Trutzeltz Castle, Medieval castle in Wierschem, Germany

Trutzeltz Castle is the ruin of a small hill castle on the rising slope above the Elz valley in the parish of Wierschem, about 230 metres north of and 40 metres above Eltz Castle. The site measures only about 30 by 25 metres. Its main surviving element is the tower house, whose remains still rise over 10 metres, alongside other foundation walls.

In 1331, an archbishop of Trier had the fortress built quickly to besiege the rival Eltz Castle, which was held by a noble family that refused to submit to his authority. Once the conflict ended, the site lost its purpose and was gradually abandoned.

The name "Trutzeltz" comes from the German word "Trutz," meaning defiance, which tells you right away that this fortress was built as a direct threat against the neighboring Eltz Castle across the valley. Standing at the ruins today, you can still see how the two sites face each other on opposite slopes.

The site sits on a steep wooded slope and can only be reached on foot along uneven forest paths, so sturdy shoes are a must. Some sections of the remaining walls are loose or slippery, and care is needed when moving close to them.

The peace treaty of 1336 secured the continued existence of this siege castle, even though it was built of small broken stones held with clay mortar that could not withstand the Central European climate for long. In 1337 Baldwin enfeoffed Johann von Eltz with it and made him hereditary burgrave.