Eltz Castle: everything you need to know

Burg Eltz is not only one of the most picturesque castles in Germany but also one of the oldest. It has been continuously owned by the Eltz family since the 12th century, making it a rare example of a privately owned castle that still remains in the hands of its original family. Unlike many other castles, Burg Eltz is actually made up of three separate parts, each belonging to a different branch of the Eltz family. This unique design reflects the family’s wealth and power, as each branch had its own quarters within the castle complex. Despite being located in a region that has seen its fair share of conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and both World Wars, Burg Eltz was never seriously damaged. It managed to survive due to its remote location, which helped protect it from military attacks over the centuries.

Burg Eltz is often considered a hidden gem compared to other famous German castles, such as Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s tucked away in a lush valley and surrounded by dense forests, making it less crowded, but equally enchanting. Its fairy-tale appearance, with its towers and turrets, makes it a photographer’s dream. In this post, I’ll also guide you on how to get to Burg Eltz, cover ticket prices, organised tours, nearby attractions, where to stay, and share useful tips to make the most of your visit.

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By public transport from Cologne and back.

If you are travelling from the main train station of Cologne, the castle is around 3 hours away. First you should take the regional train to Koblenz – RE5 or RB27. The trip to Koblenz Hbf will take almost 1,5 hours. You can reduce your travel time by opting for the intercity express (ICE) instead of regional trains (RE and RB) on the route between Cologne and Koblenz.

Then you should transfer to another train RB81 in the direction of Trier. It is half an hour before the stop Hatzenport. The bus 365 stops near the train station in Hatzenport (arrives at 14 and 49 minutes every hour) and will take you to the stop near the castle. Follow the signs "Fußweg zur Burg Eltz" to go to the castle on foot.

After visiting the castle, go downstairs and follow the path to Moselkern (around 4,5 km). There are a lot of signs along the path. At the station "Moselkern" take the already familiar train RB81 to Koblenz and then RB27 or RE5 to Cologne.

By public transport from Frankfurt am Main and back.

To get to Burg Eltz from Frankfurt am Main by public transport, there are two main options: bus or train.

The most budget-friendly choice is taking a FlixBus from Frankfurt to Koblenz, which takes around 2 hours. Ticket prices start at just €10, depending on when you book. Once in Koblenz, you can continue to Burg Eltz by train RB81 in the direction of Trier, and the bus 365 from Hatzenport.

Travelling by train is another convenient option. The regional train (RE2) takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, while the faster Intercity Express (ICE) reaches Koblenz in about 1 hour 30 minutes. However, while the time difference between the RE2 and ICE is not significant, the ticket price for the ICE is often much higher. For budget-conscious travellers, the regional train is the better choice.

From Koblenz, you’ll need to take a regional train (RB81 or RE1) to Hatzenport or Moselkern, followed by a short bus ride (365 from Hatzenport) or a scenic hike to Burg Eltz from Moselkern.

By car. 

If you prefer to drive yourself, you can find a suitable car on the Rentalcars website. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

The best time to start your journey is early in the morning. This helps you avoid traffic on the roads and arrive at Burg Eltz before the crowds, ensuring a more peaceful experience at the castle. The castle opens at 9:30 AM. There is a designated Burg Eltz car park located about 1.5 km from the castle. The parking fee is €4 per day, and it’s recommended to have cash on hand. For the most accurate directions, use Google Maps and enter "Burg Eltz Parkplatz" as your destination. This will take you directly to the correct parking area near the castle.

If you have extra time, consider taking a detour along the Moselle River (B416 or B49). These picturesque routes offer stunning views of vineyards, rolling hills, and charming villages, making the drive an even more enjoyable part of your trip.

By transfer.

You can book a transfer from your desired location directly to the Burg Eltz parking area through the GetTransfer website. This option offers convenience and flexibility, especially if you're travelling with luggage or in a group.

Burg Eltz is open daily from 1st April to 1st November 2025, 9:30 AM – 6:15 PM, last entry at 5:00 PM. While the castle itself is closed during the off-season, you can still visit the area, explore the picturesque surroundings, and enjoy the stunning exterior views. A winter visit offers a peaceful, crowd-free experience, perfect for photography and quiet walks.

Ticket prices include a guided tour, courtyard, and treasury access:

• Adults: €14 (€13 for groups of 20+)
• Students, schoolchildren, visitors with disabilities: €7
• School groups: €6 per person
• Family ticket (2 adults + at least 1 child under 18): €34
• Children under 6: Free

Guided tours start at 9:30 AM, run at regular intervals, and last 35-40 minutes. The final tour begins at 5:30 PM. English tours are available on request. Free multilingual leaflets are provided for international guests. Exhibit descriptions in the treasury are in German, with English guides available. Note: pets are not allowed inside the castle rooms.

If you’re planning to visit Eltz Castle but prefer not to make your own way there, you can also take an organised tour from Frankfurt. During the excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the architecture of Eltz Castle, explore its historic interiors, and see unique exhibits in the armoury and treasury. The tour is led by a professional guide who will share insights into the castle’s history and cultural significance. Additionally, the tour includes lunch at one of the restaurants situated along the picturesque River Rhine.

Geierlay Suspension Bridge. With a length of 360 metres (1,180 feet) and a height of 100 metres (328 feet) above the Mörsdorf Valley, Geierlay was once the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Germany until 2017. The design was inspired by traditional Nepalese suspension bridges, giving it a dramatic and adventurous feel. Opened in 2015, Geierlay was developed to boost tourism in the region, and it quickly became a popular attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Unlike many famous attractions, crossing the bridge is completely free, making it an accessible adventure for everyone. The bridge is part of a 6 km scenic circular hiking route, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests. To preserve the environment, cars are not allowed near the bridge. Visitors must walk about 1.7 km from the nearest car park in Mörsdorf to reach it.

Reaching Geierlay by public transport can be challenging but is definitely possible with good planning. Here’s how we did it. We started by walking from Burg Eltz to Moselkern, then took a train to Treis-Karden. From there, we caught bus 746 to Mörsdorf, the closest village to the bridge. The final stretch must be done on foot, as no vehicles are allowed near the bridge. Keep in mind that the bus ride takes only 19 minutes, but buses run every three hours, so plan your timing carefully. Check the schedule in advance to decide which bus to take, how much time to spend at the bridge, and how to get back.

Wine tours in the Moselle Valley. The Moselle Valley is home to some of the oldest vineyards in Germany, with a winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times over 2,000 years ago. The region is world-famous for its Riesling wines, which thrive in the steep, slate-covered slopes, giving them a unique minerality and freshness. The Mosel Wine Route stretches for 250 km along the river, passing through charming villages, medieval castles, and vineyards, making it a dream destination for wine lovers. Many wineries offer tastings in centuries-old wine cellars, some carved into the hillsides, where you can sample award-winning Rieslings straight from the barrel. You can combine wine tasting with a scenic Moselle River cruise, enjoying stunning vineyard views while sipping on locally produced wines.

If you're inspired to experience the Moselle Valley’s incredible wine culture firsthand, check out my recommendations for the best wine tours in the region below. Whether you prefer guided tastings at historic wineries, scenic vineyard hikes, or boat tours with wine pairings, there’s something for every wine lover!

Boat tours on the Moselle. The Moselle River winds through steep vineyards, medieval castles, and charming half-timbered villages, offering some of the most picturesque boat journeys in Germany. The Moselle Valley is a paradise for castle lovers, with its dramatic landscapes dotted with medieval fortresses, fairytale palaces, and castle ruins. Many of these castles date back to the Middle Ages, built to control trade routes and protect against invaders. A boat tour is a peaceful and scenic way to explore the valley without worrying about traffic, parking, or long hikes. From short sightseeing cruises to full-day excursions, you can choose between classic riverboats, modern catamarans, or even historic paddle steamers.

Cochem. Cochem is often called one of the most picturesque towns in Germany, with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and scenic riverfront. The town’s iconic Reichsburg Castle sits high above the Moselle River. Originally built in the 11th century, it was later restored in a neo-Gothic style, making it look straight out of a fairy tale. Cochem is surrounded by steep terraced vineyards, producing some of the best Riesling wines in Germany. You can even visit local wine taverns right in the town center. With its river cruises, hiking trails, and nearby castles, Cochem is one of the best places to start an adventure in the Moselle Valley.

Finding the perfect place to stay near Burg Eltz depends on your travel style — whether you prefer a charming guesthouse, a cozy riverside hotel, or a unique countryside stay.

The nearby towns of Moselkern, Treis-Karden, and Cochem offer a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to boutique stays with stunning Moselle River views. Landhotel Ringelsteiner Mühle in Moselkern is the closest option, just a short hike from the castle, making it ideal for early morning visits. For a more immersive experience, consider staying at a traditional wine estate, such as Weingut Haxel in Cochem, where you can enjoy local Riesling wines and scenic vineyard views. 

If you prefer staying in a larger city with more amenities, Koblenz is a great option. Located about 40 km from Burg Eltz, it offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it an excellent base for exploring the Moselle and Rhine Valleys. Koblenz is famous for the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the Moselle and Rhine Rivers meet, as well as the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Staying here allows you to combine your visit to Burg Eltz with sightseeing in one of Germany’s most historic cities. From Koblenz, you can reach Burg Eltz by train to Moselkern or Hatzenport, followed by a short bus ride or hiking route. If you're driving, the journey takes about 40–45 minutes through scenic river valleys and rolling hills.

For those who want to combine their visit to Burg Eltz with a deeper dive into German history, Trier is an excellent choice. As Germany’s oldest city, Trier is famous for its Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Located about 90 km from Burg Eltz, Trier offers a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and boutique stays, catering to different budgets and preferences. You can reach Burg Eltz from Trier by train to Hatzenport or Moselkern, followed by a short bus ride or hike. By car, the drive takes around 1 hour 15 minutes through the scenic Moselle countryside. While it’s a bit farther from the castle, the city’s rich history and charming atmosphere make it a great base for exploring the Moselle Valley.

Both Cologne and Düsseldorf are excellent options for staying within easy reach of Burg Eltz for a day trip. These cities are well-connected and make ideal stopover points if you're traveling through Western Europe, such as coming from Belgium, the Netherlands, or France. Cologne, located about 120 km from Burg Eltz, and Düsseldorf, around 150 km away, are both easily accessible and perfect for a day trip to the castle.

If you’re arriving by international flight or prefer staying in a major city with excellent transport connections, Frankfurt am Main is a convenient option. Located about 140 km from Burg Eltz, Frankfurt offers a wide selection of hotels, from luxury stays to budget accommodations, as well as a vibrant city atmosphere with plenty to explore. Frankfurt is best known for its impressive skyline, historic Römerberg square, world-class museums, and the scenic Main River promenade. It’s also home to Germany’s busiest airport, Frankfurt Airport (FRA), making it an ideal base for travelers coming from abroad.

I hope this guide helps you make the most of your visit to this extraordinary castle and its surroundings. Whether you're arriving by car, train, or bus, the journey to Burg Eltz is part of the adventure, and once you're there, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy your trip and don't forget to take in the beauty of the Moselle Valley while you're at it! For more travel tips and recommendations, feel free to browse through my other posts. Happy exploring!

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