Burg Eltz is one of those places you’ve probably seen a hundred times in photos, but in real life it’s even more impressive. Hidden away in the rolling hills and forests of the Moselle Valley, the castle looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. It had been on our bucket list for years, and we finally made it. In this guide we share all our tips for visiting Burg Eltz: from parking and walking routes to visiting with kids and the best hotels nearby.
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What Is Burg Eltz?
Burg Eltz is a medieval castle tucked away in the forests of the Moselle region. It’s more than 900 years old and still owned by the same family. Thanks to its location, in a valley surrounded by forest, it looks like something out of a storybook.
No surprise that Burg Eltz has been topping lists of the most beautiful castles in Germany for years. We wanted to see it for ourselves, and it didn’t disappoint.
How To Get to Burg Eltz
Burg Eltz is about a 3.5-hour drive from Utrecht. We reached it from Limburg in just over two hours. It’s quite a trip, but easy to combine with a weekend in the Moselle Valley or a stay in Cochem. From the valley itself it’s less than half an hour by car.
Parking at Burg Eltz
There’s a large parking lot for cars and campers. Parking costs a few euros: around €4 per car and €8 for campers or vans.
From the parking area you have two options:
- Shuttle bus: Runs only during the season when the castle is open (late March to early November). It leaves about every 10 minutes and costs €2 per person per ride. Handy if you don’t want to walk or if mobility is an issue, but expect lines in summer.
- On foot: About 15–20 minutes via the paved road downhill. This route is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs and offers some amazing viewpoints. It’s often just as fast as waiting for the shuttle, especially on busy days.
Walking to Burg Eltz
We visited Burg Eltz in winter, when the shuttle bus wasn’t running. But honestly, even if it had been, we would still have chosen the walk, unless you have mobility issues. From the parking lot you have two options: the paved road (also used by the shuttle) or the forest path.
Normally the forest trail might sound more appealing, but in this case the paved road is actually the better choice on the way down. Right near the parking lot you’ll already find a great viewpoint of the castle, and further along there are even more photo stops. The shuttle doesn’t go there, so you’d miss those views otherwise.
For the way back, the forest path is a nice alternative. You don’t see much of the castle there, but it’s a peaceful climb surrounded by greenery.
Our tip:
Walk down via the paved road and return via the forest path. That way you get the best of both worlds.
Things To Do at Burg Eltz
A visit to Burg Eltz is about more than just the castle itself. Here’s what you can do:
- Photospots
Along the path down, around the castle, and from the bridges you’ll find endless photo opportunities. Drones aren’t allowed, but honestly, you don’t need them. - Castle tour
From April to early November you can join a guided tour of about 35–40 minutes. You’ll see decorated rooms, the courtyard, and the treasury. Tours start every few minutes and are available in English and French too. - Walks around the castle
Even without a ticket, you can enjoy the surroundings. Take the trails, stop at viewpoints, and soak up the atmosphere. - Food & drinks
In het hoogseizoen is er een café/restaurant met terras bij de burcht. Buiten het seizoen neem je beter zelf snacks mee.
Burg Eltz With Kids
We visited Burg Eltz with our two daughters, one of them in a stroller, and it worked out fine. The road down is steep but doable with a solid stroller.
On the grounds you can walk around the castle and see just how massive it is. For our kids, the walk itself felt like an adventure, with hills, paths, and views along the way. We skipped the shuttle bus because walking was simply more fun.
Practical Tips for Burg Eltz
- Opening times
Late March to November 1, daily 09:30–17:00. Outside this period you can only see the castle from the outside. - Tickets & prices
Entry is only required if you want to see the inside. Tickets include the guided tour, courtyard, and treasury.- Adults: €14
- Groups (20+ people): €13 p.p.
- Students & disabled visitors: €7
- School groups: €6 per child
- Family ticket (2 adults + children under 18): €34
- Kids up to 6 years: free
- Guided tours
Start from 09:30 in the upper courtyard, lasting about 35–40 minutes. The last tour starts around 17:30. Available in German, English, and French. - Treasury
Open 09:30-18:15. Labels are in German only, but you can get a free flyer in English, Dutch, and other languages. - Languages
Flyers are available in English, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese. - Visit length
Allow 1.5-3 hours depending on whether you do a tour. - Good to know
Pets are not allowed inside the castle.
Best Time To Visit Burg Eltz
Burg Eltz is open from late March to early November. Fall is especially beautiful when the forests turn orange and yellow. Summer is busier, but lively with tours, the café open, and the shuttle running. We went in March, just before it opened. It was still impressive, though only from the outside. Winter is possible, but keep in mind you won’t be able to enter.
Other Highlights Nearby
Burg Eltz is a must-do when exploring the Moselle region. Nearby you’ll also find:
- Cochem
A charming town with half-timbered houses, terraces, river cruises, and the Reichsburg castle. Read our full Cochem guide. - Geierlay Suspension Bridge
360 meters long and 100 meters high, one of the most spectacular bridges in Germany. Read our Geierlay guide. - Moselle hikes
Endless routes along vineyards and the famous river.
Where To Stay Near Burg Eltz
Because Burg Eltz isn’t right next door, it’s best to make a weekend of it. We stayed in Cochem at Hotel Zehnthof, a great base with cozy restaurants and views of the Moselle.
Hotel Zehnthof, Cochem
★★★ 8.6 on Booking.com
Family-run hotel right on the Moselle. Easy walk to Cochem center and a hearty German breakfast included.
👉 Check availability
Daslenz, Briedern
★★★★ 8.5 on Booking.com
Lovely hotel on the Moselle with free parking and rooms with balconies or river views. Relaxed vibe and a generous breakfast.
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Moselromantik Hotel Kessler Meyer, Cochem
★★★★ 8.7 on Booking.com
Wellness hotel with stunning Moselle views. Indoor pool and spa make it a perfect spot to unwind after exploring Burg Eltz.
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Parkhotel Cochem, Cochem
⭑⭑⭑ 8.3 on Booking.com
Centrally located hotel in Cochem, within walking distance of shops and the Moselle promenade. Spacious rooms and a good breakfast make for a comfortable stay.
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Our Experience at This Fairytale Castle
For us, this was the main reason to visit the Moselle region, and it turned out to be a great choice. Even in winter, when the castle was closed, the walk and the scenery were magical.
Our advice? Don’t just make it a day trip. Plan a weekend, stay in Cochem or another village nearby, and combine Burg Eltz with the Moselle or the Geierlay bridge. That way you really get the most out of your trip.
Plan Your Trip to Burg Eltz
Where to Stay Near Burg Eltz
Find the best places to stay on Booking.com
Tours and Activities in the Moselle Region
Make your trip complete with a river cruise, wine tour, or day trip on GetYourGuide
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