Eltz Castle — Attraction in Maifeld

Eltz Castle, a true gem nestled in the beautiful German countryside, is an absolute must-visit for any history enthusiast or lover of architectural marvels. Located in the idyllic Moselle Valley, this medieval castle stands proudly atop a rock, seemingly defying time itself. My recent visit to Eltz Castle left me enthralled and enchanted, making it a truly mesmerizing experience.

Stepping into the castle grounds felt like stepping back in time. The rich historical significance that surrounds Eltz Castle is evident in every stone and every corner. Dating back to the 12th century, this imposing structure has withstood wars, sieges, and the test of time itself. It is one of the few castles in Germany that has never been destroyed, making it a true testament to the resilience of its architecture and the families who have called it home for generations.

The castle's exterior is a sight to behold. The combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural influences is a true marvel. The multiple towers, steep roofs, and intricate details exude a sense of grandeur and nobility. The picturesque setting of the castle amidst lush green forests and the meandering Elzbach River creates a fairytale-like ambiance, making it a photographer's paradise.

Venturing inside, one is greeted with equally remarkable interiors. The Burg Eltz family, who have owned the castle for more than 800 years, have preserved its original charm and authenticity. The collection of medieval armor, weaponry, and exquisite artwork exhibited within the castle walls offers a glimpse into a bygone era. It felt like stepping into the pages of a history book and being transported to a time of knights, royalty, and noble courtiers.

One can also explore the different chambers within the castle, each with their unique stories and historical significance. The living quarters feature beautifully preserved furniture, tapestries, and intricate woodwork. The Knight's Hall, with its grand fireplace and impressive chandeliers, showcases the splendor and opulence of medieval banquets and gatherings. It was fascinating to visualize the castle's inhabitants playing out their daily lives within these very walls.

In addition to the castle itself, the surrounding hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the countryside and an opportunity to delve further into nature's beauty. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with the castle's rich history, creates an unforgettable experience that simply cannot be missed.

The staff at Eltz Castle were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Their enthusiasm for the castle's history was infectious, making the guided tour engaging and informative. They were more than happy to answer any questions and provide fascinating insights into the castle's past.

I highly recommend planning a visit to Eltz Castle when exploring Germany. Its historical significance, architectural splendor, and breathtaking surroundings make it an absolute highlight. Whether you are a history aficionado, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique experience, Eltz Castle will undoubtedly surpass your expectations. Take the time to immerse yourself in the rich history and ambiance of this remarkable castle – you won't be...

4 euros for a car to park. Cash. You can park further away for free but extra walking. 2 euros cash only for the shuttle pp one way. Hike from paid parking to castle is 1.1km mostly downhill on way to castle and I can imagine the view turning the corner is absolutely worth the hike which is mostly shaded and slight decline the entire hike.. we took the shuttle down which was fine enough. Shuttle back is probably worth it more as the hike back is mostly uphill /.slight incline and you're tired from the tour!

You can't really buy tickets in advance unless you're on a full bus tour. You pay to get in, and then that ticket can get you a tour, but you have to wait in a second line for the tour and that's what takes the longest.

English tours are like 1:2 for German tours so suggest you get in line for English tour or have someone save spot. You can't take pictures inside and tour is 30-45 min and only way to see inside. It's neat inside.

Outside grounds are beautiful and there's a great cafe if you buy a big beer you get to keep the tourist glass which was a really nice surprise. Their latte macchiato was delicious, cheesecake was meh but maybe that's the German style?

Gift shop is GREAT but not sure if most castle shops have similar items for sale? We thought prices were fair.

Overall we enjoyed it. We didn't have to wait too long for the tour, about 25 min, but it was frustrating when a tour guide on a bus would come jump the line and then they'd only be able to take like, 10 people from the big line, then they would send 2 German only tours thru then another English tour. So id recommend going right when they open, to assume that bus tours can't get such an early start and out there gathering all their people out. We got a tour by like, 2-3 pm and it def. Was filling up and long lines. I kinda think if lines are super long and even if you don't speak German, just do the German tour to see inside because, although the tour guide was great and everything was so interesting, if you are limited for time or have little kids, you just don't care and waiting in line is tough and then at least you get to see inside. But we learned a lot and our guide was excellent!!!!

Beautiful...

Summary: an enchanting castle well worth the visit AS LONG AS YOU TAKE THE TOUR. This was a 1.5 hour drive for us (2 adults and three children, ages 5,3,1.5 years) that we did on a Saturday afternoon. We parked in the designated lot (which cost 4 euros) and took the footpath to the castle (which is said to be 10 minutes but took us over 20). I wore the baby and the other two walked most of the way, except for a few minutes the 3yo had to be carried. A stroller would have been fine (until inside the castle where there are stairs). Once there, you have to purchase tickets to enter, which gives you access to the outdoor castle grounds, restaurants (there are two right near the castle entrance, one up the stairs and one down, both of which had amazing ambiance and atmosphere), the bathrooms, and the courtyard. We ate at the upper restaurant, where you order at the indoor counter and wait for your food and pick a table indoors or out. The food was great - we had the meatloaf (ie hamburger), curry wurst, nuggets, and fries.

To see the interior of the castle, you will need to take the 30-40 minute tour which will also give you access to the treasury. The tour - which is done in at least German and English, if not more, and for which masks were required for adults - is very interesting and you see some awesome stuff, to include lots of original structures and furniture and art. Our guide spoke wonderful English and knew the answers to every question we asked. The baby was a bit difficult (loud and curious) but manageable, though I would have left with her if the tour was any longer. The views of the castle from the outside are amazing. There is a little beach along the river below the castle accessible by a staircase down, which we didn’t go to due to time constraints. We decided to take the shuttle back to the car, which comes every 10ish minutes, which was 2 euro per person per trip. There was a great little gift shop which had a plethora of options for kids and adults alike.

Overall, it’s worth a drive if you take the tour, and certainly worth a trip if you’re close even if you don’t...