Eltz Castle

Deep within the lush, wooded valley of the Eltzbach river, hidden from the modern world, stands Boorg Elts. Often described as the most beautiful castle in Europe, it is the quintessence of the German 'fairytale' aesthetic. …

As you pass through the main gate and enter the inner courtyard, you are standing in the social and architectural heart of the castle. The space is tight, vertical, and incredibly atmospheric, with half-timbered houses and stone…

Entering the Knights' Hall, or Rit-ter-zaal, we step into the castle's primary ceremonial space. This room was where the various branches of the Eltz family gathered for feasts, political discussions, and legal matters. …

Ascending into the private quarters, we reach the master bedroom, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the domestic life of the medieval nobility. This is one of the most beautifully decorated rooms in the castle, featuring…

The castle's private chapel is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture and engineering. Because of the limited space on the rock spindle, the chapel was built as a 'bay window'—a small, lacy structure that juts out over the…

Our tour of the interior concludes in the Ro-den-dorf Kitchen, a space that reveals the sheer logistical effort required to run a medieval castle. Dating from the early sixteenth century, this is one of three kitchens that served…

To truly understand the wealth and status of the Eltz family, one must visit the Treasury and Armory. This collection is one of the most significant of its kind in Europe, containing over five hundred pieces of gold and silver…

As we walk back out across the stone bridge and re-enter the forest, take a final look back at the towers of Boorg Elts. We have journeyed through a space that is a rare exception in European history—a fortification that was…