How to Visit Burg Eltz – Fairytale Castle in Germany (2026)!

One of the most enchanting castles in all of Europe is the medieval Burg Eltz in Germany. 

It looks like something that has been plucked from the pages of a fairytale with its timber frames and towers. 

You’ll find it hidden away within a forest of the Moselle Valley, and it makes a fabulous day out.

I’ve been wanting to visit this castle for years, so it was a dream come true.

It’s also much easier to access than you may think, with or without a car.  

Here is how to visit the enchanting Burg Eltz in Germany and things to do in Eltz Castle.

The history of Burg Eltz

There is a countless number of castles to visit in Germany, but Eltz Castle is truly remarkable.

It has been owned and protected by the Eltz family for over 850 years. 

It was originally constructed in the 11th century on a 70-metre high rock spur to protect trade routes. But it has since had many reconstructions.

33 generations of House Eltz have lived here with their families. It’s often called a “Ganerbenburg” or a castle divided into several parts. 

This means that each branch of the family owned a part of the castle, but jointly shared the defensive fortifications. 

Saying that, in all this time, Eltz Castle has never once been attacked due to its remote location. So, it has been left largely intact.

Today, the castle’s architecture is the textbook definition of a medieval fortress.

It has eight 35-metre-high towers, timber-framed buildings and oriel windows.

Add in the fact that it’s tucked away in a lush forest, Burg Eltz will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time! 

It’s easily one of the best castles in Germany and well worth visiting.

How to Visit Burg Eltz

Burg Eltz is located in the ‘Mosel Country’ of Germany, which is a spectacular area around the River Mosel. 

It’s a place filled with historical sites, charming towns, walking trails and fairytale castles. Perfect for a weekend escape. 

It’s most famous for its vineyards that produce countless wines to sample, so it’s also known as the Moselle wine region.

I love a Riesling, so I was in my element.

It’s easiest to drive to Burg Eltz, and it’s closest to the cities of Koblenz, Cologne, Trier and Frankfurt. 

You can enter ‘Burg Eltz, Wierschem’ into your SatNav and it will take you to the castle car park.

Can you visit by public transport?

Yes, you can. I recently travelled around Germany only using public transport

Travelling to Burg Eltz without a car is much easier than you think.

I recommend staying in a city such as Koblenz. From there, you can get a train heading to Cochem that stops at Hatzenport.

From Hatzenport station, there is a Regiobus 365 service that will take you to the car park for Burg Eltz. 

But, be warned that this service only runs from April – November or when the castle is open.

It’s then just a short walk down into the valley to reach the castle. Or, you can take the castle shuttle bus.

You can also hike to Burg Eltz from Moselkern, but this is a challenge.

There are local taxis available as well, but these will be significantly more expensive. 

When you arrive

Whether you’re driving or taking public transport, all visitors will arrive at the Burg Eltz car park, which is situated on top of a hill. 

It’s good to know that the castle is situated deep in the Eltz Forest of the Elz River valley.

So, you will need to walk down to the castle for around 15-20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a regular castle shuttle bus, which costs a small fee of €2 each way. It leaves every 10 minutes from St Anthony’s Chapel.

Again, this only runs when the castle is open for tours from April – November and during castle opening hours. 

If you plan on taking the castle shuttle, make sure to bring coins. Cash is still very much king in Germany.

Hiking to Burg Eltz

If you’ve chosen to walk down to the castle, there are two hiking routes;

1. The shuttle bus road – this is a steeper but flat path that is more suitable for pushchairs. You’ll pass an upper viewpoint this way. 
2. The forest path – a less direct but scenic route through the trees. I took this route and found it easier as it’s a more gradual descent. 

Depending on your speed, both walks should only take you around 15-20 minutes to reach the castle.

It may be slightly longer on the forest route, but not by much. 

I recommend wearing a sensible pair of trainers for the hike. I wouldn’t go as far as to say you need boots, but wear something that has grip. 

Opening times & ticket prices 

You can visit the outside of Burg Eltz all year, as the walking paths do not close. 

This means that you can visit any time of day, which is great for photographers who want to capture it without the crowds. This is what I did, and had it to myself for well over an hour. 

But, it’s important to know that you can only go inside the castle from April – November.

It will still be magical to visit in the off-season as the castle looks like something plucked from the pages of a fairytale.

But, if possible, I recommend planning your visit during the tourist season so you can explore inside. It’s open daily from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. 

You need to pay for a ticket to enter the castle grounds and explore the attractions. This costs €14 for an adult and €6 for a child. 

Things to do in Burg Eltz

There are many things to do in Burg Eltz that make it worth visiting in Germany, beyond just taking photos. 

You can feel like royalty as you explore the castle grounds, take a guided tour, have lunch and enjoy unspoiled hiking trails. 

Here are all the amazing things to do at Eltz Castle. 

1. Take photos of the fairytale facade 

When I got my first glimpse of Burg Eltz from the forest path, I gasped. It is such a fairytale moment and I felt like I had stepped back in time. 

I have dreamed of visiting this castle for years, and so to finally see it made me quite emotional.

Most people visit to get photos outside of the castle, and I would argue that this view is worth a visit alone.

But, it can also be a bit of an ‘Instagram vs. Reality’ moment.

During castle opening hours, this walkway can get very busy. Even by 9 am, it starts to get crowded with the first shuttle.

I got here around 7.30 am and had the castle to myself for well over an hour. So, I managed to get all the content I wanted without the crowds.

It did mean I had to wait for the castle to open, but I had a coffee and breakfast with me.

I enjoyed them while admiring the fairytale views. That morning, I felt like a princess. 

2. Explore Eltz Castle grounds

Once you’ve paid for your castle ticket at the entrance booth, you’re free to explore the castle grounds.

Seeing the exterior facade feels like a storybook, but the interiors will transport you back to the medieval age. 

You first start your walk in the Outer Bailey with gorgeous views of the inner castle and the Elz Valley.

As you make your way inside the fortress, you can explore the inner castle courtyard.

This area is incredibly enchanting with a hotchpotch of colourful turret towers, oriel windows, lanterns and timber frames.

There are some terraces where you can enjoy panoramic views of the valley below and benches to take a rest.

Every corner of this castle is whimsical, but it’s also a small space. It doesn’t take long to explore.  

3. Take a guided tour inside Burg Eltz

The main highlight of your ticket is a tour inside Eltz Castle, which takes around 45 minutes.

You cannot explore on your own; you must take a guided tour. 

English tours don’t run on a set schedule but take place when there is a demand.

If you head to the entrance door, the staff will tell you when the next one is running.

Before the tour starts, they will ring a bell and tell you to join the group.  

33 generations of the Eltz family have lived inside this castle and left their mark, and so you’ll find a mix of architectural styles. 

Most of the rooms you’ll explore date back to the 15th century. You’ll walk through audience halls, bedrooms, armouries and even the kitchens. 

Your guide will tell you lots of interesting stories about the House of Eltz during your time here, and you have the chance to ask any questions.

It’s a fascinating tour and I wouldn’t skip it. 

4. Eltz Castle Treasury

After your guided tour inside the castle, you’re free to explore the grounds and other attractions on your own.

Entry to the treasury is also included in your ticket, which is located in the underground vaults of the castle.

It’s a private collection that has over 500 precious items from the 9th century. 

Inside, you can see numerous items that have been excavated here and get an idea of the wealth of the Eltz Family.

There were lots of silver and gold ornaments created by local smiths, plus swords and coats of armour. There was even some Roman pottery. 

It was beautifully displayed, and I spent a long time snooping around. I’m like a magpie when it comes to shiny things. 

5. Visit the Private Chapel

Something many visitors miss inside Burg Eltz is the Private Chapel, so make sure to stop by.

In medieval times, there were quite a few rules for building a family place of worship.

For example, you couldn’t place a bedroom above the chapel. So, they were often on the highest floor.

You’ll find Burg Elt’z Gothic chapel up a small set of winding stairs from the main courtyard.

You can’t go inside and sit down, but you can take a peek through the gate. It’s a lovely space.

6. Have lunch in The Bailey

If you’re feeling peckish before or after your tour, you can visit their self-service restaurant in The Bailey. 

This serves up coffees, soft drinks, savoury food and homemade cakes throughout the day. 

As I hadn’t eaten that morning, I was starving. I felt like a true German with my combination of a coffee, Frankfurter and Apfelkuchen (apple pie).

You can then sit at outdoor tables that have a charming view of the castle.

7. Visit the Castle Shop

Before you leave, make sure to stop by the Castle Shop to purchase some souvenirs to remember your visit.

If you’re a fellow magnet collector, they had some great ones for your fridge. I ended up buying two as I couldn’t decide. 

They also have lots of porcelain and glass gifts, books about the castle and some adorable knight and princess outfits for children. 

8. Enjoy the hiking trails

The hiking trails around this valley are open all year and make a great addition to any visit if you enjoy being in nature. 

The walk down to Burg Eltz from the car park gives you a small taster of these scenic paths. 

But, there are extended trails to areas such as Moselkern, Karden, Müdenerberg or Pyrmont Castle.

Make sure to wear ankle-supporting shoes for these hikes and come prepared with water and snacks.

Is Burg Eltz worth visiting?

Yes, most definitely. Burg Eltz is a fairytale destination in Germany and one you don’t want to miss. 

Although there is an endless number of castles in the country to choose from, Eltz is one of a kind. 

There are plenty of things to do here that make it worth visiting as part of a day trip to the Moselle Valley. 

Make sure to add the whimsical Eltz Castle to your travel bucket list! 

How long do you need to explore Burg Eltz?

I recommend leaving around 1-2 hours to explore Burg Eltz. But, if you’re heading inside the castle, I recommend 3-4 hours.

There are many attractions inside, and you will need to plan enough time to reach the castle, whether you walk or take the shuttle bus.

3-4 hours would be the optimal time for parking, hike/shuttle, a guided tour, attractions, lunch, shopping and making your way back to the car park. 

You don’t want to rush your time here. I spent half a day, as I couldn’t get enough. It was so dreamy.

When is the best time to visit Burg Eltz?

Honestly? There is no bad time to visit!

This enchanting castle is magical all year, and every season has something lovely to experience. 

But, one of the best times has to be autumn when the trees in the valley transform into a vibrant blanket of oranges and reds. 

Although I loved my visit in the summer. One day, I want to return to see it in the Fall. It’s my favourite season of the year.

Winter also looks like a magical time as the valley is sometimes sprinkled with a thick layer of snow. 

If visiting the inside of Burg Eltz is important to you, then the best time to plan your visit is any time between April and November when it’s open.

Visit Cochem next

Burg Eltz takes around half a day to explore. If you are looking for incredible places to visit nearby, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

I recommend the charming town of Cochem, built around the Moselle River. It’s a quick drive from Burg Eltz or a few train stops from Hatzenport.

It’s idyllic and there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy. The jewel in its crown is Cochem Castle, which towers over the settlement. 

It dates back to the 11th century, and you can take a tour inside.

Even just visiting the grounds is worth doing, as you get incredible panoramic views of the valley and river below. 

The Mosel Valley is famous for its wines, so you must try some while you’re here. There are plenty of vineyards to visit.

Or, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, why not combine your day trip to Burg Eltz with the Geierley Suspension Bridge? This is on my list for next time.

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