Tucked deep into the forest is one of the most magical castles in Germany. Eltz Castle is like no other castle in Germany, as you won’t see it perched high up on the hill miles before arriving.
As soon we saw a picture of Burg Eltz, we added it to our German castle list to visit. It may not be on the famous Romantic Road, which visits some of the best castles in Germany, but it’s definitely worth the detour.
We’ve put together everything you need to know about visiting Eltz.
History Of Burg Eltz
This medieval castle was built in the 12th century and has been owned by the same family for over 850 years. The castle was named after the stream Eltzbach, which in old German Els/Else is the name for Black Alder, a tree that is found along the river.
Eltz is one of only three castles on the left bank of the Rhine River that hasn’t been destroyed over the centuries. Construction started in 1157 and lasted 500 years, with ongoing maintenance to keep the castle up. There are over 100 rooms in the castle for family members, staff, and guests.
Related Article: Driving Germany’s Romantic Road
*When looking for the best price and the biggest selection of hotels in Europe check prices on Booking.com, we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.
How to get to Burg Eltz Castle
The easiest way is by car, and if you are visiting on the weekend, public transportation is an option April-November. If you’re traveling around Germany by train on a rail pass, you can get off at Treis-Karden at the Hatzenport train station and take a taxi or the castle bus on the weekends.
By Car: If you have data on your cell phone, all you need to do is put in Burg Eltz into Google Maps, and it’ll bring you right to the castle in Germany. Otherwise, enter the address below into the maps before leaving your hotel with Wi-Fi.
Google Maps will bring you right to this epic German castle even if you’re offline as long as you start navigation before leaving Wi-Fi.
Once you get close to the castle you’ll start to brown signs for Burg Eltz, you can follow those signs as well. When we visited, our GPS went a different way than the signs, so don’t be alarmed if your GPS tells you to go a different way than the Castle Road signs.
Eltz Castle Address: 56294 Wierschem, Germany
- Cologne 64 miles, about 1 hour 20 minutes
- Frankfurt 92 miles, about 1 hour 40 minutes
- Heidelberg 110 miles, about 2 hours
Renting a car in Germany is the best way to see the country and visit some of the best castles in Germany. We have rented a car 5 times in Germany and can’t imagine not having that freedom. Often, cars are less than $25 a day. We book on Discovercars.com. They have the best prices and free cancellation. Click here to check rates.
By Bus: From May to November, on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, you can catch the Burgenbus 330, also known as the Castle bus. The Burgen bus runs four times a day from Treis-Karden To Eltz Castle, stopping in Pyrmont Castle and Hatzenport.
Walking: If you’re up to a hike, it’s only 3.3 miles (5.3 km) from the Hatzenport train station and should take around 80 minutes. The trail is well-marked with signs.
Things To Know Before Visiting Burg Eltz
Come Early. The castle officially opens at 9:30 am, but we suggest getting there earlier to get the iconic Eltz Castle bridge photos without a bunch of people in the photo. We noticed the tourist buses started arriving at 10:30 am.
There are two ways to walk to Eltz Castle. You can either walk the paved road (800 meters, about a 10-minute walk), which the shuttle bus takes, or a footpath by the lower car park (0.75 miles, about a 15-minute walk) through the forest.
We suggest taking the paved road to Burg Eltz, and along the way, there is a viewpoint looking down at the castle. On the way back to the parking lot, take the footpath through the forest.
No photos allowed inside the castle – You can take as many photos outside, but as soon as you enter the castle, no photos are allowed, and there isn’t any photo pass you can purchase either.
No drones are allowed at Eltz Castle – we weren’t surprised by this. We saw multiple signs saying no drone in German and English. The fines for flying a drone illegally in German are no joke, it’s not worth the risk.
For the best photo of Eltz Castle from above head viewpoint just off the paved road to the castle near the white shelter and old ruins on top of the hill.
Pets are not allowed indoors at Eltz Castle, for some reason at every castle in Germany we noticed a bunch of dogs. Dogs are allowed at Eltz, but they are NOT allowed inside during the castle tour.
There are two restaurants onsite, so skip the drive-thru and instead have a meal in a castle. The restaurants are reasonably priced and serve coffee, sandwiches, Schnitzel, salads, soups, brats, and much more.
Eltz Castle Hours
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.
Even if you can’t go inside the castle, it is still worth the visit. Most castles in Germany are perched high up on a hill, but Eltz is hidden deep in the woods, surrounded by nature.
Burg Eltz Entrance Fee
Technically, there isn’t a fee to visit Burg Eltz. However, there is a €2 parking fee and €10 for an adult for the guided castle tour. If you are short on time you can catch the shuttle bus from the parking lot next to the Antonius Chapel, it is €2 per person each way. The shuttle bus will drop you off right at the iconic bridge entering Eltz Castle.
Guided Tour Of Eltz Castle
The only way to go inside the castle is to go on a guided tour. Tours typically take 45 minutes and run every 10-15 minutes. It’s best to head to the ticket counter first and find out when the next tour is in your desired language.
English tours are available, but you may have to wait for a little so it’s best to find out when the next tour is and then take photos while you wait.
Berg Eltz FAQ
Q: When was Burg Eltz built?
A: Construction on Eltz Castle started in 1157 AD
Q: Who owns Eltz castle?
A: Berg Eltz is still owned by descendants of the Eltz Family, who date back to this region since the 7th century.
Q: How many rooms are in Eltz Castle?
A: The castle has over 100 rooms in the Berg Eltz interior.
Q: What is the German word for Castle?
A: The German word for castle is Berg or Schloss.
Related Article: Berlin 3 Day Itinerary
Suggested Hotels Near Burg Eltz
We suggest staying at a hotel nearby so you can get to Eltz right away in the morning to beat the crowds. There are several cute hotels in the area to call home for the night.
- Landhotel Ringelsteiner Muehle | Check Rates On Booking | Read The Latest TripAdvisor Reviews
- Schloss-Hotel Petry | Check Rates On Expedia | Read The Latest TripAdvisor Reviews
Also, check Vrbo, as there are some really cute German houses and even castles for rent. You can rent an entire house with 6 beds and a sauna for less than a standard hotel room.
Other Castles Near Eltz Castle
There are over 20,000 castles in Germany and several castles nearby Eltz that are worth the visit. Here are a few to Castles to consider visiting before or after Burg Eltz.
- Cochem Castle | 17 miles away | Address: Schlossstraße 36, 56812 Cochem
- Burg Thurant | 10 miles away | Address: 56332 Alken, Germany
- Burg Metternich | 18 miles away | Address: Burg Metternich, 56814 Beilstein (Rheinland-Pfalz), Germany
- Satzvey Castle | 105 km – 65 miles | Address: Burg Satzvey, An der Burg 3, 53894 Mechernich, Germany
- Mespelbrunn Castle| 207 km – 129 miles away | Address: Schloßallee, 63875 Mespelbrunn, Germany
Another one of our favorite castles is Liechtenstein Castle, which is just under 4 hours away. If you have time, put it on your Germany road trip.
More On Germany
We narrow down 20,000 castles in Germany to a list of the 10 best to help you plan your next German Castle Road Trip! Germany’s Romantic Road takes you on a historical path through Southern Germany. The Romantic Road, or Romantische Straße as the Germans call it, is a journey from Wurzburg to Füssen…. Hip and trendy, Berlin has it all! If you’re looking for a fun city full of history and culture; this is the perfect place for you! Formerly divided into East…10 Best Castles In Germany You Need to Visit – 2024 Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Germany’s Romantic Road
3 Days in Berlin: From Berghain to the Brandenburg Gate
charles perkins
Wednesday 24th of March 2021
I have been to Burg Eltz 3 times, and each time have hiked up from the little train station at Moselkern. It is a great hike and rounding the corner and getting your first look at the castle is fabulous. My favorite Christmas markets are in Prague, Vienna, Rothenburg, and Munich. Nurnburg is on everyones list but I thought it was too crowded. Love your posts.
Darren
Monday 16th of April 2018
Thanks Hannah for all the info, we will be visiting in June 2018, where's the best photo vantage point for a telephoto shot of the castle? Thanks
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Thursday 19th of April 2018
Go early before they open so you can clean shots. On the hike to the castle on the road there is a little hill/viewing area where you can look down onto the castle. I would suggest an hour before Eltz Castle opens would be the best time to go. Hope you get some great photos of Eltz Castle.
Kalyan Panja
Monday 1st of January 2018
Locating and then visiting castles is always on my to do list in any destination. Nice reading your post and lovely photos too.
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Tuesday 2nd of January 2018
If you like visiting castle then you have to head to Eltz Castle. The highlight of our recent trip to Europe was visiting a bunch of castles in Germany. You won't be disappointed!
Elaine Holton
Wednesday 13th of December 2017
Can anyone tell me if its accessible in a camping car? We are going to tour Germany next summer and we would love to visit this castle.
Thank you
Adam
Sunday 17th of December 2017
Yes, this German castle is not too far off of the main highway with good roads all the way to the castle. Any car can reach Eltz Castle. Safe Travels.
Lindsey Messenger
Saturday 9th of December 2017
Love it! I have seen so many photos of this castle! I want to go so bad - especially since I have all the logistics now! :)
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Sunday 17th of December 2017
Eltz Castle is one of prettiest castles in Germany, def our favorite. Glad we could help plan your trip there!