Burg Eltz
July 19, 2007
"Location, location, location" is nothing new -- and the 12th century builders of Eltz Castle picked a good one.
Perched high up on a rock crag within a green valley, Eltz Castle is surrounded not only by hills on all sides, but the Eltzbach River makes a hairpin turn just around the mansion's rocky nest, encompassing it on three sides.
This triple protection is one of the reasons the mansion was never destroyed. It also makes it a challenge for visitors to get there today. It's best to come by car and be prepared for a steep but short walk to the castle grounds.
The Eltz family wasn't only thinking about safety, they also had money in mind when constructing their residence over 800 years ago. The castle is situated between the Moselle River, one of the most important trade routes in the German Empire, and the fertile Eifel and Maifeld regions.
Royal condo
Construction on the castle stretched over 500 years and many generations, which explains the spectrum of Romanesque to early Baroque styles that can be found there.
After the Eltz family split into separate clans in 1268 in order to avoid an inheritance feud, the residence was inhabited by several family lines simultaneously -- like a kind of giant medieval condominium. Since each group was responsible for its own section of the home, several residential towers in slightly different styles were built, snugly packed in along the small central courtyard.
Bratwurst, moose and armor
Visitors to the castle are free to wander the grounds, enjoy the view of the river and meadow below and enjoy a Bratwurst or a piece of cake at one of the two reasonably priced food counters.
For many, it's enough just to take in the scenery, but those who choose to go on a tour will only pay a few euros to catch a glimpse of shining medieval armor, filigree frescos, an original kitchen from the Middle Ages, paintings by Lucas Cranach, the Elder -- and even a 20th century Alaskan moose trophy.
Knights Hall and a Gothic living room
One highlight of the tour is the Knights Hall, one of the largest rooms in the castle. A 17th century French tapestry and a 60-pound suit of armor await visitors in what used to by the meeting room.
Lucas Cranach, the Elder's "Madonna with Child and Grapes" can be seen in the Rübenach Hall. Used as a living room, the hall also boasts a high-tech Gothic fireplace, which was capable of heating two rooms at once, even long after the fire had gone out.
English tours available
For an extra fee, visitors can continue their tour into the treasure vault, which contains over 500 objects from eight centuries. Gold and silver pieces, valuable crossbows, the Prince Elector's ring, and 18th century porcelain from Vienna are among the items on display, all of which belonged to the Eltz family.
Tours begin every 10 to 15 minutes and last about 40 minutes. They cost six euros for adults and combined tours including the treasure vault are available for eight euros. Group tours and tours in English, French and Dutch can be arranged. Please see the link below for more information about opening times and prices.
Are you planning a trip to Burg Eltz? Look carefully and see if you can find this stone head. Be sure to write to us at feedback@dw-world.de to let us know exactly where you've found it. Here's a clue: You don't have to go on the tour to find it.