Elz Castle (Germany): how to get there? Photos, description and reviews of tourists

One of the most famous and visited medieval attractions is the castle of Elz (Germany). Where is this interesting place? It is located on a seventy-meter rock on the Elzbach River (Mosel tributary), which surrounds it from three sides. Therefore, the castle stands amidst a stunning landscape: forest, mountains, peaceful western German towns and villages.

The castle is known for that, unlike many other similar aristocratic fortresses, it never collapsed and was able to survive during all wars. Of course, many generations of owners often rebuilt it, but the more interesting its appearance and interior. Despite the fact that the castle is privately owned, it is a museum, and tourists are allowed there.

Elz Castle (Germany): how to reach

The easiest way to do this is on your own and a rented car. The castle is located to the south of Koblenz, near the town of Muensterfeld. On the highway A48 you need to go before the turn to Polk. Then follow the road L113 to Muensterfeld, and then along the K37 to Vershime. There it is necessary to leave the car and walk along the park for about fifteen minutes. On weekends there is a bus from the parking lot.

If you get public transport from Koblenz, then this is best done by the train that runs along the Moselle. You are guaranteed amazing views. You can get off at Moselkern or Karden stations. From them, marked hiking trails lead up to the castle. Get to the place on foot for about an hour.

History

Documents, like local legends, say that the castle of Elz (Germany) was built in the twelfth century, during the reign of Friedrich Barbarossa. He belonged to three brothers who lived in it together with their families. Until the fourteenth century the lords of this area were independent, but then the land was conquered by the archbishop of the city of Trier, and they became his vassals.

In the Renaissance, most of the castle's premises were built, designed for the comfortable life of its owners. It is a house with richly decorated rooms and halls. Thus, from a military fortress the castle turned into a picturesque palace. But over time it decayed. One of its owners (Count Carl von Eltz) carefully restored it in the 19th century, spending a huge amount of money on it. At our prices, it would be eight million euros. The current owner, who is a direct descendant of aristocrats who have already owned the castle for eight hundred years, has completely provided it for excursions.

Architecture of the castle

This masterpiece of medieval architecture was originally built as a defensive structure to protect the road between the mountains of Eifel and the Moselle River. As already mentioned above, initially there lived three brothers, each of which gave rise to a separate family.

The castle of Elz (Germany) was built in such a way as to satisfy the tastes of each family. They expanded and decorated their homes the way they liked, and in the end the palace acquired a completely bizarre appearance. At present, he has retained all of his architectural layers: from the Middle Ages to the Resesance, as well as the inner filling. That is why it is interesting for numerous tourists.

The courtyard of the castle is made in Romanesque style. The remains of the palace and part of the living quarters (Plattel's house) date back to the same period. Eight towers up to forty meters high are built at different times. The castle is open for visits between April and October. The entrance fee is 10 euros.

Rübenah's House

This complex of premises was built in the fifteenth century and bears the name of that branch of the genus to which it belonged. Rübenah's house has eight floors. The castle of Elz (Germany) inside is very richly decorated, and it can be seen by viewing this part of it.

In the main hall of the house there is an exhibition of real medieval and captured Turkish weapons in combat readiness. She appeared here in the 19th century, when the romantic fashion for chivalry began. There are also early firearms here: small cannons, arquebuses. In the lower hall, the living rooms of wealthy German aristocrats were preserved: real fireplaces, carpets of Flemish work, paintings of old masters, including Lucas Cranach the Elder. The upper room is a bedroom with sixteenth-century furniture with an antique bed under the embroidered canopy and walls painted with frescoes. Interestingly, on one side of this bedroom is built a chapel, and on the other - a toilet.

Rodendorf House and Treasury

The castle of Elz (Germany) in this part is more ancient. Some buildings of this house were built in the thirteenth century, and others - at the end of the fifteenth century. In total there are ten floors. Attention of tourists attracts a special room of electors. We are talking about the princes-electors, who could vote for the candidacy of the German emperor. Two representatives of the Elz family were such electors, and here you can look at their portraits.

A large hall, where the holidays were held, which the whole family was going to, is simply magnificent. The castle of Elz (Germany), a photo inside which to do is forbidden, in this part is decorated most luxuriously. Carpets, weapons, items for feasting, carving, symbolizing family secrets, paintings, murals, chests - all these exhibits are very eloquent.

Also interesting is the bedroom, which is called the room of the princess. Here is the oldest bed in Germany. Legend has it that the proprietress Agnes Elz defended this castle from a rapist who wanted to force her to marry him. Amazing and the hall of the banners with a ribbed gothic vault tiled stove. Here, too, feasts and celebrations were held.

In the Rodendorf house there is also a real medieval kitchen with furniture of the fifteenth century. And in the treasury of the castle you can see more than 500 items made of silver, gold and precious stones. This is the only place inside where you can take pictures.

Elz Castle (Germany): reviews of tourists

Travelers recommend to choose for a sightseeing tour a fine day or to be reserved by a raincoat and good footwear. In bad weather, approaches to the lock can be slippery. The very medieval structure visitors call a wonderful, unusual and fabulous, like a Christmas carrot. Inside you can only get with a guide, so there can be queues at the entrance. Those who want to see the castle are advised to come early.