Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz): a timeless gem in the heart of Germany
I’m slowly going to trickle in our travel posts here and there since I didn’t post while we were gone. My last post was about Cochem Reichsburg if you missed it. And we finally made it to Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle) and let me tell you, if you ever plan on going to Germany to see castles, this one should be top-ranked on your list. I grew up in Germany and have seen them my entire life and this one is most definitely one of the most breathtaking castles and locations I have ever seen in Germany. It really is that amazing!
Number one of my all-time favorite castles is Mont Saint-Michel in the Normandy of France. It’s by far the coolest castle I have ever seen due to its location in the ocean and I’m really really hoping that I get to show it to my kids one day.
Another one of my favorites in Germany is the small and hidden castle of Mespelbrunn.
The lovely Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz)
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Back to Eltz castle not only is it stunning but the location in the forest makes it so romantic and special. It is far away from a busy touristy city and you can hike there if you enjoy walking.
We were with my 80-year-old dad though and his feet hurt all the time so hiking wasn’t an option. We took the shuttle bus from the forest parking lot.
The History of Eltz Castle
The street approaching the castle is so narrow and there is nowhere else to go but the little bridge to the castle entrance. The fact that the property is so isolated in the lush green forests of the Eifel Mountains (western Germany) is probably also the reason for it being unscathed by wars. This magnificent well-preserved medieval castle has been passed down through generations of the same family for over 850 years. Isn’t that amazing?
The Castle’s Unique Features
The castle was built in the 12th century by members of the powerful Eltz family, who over the centuries added various extensions and improvements to the castle, making it the magnificent fortress it is today. As I said earlier, the castle is unique in that it was never destroyed during any wars or conflicts, and as a result, many of its original features remain intact, including the grand halls, chambers, and stairways.
You just can’t stop taking photos of the stunning architecture. How in the world did they build this so long ago?
I wish we would have had better weather for prettier photos but the foggy and rainy scenery was nice too in person just not for photos.
In addition to its rich history, Eltz Castle is also famous for its beautiful gardens and parks, which are beautifully maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Look at all the sheep gracing at the bottom of the castle. They have such a nice spot.
These two certainly were very impressed as well:
As you enter the castle grounds, you’ll be transported back in time, with the drawbridge, towers, and ramparts creating an unmistakable medieval atmosphere. It took my breath away and the kids were speechless.
Exploring the Interior
The numerous interior rooms and halls are adorned with beautiful frescoes, tapestries, and antiques.
You aren’t allowed to take photos on your tour but I just had to include a photo from a different source so I can show you the amazing ceiling and wall paintings and furniture.
They had the prettiest flowers everywhere too:
I did sneak some photos with my cell though, don’t tell anyone 😉
Beautiful doors of Eltz Castle
My kids always get a kick out of the smaller doors and the fact that people were so much smaller in general.
Remember when I mentioned the drunk lock in my last post on the Reichsburg Cochem? Well here are some more locks in that special design that helps you slip the key into the hole if you are drunk.
And yes I have a door obsession. During all of our trips over the years, I can’t stop taking photos of all the beautiful historical doors.
My photos certainly don’t do it justice and I can’t even put into words how much I adore this place. It’s just so amazing…it really is.
And I found a website where you can find beautiful free downloadable wallpaper like the one below. Click HERE to get your own if you want it.
Returning to our car we got to see some antique cars. If you are a VW fan then the paint-chipped and rusty fella in the upcoming photo will make you smile and giggle the same way it made me happy.
And yes it did drive away. I was kind of doubting its ability to still hit the road. There were all kinds of other awesome cars too. Must have been a car-loving group of friends sightseeing the castle.
My entire family agrees: Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a day trip from the city, Eltz Castle is a must-visit destination in Germany. With its timeless beauty, rich history, and stunning location, it truly is one of the country’s hidden gems.
So if you’re planning a trip to Germany, make sure to add Eltz Castle to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!
Tschüß,
(Youleeya)
More of our travel posts
- Cochem and Reisburg Cochem
- Luxembourg City and Trier (written by my son)
- Bamberg
- Upside-Down House, Wertheim
- Hamburg – St.Pauli (written by my son)
- Schwerin, Lübeck
- Traveling abroad with fear
- Ronneburg
- Amsterdam (written by my son)
- Switzerland: Küssnacht, Lucerne
- Switzerland: Fürenalp Engelberg
- Baden Baden and Heidelberg
- Visit to Bratislava and Mödling written by my son
- Visit to Wien written by my son
- My love for Würzburg
- One of my all time favorite German castles
- Crashing My Brother and Sister-in-Law’s New House
- Windows to my past
- Our Church Anniversary
- Vintage Bjørn Wiinblad
- Loving the local watchtower
- Crashing my parents house
- Where does the real Snow White come from?
- Visit to Aschaffenburg
- Chiemsee visit
- Königssee visit
- Sad History lesson
- Visit to Praha written by my son
- Cuckoo 4 Würzburg
- Random photos from our trip
- my brother’s old place part 1 and part 2
that castle is incredible! and you know i was loving that VW bus! and when did your kids grow up?!?!?!
I feel like it happened over night with their growth spurt and puberty 😉
Thank you for this post on the castle. While I loved the pics inside the castle, please remember when you break the rules you are teaching your children to do the same.
You are totally right. I think they care more about the cameras that use a flash in those beautiful old buildings though since the light can damage old paintings and tapestries.
What a beautiful castle. Thanks so much for sharing. I think your son favors you so much. I am glad your father was able to go with you.
Thanks Betty. I do think he favors our German family in so many ways 🙂
I love Burg Eltz! We live in Austria and visited the castle a few years ago on one of our trips to Germany. If I remember right, that’s the castle where we saw the miniature cannons in the first room we entered. Another one of my favorite places to visit in Germany is Schloss Linderhof – more of a palace than a castle and absolutely beautiful!
I’ve never been to Schloss Linderhof. Maybe one day on our visits.
Thank you for the tour of the castle…..amazing.