Discover the 13 most breathtaking sights in Rhineland-Palatinate!

Discover the 13 most breathtaking sights in Rhineland-Palatinate!

Rhineland-Palatinate is one of Germany's secret treasures, and not without reason: the region shines with a multitude of sights that perfectly combine history and beauty. One of the most prominent attractions is the imposing Eltz Castle. It has sat intact on a rock in the Eltz Forest since the 12th century and is considered a prime example of a German knight's castle. This medieval fortress is not only beautiful to look at, but also houses a treasury that showcases works of art spanning eight centuries.

But Eltz Castle has even more to offer: It lies picturesquely between Koblenz and Trier in the hills above the Moselle valley, surrounded by the Elzbach and a nature reserve worth protecting. The castle is a prime example of a Ganerbenburg, which is divided into several inheriting family wings and offers a total of over 100 rooms that were inhabited by around 100 family members. This makes a visit particularly exciting, also because you can delve deep into the history, which goes back to the time of the Holy Roman Empire.

The history of Eltz Castle

The origins of Eltz Castle go back to a simple manor house from the Roman period, which was later replaced by a Romanesque keep. This castle was already an important fortress in the Holy Roman Empire in 1157 and survived many sieges, including the well-known Eltz Feud in the 14th century. Interestingly, the castle was not destroyed during the War of the Palatinate Succession, which is thanks to the influence of the Eltz family.

In the 19th century it was extensively restored by Count Karl zu Eltz. The last restoration work took place between 2009 and 2012, with the high costs of around 4.4 million euros being supported by various funding. Today, visitors are allowed to tour the different wings of the castle from April to November, including the armory and the treasury. Another highlight is the fact that the castle was depicted on the German 500 DM note between 1965 and 1992.

Other sights in Rhineland-Palatinate

Eltz Castle is just the tip of the iceberg. One of the other charming sights is this German corner in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle flow together. The Kaiser Wilhelm Monument, one of the largest equestrian monuments in Germany, sits here and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Those too Porta Nigra in Trier, a Roman city gate that is over 1,800 years old, and the majestic Mainz Cathedral, which has shaped the cityscape for over 1,000 years, attract visitors from all over the world.

For nature lovers are the Palatinate Forest with its over 12,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails as well as the spectacular Geierlay suspension rope bridge a must. This bridge is 100 meters above the ground and is a popular destination for those looking for a bit of a thrill.

In the Rhineland-Palatinate So there is a lot to discover and experience - a unique mix of history, nature and adventure that captivates every visitor!