Eltz castle in Germany: tickets, opening hours and the trail through the Elzbach valley

Eltz Castle stands on a rock in the forest between Koblenz and Trier. It is one of the few castles in Germany that has never been taken by storm. The fortress has belonged to the Eltz family for more than 800 years (according to Wikipedia).

An adult ticket costs 14 € (as of 09/2026, official website). The castle is open from March 29 to November 1, 2026, daily from 9:30, with the last tour starting at 17:30. You can walk 4.5 km uphill from Moselkern or drive to the parking lot near the B416 road.

Below you will find the history and architecture of the fortress, interiors, tickets, opening hours, and the exact route from the train station.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

History and key facts about the castle

💡 In short:

• The castle stands on a rock in the Elzbach valley between Koblenz and Trier.
• The first mention dates back to 1157, in a charter of Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa.
• Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official website.

The original name of the fortress is Burg Eltz. The first written mention dates back to 1157, when Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa named the castle in a charter (according to the Wikipedia encyclopedia).

© kaʁstn Disk / Cat · CC BY-SAPhoto: kaʁstn Disk / Cat, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en), Wikimedia Commons

From its construction to the present day, the fortress has belonged to the Eltz family. Eight towers, 30-40 meters high, rise above the valley. They protect the inner courtyard with thick stone walls.

In its best years, the castle housed about 100 noble residents in roughly 100 rooms. Today it is owned by the Eltz family, and ticket revenue goes toward maintaining the fortress.

Architecture: towers, houses, and the inner courtyard

The towers of Eltz were built at different times and in different styles. The oldest part of the castle is Romanesque. From 1490 to 1540, the Rodendorf houses were built here, named after the wife of one of the owners.

© Frans Berkelaar · CC BYPhoto: Frans Berkelaar, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Later, the Kempenich houses were added, attributed to the 17th century. On the inside, the facade of each section is finished with a balcony with columns. This way you can see how one fortress was assembled from separate residential houses.

Each section replicates a complete set of medieval living quarters. The kitchen and storerooms are on the ground floor, while the great hall, bedroom, and chapel are located above. In total, Eltz has about 100 rooms.

Interiors: authentic halls and the treasury

The interiors of the castle are authentic, and the medieval atmosphere has been preserved here for centuries. In the lower hall, you are greeted by a 15th-century wooden ceiling from the heritage of the Rübenach family. In one of the bedrooms, a fresco from 1470 has survived.

Gothic boudoirs, a medieval kitchen, and knights' halls are furnished with weapons, figures, and statuettes. Many of these items have belonged to one family for several centuries.

In the halls you will see weapons passed down from generation to generation, as well as jewelry made of precious metals and stones. The castle operates as a museum, and historical films have been shot here more than once.

Restoration and the condition of the castle today

The restoration of 1845-1888 preserved the external appearance of the fortress. The work was very expensive by 19th-century standards, but it restored the walls and towers to their former appearance.

Previously, the castle was jointly owned by three branches of the Eltz family, since building such a structure was beyond the means of a single ruler. Today it is managed by a society of co-heirs from the Eltz family. They opened the fortress to visitors and invest the proceeds in restoration.

Visiting: tickets, opening hours, and rules

Tickets to Eltz Castle are sold only at the gate. Current ticket prices (as of 09/2026, official website) are as follows.

© Les_Williams · CC BY-SAPhoto: Les_Williams, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/), Flickr

The tour lasts 35-40 minutes. The last group starts at 5:30 PM. You explore the treasury on your own from 9:30 AM to 6:15 PM, and it is included in the ticket price. Photography is prohibited inside the castle, while outside and in the treasury photos are allowed for personal use only (as of 09/2026, official website).

There is a restaurant on the open terrace where you can have lunch. You will also be allowed to have a picnic by the river and listen to the quiet of the forest. If you want more experiences in the region, check out tours of the Moselle and Eifel on GetYourGuide.

How to get to Eltz Castle

The nearest major city, Koblenz, is 38 km from the fortress. By train you get to Moselkern station, then walk 4.5 km along the trail by the Elzbach stream (according to moselkern.de). The climb takes about an hour.

© LigaDue · CC BY-SAPhoto: LigaDue, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Without a car, the route is: train Koblenz - Hatzenport, then bus 365 to the castle. It runs daily from April 1 to November 1 (according to visitmosel.de). The whole trip takes less than an hour and a half.

By car, you take the B416 road and leave your car in the castle parking lot. From the parking lot to the gate you walk up a short road. Choose this option if you are traveling with children or elderly parents.

Eltz Castle on the map

The fortress address: Burg Eltz 1, 56294 Wierschem, Germany. The map shows the castle and access roads. Open the point on the map and build a route from Koblenz.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Eltz Castle?

The castle is open from March 29 to November 1, 2026, seven days a week (as of 09/2026, official website). Before 11:00 in the morning there are fewer groups, and the trail from Moselkern stays cool. More buses arrive on weekends, so pick a weekday.

How much does a ticket cost and what does it include?

An adult ticket costs 14 €, students and people with disabilities pay 7 €, and a family ticket costs 34 € (as of 09/2026, official website). The ticket includes a guided tour and self-guided access to the treasury. Wear comfortable shoes: the trail runs through the forest and climbs uphill.

How do I get to the castle without a car?

Take the train to Moselkern station, then walk 4.5 km along the Elzbach stream, about an hour on foot (according to moselkern.de). Another option: take the train to Hatzenport and then bus 365 to the castle. It runs from April 1 to November 1.

Can I take photos inside the castle?

Photography is not allowed inside the castle during the guided tour. Outside and in the treasury, photos and videos are permitted for personal use only; drones are prohibited (as of 09/2026, official website). To publish photos, ask for permission at the castle administration.

How much time should I allow for the visit?

Allow at least half a day. The walk from Moselkern takes about an hour each way, the guided tour takes 35-40 minutes, plus time for the treasury and lunch on the terrace. The walk back takes about another hour.

In short: what to book

If this is your first visit, plan to arrive on a weekday morning. Get there for opening at 9:30: before the first groups arrive, you can photograph the facade without the crowds.

• If you have a car, leave it in the parking lot by the B416 road.
• If you are traveling by train, take the trail from Moselkern station.
• If you are short on time, combine the trip with Koblenz or Cochem.

After that, your choice is simple. You have half a day and a car, so take the shuttle up for opening and the first guided tour. For a route around the region, check out tours on GetYourGuide.