Burg Eltz

Travel Tuesday:

Burg Eltz is an amazing castle located just north of the Mosel River, a river that joins the Rhine in Koblenz.  The castle can be reached by all modes of transportation: foot, boat, train, bus or car. This website details how to get to the castle.  I have visited by car and by train/foot - this post will feature our adventure on foot.  Burg Eltz is open from March 30th to November 2nd due.

We arrived in Karden around 6pm via train from Koblenz and made our way on foot to our hotel, Schloss Hotel Petry, which was only 60 m from the rail station.  The name is misleading - they call themselves a castle hotel (schloss usually means castle.)  I would call it more of an estate home from the 1800s - most websites give it a 3 star ranking.  We booked one night here in advanced and ate in the attached restaurant and enjoyed local Mosel wine. 

After breakfast, we walked across the bridge in search for a bank.  The views across the Mosel River were quite serene - almost like a painting.

With a fresh supply of cash we set off for the six minute train ride to Moselkern where we would start our walk to the castle.  You can actually hike from Karden but it is 7km one way.  We chose the shorter and milder path along the Eltz stream and through the forest.  This page will show you all the hiking options.  About a third of the hike is not paved so wear shoes that you can muck around in if you visit in the spring or fall.  There is a shuttle that is now offered from the Tres-Karden station where we stayed the night if you want a more direct route.

Photo Credit - Google Maps

The hike was quite peaceful and we only saw a few other people out on the trail.

We found some great photo opportunities for Cedric too!

This location was chosen for Burg Eltz because of the 70 m high rock formation and the protection of the river on three sides.   The Eltz family have been in control of the castle for more than 800 years and still own it today.

Photo Credit

 

Tours start about every 15 minutes and run for 40 minutes.  There is also a treasury where you can see artifacts from the family and is also included in the ticket price.  Unfortunately, photos are not allowed inside of the castle but you can see them on their website. The mix of stone, slate and half timbered construction reflect many generations of the Eltz family and the wars that took place around them.

Lucky for you a large renovation was recently completed and the castle is now free from scaffolding and cranes.  Before heading back into town stop for a bratwurst in a crusty roll and the castle's hefeweissbier or as we know it in America hefeweizen.

There are signs that point you back toward the parking lot, train station or other near by towns.  It is difficult to get lost.

We are glad that we had an entire day to explore Burg Eltz and the surround Eltzbach forest....and no bags to worry about.

Cheers,

Amy

Our other stops in Germany: Cologne, The Rhine River by ferry and train, Burg Rheinfels - traveling the Rhine, Marksburg Castle, Heidleburg Castle

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