Perched in the hills overlooking the Moselle River, Eltz Castle was established in the 12th century and has been owned by the same family ever since. It stands positioned on a rocky spur along what was an important Roman trade route connecting the valley’s fertile farmlands and markets and is one of only a handful of castles in Rhineland-Palatinate that have never been destroyed.
Eltz Castle is a picture-book scene, with eight towers that soar up to 35 meters in height, turrets and timber-framed structures. It’s surrounded on three sides by the small Eltzbach river and the Eltz Forest, a nature reserve that protects a number of rare fauna and flora species. There are hikes to suit all levels of fit-ness, including the popular “Eltz Castle Panorama” trail that offers some of the most photogenic views.
Join a guided tour to explore the period-furnished rooms, which include precious artifacts, original furnishings and decorative items that showcase life in the Mid-dle and Early Modern Ages. Of particular note is the masterpiece 'Madonna with Child and Grapes' by Lucas Cranach The Elder and “The Goddess of Hunting” - a mechanical toy made by Joachim Friess that was used as part of a 17th-century drinking game.
Be sure to explore the Treasury that boasts exquisite works of gold, silver, suits of armor and mask carvings, and learn about the co-habitation of three branches of the Eltz family within the Inner Courtyard. The Rodendorf Kitchen offers a fascinating insight into the culinary hub of the castle and has remained largely unchanged since the 15th century.