Visiting Burg Eltz Castle Guide

The beautiful and magical Eltz Castle is located in Wierschem, Germany. Burg Eltz Castle is a sight to behold and a true gem among Germany’s storied castles. The castle is nestled in the picturesque hills between Koblenz and Trier. As one of the best-preserved castles in the country, it offers a mesmerizing glimpse into medieval history with its striking architecture and rich heritage. In this visiting Burg Eltz Castle guide, you will learn more about the castle’s history and its aristocratic heritage. Plus, I have included information on getting to Burg Eltz and things to know before you go.

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Best Time to Visit Eltz Castle

Burg Eltz is open daily from April through November from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm for castle tours. If you happen to visit the castle outside of these months, you can still visit Eltz castle. You just won’t be able to go inside the castle for a tour. However, summer is the busiest time for tourists, so you may want to opt for visiting Burg Eltz Castle in Spring or Fall.

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Burg Eltz Castle Facts

Burg Eltz was built in the 11th Century
It has never been demolished or significantly damaged
The Eltz Family has owned the castle since 1157, when it was built
Supposedly Countess Agnes, who died defending the castle in the 15th Century, still haunts the castle

Its first major renovation was in the 19th Century
The Knights Hall is strewn with Jester’s heads on the walls
One-third of the castle is home to one of the three original families, the Kempenich family

History of Burg Eltz Castle

Burg Eltz, the official name of the castle, is located in the picturesque village of Wierschem, rising with a fairytale charm high above the lush trees of Eltz forest. The castle holds its own magical story and is absolutely enchanting to behold.

Eltz Castle’s uniqueness lies in the fact that it’s one of the only castles in Germany that has remained within the original family since 1157, passing through generations like a treasured family heirloom. It’s also remarkably special because it has never been destroyed or severely damaged despite the ravages of time and conflicts that swept across Europe. In fact, only two other castles in the region remain largely intact, underscoring its uniquely preserved charm. The castle’s pristine historic state is a testament to the care and respect it has been afforded over the centuries, making it truly magnificent.

Walking through its fortified walls and ornate chambers, visitors find themselves immersed in centuries of history. The interior tour is a delightful adventure, offering glimpses of medieval treasures while understanding that some parts of this grand castle remain a private family residence cloaked in mystery and tradition. This perfect blend of public history and private legacy adds an enchanting layer of intrigue, make visiting Burg Eltz Castle an unforgettable experience.

How to Get to Eltz Castle

Getting to Burg Eltz is a breeze, as it is conveniently located only about 135 km from Frankfurt International Airport, making it an easy day trip or a charming weekend getaway. The castle also has disability access features to ensure every visitor can experience its wonders. Whether you’re exploring its grand halls, admiring the beautiful vistas from its towers, or simply enjoying the fresh air of its natural surroundings, visiting Eltz Castle promises an unforgettable adventure filled with history, beauty, and a touch of magic.

Access to the castle is available at various access points along the road leading up to Burg Eltz. The nominal parking fee is 2 euro. I highly recommend the hike through the Eltz 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! You can also access the castle by walking along the private road. The shuttle bus for wheelchair access uses this road as well.

Things to Know Before Visiting Burg Eltz

Parking: Parking is available near the castle, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season—consider arriving early to secure a spot.

Opening Hours: Burg Eltz is open from early April to early November, typically between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM. The tour admission prices are 14€ for adults, 7€ for students and disabled visitors, 13€ per person for groups of 20 adults or more.

Seasonal Closing: It’s important to note that Burg Eltz Castle is not open during the winter months.

Guided Tours: The castle offers tours with guides, which are included with your ticket purchase. Tours are available in various languages and provide a fascinating insight into its history and architecture. Check the schedule and language availability in advance.

Photography: While photography for private use is allowed in most outdoor areas, indoor photography is restricted to preserve the ambiance and artifacts, so snap away those charming exterior shots. Additionally, flying drones is not permitted outside or above the castle, which extends to Eltz Forest, as this is private property and a private family residence.

Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the castle grounds and navigating its historic pathways can involve a fair bit of walking.

Weather: The region can be quite rainy, so packing a raincoat or umbrella is a good idea to stay dry and enjoy your visit regardless of the weather.

Amenities: While visiting the castle, a small restaurant is on site for snacks. In addition, there are dining options near the castle where you can enjoy a delicious meal or snack to keep your energy up during your exploration.

Things to Do at the Fairytale Burg Eltz Castle

Visiting Burg Eltz Castle Guide - a few of the castle from the entry walk - photo by Lisa Soots

Visiting Burg Eltz Castle is like stepping into a storybook. Eltz Castle is undeniably one of the prettiest castles in Germany, as well as Europe. While it’s not as well known as Neuschwanstein Castle, it should still be on your list of castles to visit in Germany. Burg Eltz Castle offers plenty of delightful activities to fill your day with magic and wonder!

Explore the Castle

I highly recommend starting your adventure with a tour of the castle’s enchanting interiors—don’t forget it’s included with your ticket. The guide will take you through rooms filled with beautiful historic furniture and captivating tapestries that tell tales of knights and noble families. Marvel at the lavish armory and treasure troves that hold medieval relics and artifacts. The treasury is also part of your admission price and is worth the extra time as well.

Visiting Burg Eltz Castle- Countess' Bedroom — Courtesy of https://burg-eltz.de

Visit the Castle Museum

Dive deeper into history with a visit to the castle museum, showcasing artifacts spanning eight centuries. From armor to household wares, each exhibit offers a glimpse into the storied past of the Eltz family and the unique architectural marvel that is Burg Eltz.

Hike Through Nature

Surrounded by lush forests and picturesque hills, Burg Eltz offers several scenic hiking trails for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re embarking on a gentle stroll or a more challenging trek, you’ll be will enjoy breathtaking views of the Moselle Valley and the castle’s fairytale silhouette. I have included more hiking information for the castle area later in this post.

Enjoy a Picnic

Pack a picnic and find a cozy spot in the castle grounds or along one of the nearby trails. Relax in the serene environment as you savor local delights, from fresh bread and cheeses to fine wines, all while soaking in the stunning landscape and the sounds of nature.

Capture the Moment

Finally, don’t forget to take photos! Capture the castle from different angles, especially those iconic shots from the nearby hills that frame Burg Eltz against the vibrant background of the surrounding forests.

More Info on Hiking and Capturing Photos at Burg Eltz Castle

Eltz Castle - As you walk from the forest - photo by Lisa Soots

Hiking at Eltz Castle

Beyond the enchanting walls of the castle, you’ll be swept away by the natural beauty of Eltz Forest. This lush, green landscape surrounding the castle enhances its magic, providing a stunning backdrop for hiking and nature enthusiasts. The gently winding paths invite visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the forest.

If you are an avid hiker like us, I highly recommend exploring some of the more expansive hiking trails in the Eltz Forest. There are hikes for casual hikers as well as difficult and longer hikes for more experienced hikers.

For the casual hiker, there is the “Up the Romantic Eltz Stream” hike.
This trail starts at the Ringelsteiner Mühle in Moselkern and, in a light to medium ascent, follows the Eltzbach through the nature reserve Eltz Forest to Eltz Castle. (2.5 km, approx. 35 minutes)

Then there is the “From Müdener Berg to Eltz Castle” hike.
This beautiful and sporty route is only for seasoned hikers. It is very steep in parts but offers a unique view of the two castles, Eltz and Pyrmont. (1.7 km, approx. 35 minutes)

Another noteworthy hike is The award-winning dream hike “Eltz Castle Panorama”. One of the most beautiful hikes in the Rhineland-Palatinate takes you around Eltz Castle, through the Eltzbach Valley, the Eltz Forest, and the southern rises of the Maifeld. This one is best for seasoned hikers only. (12.6 km, 5 hours)

Best Time to Visit for Photos

The best time to photograph Eltz Castle really depends on what kind of vibe you want to capture:

Golden Hour (Late Afternoon): The late afternoon light is perfect for those epic, warm shots with long shadows. The golden hour makes the castle glow and the surrounding forest look even more lush and vibrant.

Morning Light: Arriving early will give you the soft, golden morning light perfect for capturing the castle at its most magical. Plus, there are fewer crowds in the early hours, so you can have some quiet time to soak in the atmosphere.

Eltz Castle - Interior Courtyard and Meeting Point for Castle Tour

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Final Thoughts

Eltz Castle is truly a fairytale place to visit and explore. With its stunning location, well-preserved architecture, and rich history, visiting Burg Eltz Castle is worth your time when in Germany. The area is simply gorgeous, and if you have additional time, you can visit nearby Cochem as well.

Finally, I do hope you found this visiting Burg Eltz Castle guide inspiring as well as helpful. Additionally, if you’re ready to plan your trip to Germany, check out these great deals here.

If you are visiting Germany soon, you may also like my post German Phrases You Need to Know. In addition, you can learn about more castles in the Mosel Valley in my recent post here.

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Visiting Burg Eltz Castle Guide