castle. But these are limited options as you can avail of a service only during weekends (during summer). If you are starting from the Moselkern station, it’s just a 5km walk to the castle you can make it if you wish to visit during weekdays. 

3. Taking a Hiking Trail

If you love hiking and adventure, I must say, this is the best way to explore Germany while traveling to the castle. Depending on where you begin hiking, some routes offer amazing views of the forests and vineyards. Some famous hiking trails are furnished below for you to choose from;

• Hiking the Eltz Castle Panorama– This is a 5-hour hike in the Rhineland-Palatinate that covers 12.6 km. This hike allows you to tour around the Eltz via the Eltz Forest, the Southern rises of the Maifeld and the Eltzbach Valley.
• Hiking Up the Romantic Eltz Stream– This 2.5 km hike that lasts up to 35 minutes starts its trail from the Ringelsteiner Mühle in Moselkern on a light to medium ascent. Then it follows the Eltzbach via the nature reserve Eltz Forest up to the Eltz Castle.
• Hiking from Müdener Berg to the Eltz Castle in Germany– Seasoned hikers, this 1.7 km hike along a gorgeous and sporty route for 35 minutes is created just for you! You might hike over some steep parts but get stunning views of the Pyrmont and Eltz Castles.
• Hiking from Karden to the Eltz Castle in Germany– Yet another trail for seasoned hikers that runs for 7 km from Karden to the Eltz through meadows, vineyards, and forests for 2 hours. And nonetheless, you get some spectacular views of the Hunsrück, Maifeld, and Moselle.
• Hiking from Pyrmont to the Eltz Castle in Germany– This beautiful 9.5 km hike for 2.5 hours between two castles offers breathtaking views of the Eltz Valley in its glory. You can also take the shuttle between the castles during weekends and public holidays. 
• Hiking from Moselkern to the Burg Eltz– From the Moselkern Railway Station, this is an 80-minute hike to get the best scenic views Germany has to offer. 

And Here Are Some Points to Keep in Mind When You Step into the Castle

• The Castle usually has its opening hours around 9:30 to capture cool photographs at the iconic bridge at Eltz without anyone stuck into your photos. 
• Once you enter the castle, you cannot click pictures, nor is there a pass to purchase and take photos. You can click as much as you want outside the castle.
• During the castle tour, pets are not allowed, unlike other castles in Germany. 
• The Castle has two Restaurants. You can enjoy as much here inside the castle as these reasonably priced restaurants offer various meals, snacks and beverages.
• Eltz Guided Tour is the only way to make the best explorations inside the castle. But you might not get the ticket immediately for English tours as they are the ones highly sought after.

I am sure you are excited enough to explore this magnificent destination. So, I hope this article is a kickstart with all the vital information you need to travel to the castle and experience the medieval world of grandeur and extravagance. 

Last Updated on May 3, 2024 by Pragya