Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz)
Wierschem
Among the most beautiful and best-preserved of all Rhine River castles, Burg Eltz is a storybook in stone, with Gothic towers and turrets rising dramatically from a rocky, forested crag. Owned by three branches of the same aristocratic family since the 13th century, it was one of the few Rhine castles to survive World War II unscathed.
Originally built for defense purposes in the Middle Ages, Burg Eltz was extended over centuries, giving the castle its unusual patchwork appearance. Guided tours typically begin in the central courtyard, before passing through the castle armory, original apartments, kitchen, and Knight’s Hall. Access to the treasury—a museum stocked with ornate treasures, artwork, and family heirlooms—is included with admission.
Alternatively, you can combine your visit to Eltz Castle with an exploration of the wider Rhineland. Known for its lush landscapes and agricultural heritage, options include winery tours or day trips that also visit local restaurants.
- Photography and pets are not permitted inside Eltz Castle.
- Some tours include admission and a guided tour; otherwise, there is a charge to enter the castle.
- The castle’s gift shop sells souvenirs, postcards, and toys, while its two restaurants serve a menu of German fare, snacks, and beer.
- Due to steep staircases, narrow doorways, and uneven surfaces, Eltz Castle is not wheelchair-accessible.
The easiest way to reach Eltz Castle is by road. Some tours include round-trip transportation from cities such as Mosel or Frankfurt. From the parking lot, you can catch a free shuttle bus or take a 15-minute hike through Eltz Forest. The closest train station, Moselkern, is a 10-minute taxi ride or 90-minute walk from the castle.
On weekends during the summer season, the BurgenBus 330 connects Eltz Castle with several Rhineland attractions, making for an easy day out. The castle gets busy during the early afternoon, so arrive in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Burg Eltz is just one of the dozens of castles along the Rhine River. In fact, the central portion of the German waterway is home to the highest concentration of castles anywhere in the world. Other must-see attractions include the hilltop Marksburg, which remains largely intact, as well as ruined Rheinfels and romantic Stolzenfels castles. Alternatively, castle-hotels like Hotel Schönburg or Reichenstein Hotel let overnight guests live out their own royal fantasies.
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