Once upon a time, there was a girl with a heart full of dreams, yearning to find her very own fairytale castle, tucked deep in the heart of the forest. This castle wasn’t just any ordinary one—it was the most magical of them all, hidden away in the beautiful woods of Germany.
Eager for adventure, the girl decided to set off on a road trip, traveling from the lowlands, through the hot, sticky, and sometimes jam-packed German highways. With the wind in her hair and the road stretching out before her, she couldn’t wait to discover the castle that had lived in her imagination for so long.
Germany is truly a land of castles, with so many majestic ones tucked away in the most beautiful spots. Whether perched high atop hills, offering panoramic views, or hidden deep within the serene, mystical forests, these castles seem to have stepped out of fairytales. Each one holds a story, a piece of history, and a touch of magic, making them the perfect destination for any traveler seeking adventure and wonder.
I Googled a bit about Burg Eltz, and the story behind this picturesque and quaint castle is just as enchanting as the place itself. Built in the 12th century, Burg Eltz has been owned by the same family for over 850 years, which is truly remarkable. The castle is named after the Eltzbach stream, and its name derives from the old German word Els/Else, which refers to the black alder tree commonly found along the riverbanks.
The castle sits nestled in a beautiful valley, surrounded by lush forests, and its fairytale-like appearance has made it one of the most beloved and well-preserved castles in all of Germany. With its rich history and stunning location, it’s easy to see why it captures the imagination of all who visit.
Burg Eltz is one of only three castles on the left bank of the Rhine River that has never been destroyed over the centuries—an incredible feat that adds to its magical allure. The castle is still owned by the same family, though they no longer live there permanently. Instead, they open it to the public seasonally, from April to October, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore its treasures.
When you visit, you can marvel at the treasury, filled with gold, silver, and porcelain artifacts, as well as the armory, showcasing a collection of weapons and suits of armor that once protected the castle's inhabitants.
But the journey to reach the castle is almost as enchanting as the castle itself. The best way to approach it is to walk for 45 minutes through a dark green pine forest, where the towering trees create a magical atmosphere. Then, as if from a dream, the castle suddenly appears around a bend, like a mirage or something straight out of a fairytale. The experience of seeing it for the first time, after the walk through the forest, is absolutely breathtaking and feels like you’ve stepped into another world
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Burg Eltz is open daily during the season, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and guided tours are available, usually departing every 15 minutes. Tickets can only be purchased at the ticket window at the castle itself. Admission is €11 for adults and €6.50 for children and students. There’s also a family ticket for €28, valid for two adults and two or more children. Since reservations are not possible for individuals, it’s always a bit of a wait, especially during peak times.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to go inside the castle. The queue was incredibly long, and after standing for almost an hour, we decided to call it a day. Instead, we hiked back down to the river and up to the parking lot, still feeling like we’d had a magical experience.
Even though we didn’t make it inside, I ended my fairytale journey in a good mood, ready to hit the road again and head back to my beautiful lowlands, with a heart full of memories and a longing to return one day.
The Moselle Valley, July 2020
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