Eltz Castle

Burg Eltz is a medieval fortress standing on a 70-meter-high (230-foot) rock in Wierschem, encircled by the Elzbach stream. The structure rises through eight floors and holds more than 100 rooms inside its walls.

Construction began during the Romanesque period, and in 1157 Emperor Frederick Barbarossa formally recognized the fortress as an important stronghold of the Holy Roman Empire. Over the following centuries, the building received several extensions and acquired Gothic as well as later stylistic elements.

The building takes its name from the small Elz stream that flows around the rock, giving the site its sheltered position. Inside the rooms, visitors find original furniture and artworks showing how noble families lived and arranged their spaces over the centuries.

The fortress opens from March 24 through November 1 and offers guided tours starting at 9:30 in the morning. Access is not possible for wheelchair users, as steep paths and staircases shape the approach to the site.

The Eltz family has lived in the building continuously since the 12th century and still occupies part of the rooms today. This uninterrupted continuity is rare among European castles and makes the site a living testimony to noble residential culture.

Location: Wierschem

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Accessibility: Inacessível para cadeira de rodas

Address: Burg Eltz 1, 56294 Wierschem

Phone: +492672950500

Website: https://burg-eltz.de

GPS coordinates: 50.20500,7.33667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:31