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)

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.

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.