This Unique Castle Has Been One Family’s Home Through 34 Generations and for Over 800 Years

The story of Eltz Castle is a fascinating one that spans over eight centuries and 34 generations of the same family.

The castle is located on a rocky spur in the Eltz forest, surrounded by the Elzbach river in Germany. It was first mentioned in 1157, when a deed of donation was signed by Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. The castle was divided into three parts in 1268, each belonging to a different branch of the Eltz family: the Rübenach, the Rodendorf and the Kempenich. The castle survived unscathed during the Thirty Years' War and the French Revolution, thanks to the diplomatic skills and alliances of its owners. 

The castle is still owned and inhabited by the Eltz family today, who have preserved its medieval architecture and furnishings. The castle opened for tourism sometime around 1820. A team of 100 staff now runs the site as a business subsidized by government funding, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year searching for a unique insight into German architecture and castle life over almost nine incredible centuries. 

Today, the castle is open to visitors from April to November, offering guided tours through its richly decorated rooms and halls. The castle also hosts a treasury and an armory, displaying a collection of weapons, armor, goldsmiths' work and porcelain from various periods. 

The following video will take you to the most beautiful castle in Europe. Enjoy your watching!