According to its welcome message on its official website, Eltz Castle is considered “the most beautiful castle in Europe”, a “fairy tale in stone” and the epitome of a knight’s castle. It is located in Gräflich Eltz'sche, Kastellanei Burg Eltz, D-56294 Wierschem, Germany.
It is a medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle near Koblenz and Trier, Germany. It is still inhabited by members of the House of Eltz who occupied the castle since the 12th century.
The current occupant who managed the estate is Count Johann-Jakob zu Eltz. His parents, Countess Sophie zu Eltz and Count Dr. Karl zu Eltz had taken over the management of Eltz Castle in 2006 after the death of Karl’s father, they passed it on to their son Johann-Jakob in 2018.
Eltz Castle. Photo: burg-eltz.de
The castle stands on a 70-meter-high along rock spur bounded on three sides by the river Elzbach. The surrounding Eltz Forest has been declared a nature reserve by Flora-Fauna-Habitat and Natura 2000.
The castle was founded during the Roman period. With the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the late 15th century, the area was conquered by the Franks. However, with the division of Charlemagne's empire, the land was given to his son, Louis the Pious.
During this period, the site was occupied by a simple manor hall with an earthen palisade. Years later, the noble House of Eltz began work on the Platteltz built on the site of the old manor hall. This remains the oldest part of the castle.
By 1157 the fortress was an important part of the Holy Roman Empire under Frederick Barbarossa and continued to protect the trade routes from the Moselle Valley and the Eifel region.
Today, Eltz Castle is open to the public from April to November. Operation is daily, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Ticket price: Adult: € 14,00 while students and PWA: € 7,00 Children below six years old are free.
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