Burg Eltz | The Magical Harry Potter Castle in Germany

This castle is a photographer’s dream, with major Harry Potter vibes. Depending on when you decide to visit, the mood of the castle changes. It is every bit as magical on a warm summer’s day or a cold winter’s morning. Eltz Castle (or better known as Burg Eltz: “burg” in German is “castle” in English) is a medieval castle that has been owned by the same family for 33 generations. The castle is set in beautiful hills surrounded by forests that offer amazing hikes and views of the castle from above. It is a perfect day trip from Cologne or Frankfurt.

Where is Burg Eltz Castle

The Eltz Castle is located in Wierschem, Germany between Koblenz and Trier. It is about a 1.5 hour drive from Cologne, a 30 minute drive from Koblenz and 1.5 hours from Frankfurt.

Woman standing in front of a medieval castle

How to Get To Burg Eltz Castle

You can arrive at the castle by car, train or bus. Once there, you can walk from the parking lot or take a shuttle bus. It is about halfway between Cologne and Frankfurt (1.5 hours from each city). The drive along the Rhine River is incredibly scenic, well worth the trip for the views alone. There are two footpaths from the parking lot (about a 15 minute walk), a 12.6 km hike along the Eltz Castle Panorama Trail (for seasoned hikers), or four other hikes ranging from 1.7 km to 9 km (see here).

Burg Eltz Castle entrance with towers of the castle in the background

Burg Eltz medieval castle on a hill in Germany

History Lesson

How old is Burg Eltz Castle?

The castle is over 800 years old. The oldest part of the castle is the flag hall. The castle has remained in the Eltz family since the 1100’s.

When was the castle built?

The construction was completed in 1520.

Who built the Burg Eltz Castle?

Johann zu Eltz. The son of Wilhelm built the first five storeys of what the “Rübenach House” in 1311.

View of Burg Eltz Castle from above looking down in to the valley

If you’re visiting Germany between the end of November to the beginning of January, you can’t miss the German Christmas Markets! Koblenz is a small German town about 30 minutes from Burg Eltz and worth a stop. Koblenz has 6 town squares that each have a unique Christmas Market. If you are visiting outside of Christmas Market season, Koblenz is still a wonderful city to visit. Located where the Rhine and Moselle meet, Koblenz is one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities. Here you’ll also find vineyards, forests and four mountain ranges form in the background of the city.