Castles In the Moselle Valley of Germany -

If you are planning a trip to Germany anytime soon, then you must make these castles in the Moselle Valley part of your itinerary. With over 20,000 castles scattered across Germany, it won’t be hard to find one. On our latest journey to Germany we decided to check out castles located along the Moselle River. This is a beautiful part of Germany. It is full of Vineyards and of course, castles. This post will introduce you to some wonderful castles in the Moselle Valley.

If you decide to venture on this quest, just know you are in for an amazing history lesson. These castles have been built, damaged, destroyed and rebuilt for almost a thousand years. They are all very intriguing in their own way.

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Castles In the Moselle Valley of Germany

Burg Lundshut

Burg Lundshut overlooking the quaint town Bernkastel-Kues

We begin with Burg Lundshut. Located in the picturesque town of Bernkastel, high above the Moselle river. Not only does its location makes it a popular stop for the River Cruises, after spending just a little time here, you will want to come back and spend a week.

There are multiple options for reaching the castle and it can accommodate most visitors. You can hike up the trail from the center of the town of Bernkastel-Kues. Of course you know this is the way we went if you read my blog. Walking is my favorite way to see the world, but it is not for everyone. The walk is only about 30 minutes. You can also drive your self up to the top, because there is a restaurant located in the castle. The third option is to take the fun, yellow tour truck to the top. Which is perfect is you happen to be visiting Bernkastel by boat.

Bernkastel Hotel Options

Eltz Castle

Burg Eltz is definitely one of the castles to see in the Moselle Valley region. Burg Eltz holds it’s own magical story and is simply stunning high above the trees of Eltz forest.

Eltz Castle is a must see of the castles in the Moselle Valley.

Burg Eltz, is special because it is family members of the original family, dating back to the 1300’s, are still in residence. It’s also a rare breed of castle because it has never been destroyed or severely damaged. This is of course is why it’s just magnificent to behold. The interior tour is quite nice, but you won’t see the entire castle because there is a complete section only accessible to the owners.

Eltz Castle Hotel Options

You can access the castle from various access points along the road leading up to Burg Eltz, and there is a nominal cost to park, only 2 euro. I highly recommend the hike through the forest to get there because it is magical to see the castle slowly come into view as you round the corner and the forest opens up to the glorious sight of Burg Eltz. The photo opportunity itself is worth the hike! That being said, hiking is not an option for us all and I don’t want anyone to feel left out. You can get fairly close to the castle and park your vehicle and then there is a small tram that will take you the rest of the way.

Burg Eltz is open daily from – 9:30 to 5:30 (time of the last tour). Until November 3, 2019

The tour admission prices are as follows: 10€ for adults and 6,50€ for students and disabled visitors.

Oberburg and Neiderburg

Wonderful Castles you should explore in the Moselle Valley of Germany

These castles are located in the quaint town of Mandersheid, Germany. They are not in quite the condition as Eltz and Cochem, but we enjoyed the visit just the same. They are more ruins than castle, but they are so close to each other, you can actually hike between them, which was quite nice. The trail is narrow though and involves going uphill and down, so I would not advise this activity for everyone.

There are really cool views from the top of Oberburg and if you love photography like I do, you can get really nice shots of Neiderburg castle. Neiderburg castle is little better preserved than Oberburg, which is why there is a 3€ entrance fee and Oberburg is free to explore. Oberburg castle does have a sturdy set of stairs to climb to the top, but it does go quite high. Please be mindful of this is you have physical limitations.

We really enjoy visiting these castles regardless of how well preserved they are, because each just has its own charm and character. It’s fascinating to imagine the lives of the original inhabitants of these old world castles.

Cochem Imperial Castle

This lovely castlecan be found in the town of Cochem, Germany, and is formerly known as, Reichsburg Cochem. It dates back to the 12th century and was occupied by King Conrad III, in 1151, who declared it an Imperial castle. Reichsburg Cochem was one of our favorite castles to see in the Moselle Valley.

It remained the Imperial castle until 1688, when King Louis XIV’s troops over took it in the Nine Year’s War. The following year they destroyed it and the castle remained in ruin for almost 200 years.

A Berlin businessman, Louis Frèderic Jacques Ravenè, purchased the property in 1868, and had it completely reconstructed in the Gothic Revival style. Unfortunately, Mr. Ravenè, was strongly encouraged to sell the castle to the Third Reich. Not to worry, the city of Cochem has now owned the castle since 1978. It is a towering testament to the strength and perseverance of Germany.

Cochem Hotel Options

View of the Moselle River from Cochem Castle

I do recommend the tour of the castle and the grounds themselves are quite lovely. As an added bonus, if you make the hike up to the castle, you will have an amazing view of the town of Cochem and the meandering Moselle River. To reach the castle you can hike straight up threw town, or you can drive and park closer to the entrance.

Tour Costs:

Adults: €6
Children (6-17): €3
Groups 12+: €5
Students: €5
Family Ticket (2 adults + children): €16

SOMETHING SPECIAL!

If you happen to visit Cochem on a Friday or Saturday, you have the option to take part in the Medieval Dinner at the Cochem Castle. You will enjoy a robust feast of drumsticks, soups, bread, and lard! To make it more authentic you will be taken care of by servants and maids in period costumes. The cost of dinner includes a tour of the castle and the total event lasts about 4 hours. The cost is 49€ per person and 24.50€ for children (6-17). Be sure to book in advance if you would like to enjoy this fun activity.

Stolzenfels Castle

First of all, this particular castle is located on the Rhine River, not the Moselle. I have included Stolzenfels Schloss because not only is it gorgeous, it is located in Koblenz which has the unique vantage point of being the city where the Rhine and the Moselle come together. This is important because this made what is now known as Koblenz, a very defining part of the vast Roman Empire. It’s name comes from the Latin word, cōnfluentēs, meaning “(at the) confluence” of the two rivers. Stolzenfels is definitely one of the castles to see in the Moselle Valley.

Koblenz Hotel Options

You can learn even more about the Romans influence and all they left behind in my post, A Lovely Day in Trier.

STOLZENFELS HISTORY

Stolzenfels has a deep history as well originally built in the 13th century as a fort to protect the toll station on the Rhine, where ships at the time had to stop and pay a toll. Over the years the original fort was reinforced and additions were added until it was destroyed in the late 1600’s. Finally, the former fortress was given to the city of Koblenz in 1802. The city then gifted the castle to Prince Frederick William IV. Due to the beauty and history of the area, he had the property completely restored in the Romanticism period style as a Gothic Revival Palace.

CASTLE ACCESS

Drawbridge

Stolzenfels Schloss is accessible by a lovely path that goes up the side of the rock it sits on. It is a smooth, paved path that makes the hike easier. Never the less, it is still pretty much straight uphill. Along the way you can visit the Chapel, which has the quaintest cemetery. I think many would find as a wonderful resting place. As you go up the hill you have a superior views of the Rhine below and the village. You also have a view of two other castles you may want to explore and a lovely Cathedral.

There is a parking lot at the base of the hill, but be careful. If you’re using GPS to locate Stolzenfels, the street to turn on comes on you abruptly and it is a narrow uphill street that is very easy to miss. You can also park on the street out front by the river.

Stolzenfels is open daily every month except December.

The entrance fee is 5€ for adults and 3€ for children.

View from Stolzenfels Castle

Free Map to Find the Castles in the Moselle Valley

Click Here to Access and Download the Map

Obviously you don’t have to visit all of these castles on your trip, but any them are a perfect day trip to add to your itinerary if you are going to be in the area. If you will be visiting Germany soon, you may also like my post German Phrases You Need to Know.

Finally, I do hope you found this castles to see in the Moselle Valley inspiring. Additionally, if you’re ready to plan that trip to Germany, here are some more fun tours to check out!

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