Eltz Castle

History

Eltz Castle is one of the most fascinating fortresses in Germany — not only because of its outward form, but because it embodies history in living form. The estate was first documented around 1157, when Rudolf I of Eltz had the complex built in the narrow valley of the Elzbach. This makes Eltz Castle one of the oldest still-inhabited castles in Germany. Unlike many comparable sites, it was never destroyed by war or siege in its more than 850-year history — a rarity in the European castle landscape.

The castle has been owned from the very beginning by the Eltz family, who, after more than 33 generations, remain its owners and residents to this day. Count Karl of Eltz still lives at the castle and oversees its upkeep. To this extraordinary continuity the castle owes its unique authenticity: the interiors are furnished with original furniture, paintings, armour and works of art from eight centuries — none of it museum replica, but genuine family heritage.

Architecture & Setting

Eltz Castle lies in the Elzbach valley between the Moselle and the Eifel, on a rock surrounded on three sides by the Elzbach stream. This natural defensive position made the castle a strategically outstanding fortress and protects it to this day from vehicle access — visitors must arrive on foot or by shuttle bus. The first view of the castle emerging from the forest is one of the most striking moments in German castle romanticism.

The complex is an example of a so-called Ganerbenburg: several branches of the Eltz family inhabited the castle at the same time in separate houses, connected by shared courtyards and passageways. This gave rise to the characteristic image of towers and dwellings standing side by side, piling up over the rock. The architecture spans an arc from Romanesque through Gothic to Renaissance, conveying the evolution of medieval castle-building over the centuries. Particularly striking are the eight towers, of which the Platt-Eltz Tower and the Rübenach Tower are among the oldest.

Visiting & Tips

The interior of the castle is accessible only on a guided tour lasting about an hour. The tours are offered in German and English and take visitors through several living chambers, the kitchen, the armoury and the knights’ hall. Especially worth seeing is the treasury, which can be visited separately: here are medieval goldsmiths’ works, ivory carvings, weapons, armour and family jewellery, including pieces from the 12th and 13th centuries.

The finest approach leads from the Burg Eltz car park (near Wierschem) through the forest — a roughly 20-minute walk that ends with a spectacular view of the castle. Those who prefer the shuttle bus save time but forgo this unforgettable sight. Hikers can choose from several waymarked loop trails through the Elzbach valley, some starting from the Moselle or the Maifeld. Families with children should visit on weekdays and outside the school holidays, when it is considerably quieter. For an overnight stay, Wierschem, Münstermaifeld and the Moselle towns of Cochem and Treis-Karden offer well-equipped accommodation in every price range.