Eltz Castle Hike: The Eltzer Castle Panorama Dream Path

The Eltz Castle Hike: Embedded in wild and romantic nature, Burg Eltz sticks out from the green of the Eltz Valley. The famous castle corresponds to the ideas of a fairytale castle and has developed into an absolute Instagram hotspot in recent years. This doesn’t surprise me since it is considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in Germany.

The parking lot and the shuttle bus often lets you forget that it is also beautiful around the castle, because the Eltz Valley is one of the most beautiful hiking routes in Germany.

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Today I’d like to show you that Eltz Castle is not only suitable as a photo motif, but also as a day-filling excursion destination.

We visited the Eltz Castle during spring and hiked the 12.6 km premium hiking trail called Eltzer Burgpanorama.

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Traumpfad Eltzer Burgpanorama

The Eltzer Burgpanorama hiking trail is one of the 26 Traumpfade (dream trails) in the Rhine-Moselle-Eifel region. The excellent circular hiking trails are half-day or day hikes that invite you to discover the wonderful landscape with its rich natural monuments and cultural beauties.

They oftentimes lead through dense forest and volcanic landscapes, over high plateaus and steep vineyards, past medieval castles and palaces and present spectacular views of the Rhine and Moselle valleys.

Key Facts at a glance:

Length: 12.6 kilometers
Elevation gain: 397 meters
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty level: medium
Starting point: Wierschem
Ending point: Wierschem

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Directions

The starting point of the hike to Eltz Castle is the paid parking spot in Wierschem.

First of all, the path leads for quite a while on agricultural farm paths, which can be quite mushy in autumn and winter as well as after rainy days.

Right from the start, the road goes steadily uphill until you are rewarded with a wonderful view of the Elzbach Valley.

Oftentimes, the first section of the hike is described as monotonous. However, if you come here at the end of August, countless trees will grow on the roadside, bearing their ripe fruit.

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As soon as you dive into the shady forest, the Burg Eltz Traumpfad becomes a real treat!

It connects for a short time with the over 100 km long long-distance hiking trail Moselhöhenweg, which leads you to a hill with a view.

While hiking on soft forest floor, you can enjoy the landscape, breathe in the fresh air and take a little break at the Eltzbach. After a while the forest clears and gives a breathtaking view of the beautiful Eltz Castle.

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Practical tips for your hike to Eltz Castle

Starting point & parking

The official starting point of the hike is the hiking parking spot in Wierschem, which is subject to charges. Since it is a circular route, you can of course start your hike at any other point.

A very well-known alternative is the official parking lot at Eltz Castle. Be aware that this spot costs €2 and is completely crowded during weekends. The advantage is that you start and end the hike at Eltz Castle.

Signage & info

The Eltzer Castle hiking trail is very well signposted. Small markings in the form of the dream path logo (white path on an orange background) indicate the direction at all intersections. Access routes are marked with the negative of the dream path logo (orange path on a white background).

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Be sure to pack:

Light hiking shoes

Since you will mostly walk on soft forest floor, you may think that you do not need hiking shoes. Nevertheless, you should not underestimate the distance of almost 13km and you should wear comfortable shoes – or in the best case hiking shoes.

Water

Especially in summer, but also in other seasons, you should not neglect drinking during your hike. The body still loses water and you should therefore pack around 3-4 liters of water.

Camera

If you like taking pictures, you should definitely bring your camera with you. Remember that you will see the castle at best two times – and then in a different light.

Small snacks

In between, you should treat yourself to a break with small snacks. The following are particularly suitable here: nuts, fruits, granola bars or homemade muffins.

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