I worked there as a student. It was magical when I came in the mornings with the sun just up and no tourists. One time we had a dinner for all the staff and I walked the long road up to my car in total darkness. That was scary. Still one of the best jobs I've had, the people working there are so friendly and it's amazing to be part of history.
@@SirenaSpades oh wow. Jealous? Maybe next time you get invited to dinner at an ancient German castle, tell us how composed and perfectly you planned the late night forest walk home and in the meantime, let people have their moment. Like going to a staff dinner automatically equals survival prepping.
Being able to trace your family back 900 and some years and having to be part of such a long history is amazing. Having something tangible to show for almost a millennia is a gift.
My family tree is longer than that. It's really not that big a deal. Just names, places, occupations, etc. written on paper, along with photos from times when that was possible. It's really no different than reading a history book in school.
@@mynameisworldactually it is unique. For individuals who were colonised, and societies lineage that were forced to assimilate, it is not a possibility.
@@mynameisworldIt is quite unique, even in Europe. If you can legitimately trace your lineage to the middle ages that is quite impressive, even for a noble family, not to mention common people. For example the earliest trace of my family can be found in 1251
If it’s his family castle does it cost money to maintain it or keep it up? Is that why he needs tourist, guests, and visitors? That’s sad. Is he at risk of losing it if he doesn’t have xxx amount of dollars? Stupid but legitimate questions.
@@augustdelacremewell he has the rights to his family castle. It’s a very old and large structure and likely requires very regular maintenance to keep wood from rotting and the structure itself from crumbling which for something this old and size would be very expensive. I wonder what happened to his family’s wealth
I love Count Eltz’s affable, friendly and humble personality. It’s amazing that his family can keep this castle in the family for so long AND maintains it so well. It even survived WW1 & WW2!
@@ramonafaur. What kind of question is that?! You think only buildings out in the open are bombed? Have you never seen an airplane fly over? Even in WWI it could have been obliterated with bombing.
I have to admit I feel a bit of envy. Not even about the castle itself, which looks rather uncomfortable, but as the owner said himself: *the sense of belonging!* Being able to call your home a place where your family has lived for so many generations must surely have a positive impact on you. 👍❤
I get the feeling they do it not just out of privacy but to preserve the mysticism of the rest of the property. Since theirs is modernized and possible not that luxurious (judging by how humble the owner seems), it would probably take a bit out of the experience of visiting the castle, if you knew that part of it is just a regular home fit into the frame of a castle. It's probably a nice place to live, but too distinct from the setting.
I couldn't find a single photo online and now I'm so curious! I'm imagining going through a heavy wooden door and suddenly you're in a mid-century living room or something 😂 I'm dying to know what it's actually like.
I own a castle like this. The trouble is staffing. They get lost and we have to send out search parties. Two butlers have gone missing even in the past year, no trace.
Castles weren't just fancy single family homes, they had extended families, workers, servants, knights, travelers, distinguished guests and all manner of other folk constantly pouring in and ond out of the gates, milling around the grounds, staying the night or working there. They were living structures, with complex social functions, and this one has managed to stay alive by adapting to the modern world and keeping its social functionality.
I think it is important to keep buildings like this around and alive. Knowing history helps us to understand today. Plus, it's just delightful and inspiring to see the great things people have built in the past. We are living in a time of great priviledge in that most buildings like this are open to the public to give us all joy.
this is probably the best way to preserve it too. There's certain people that would not do the upkeep with that castle if they had it. Most people are uncivilized and the wrong family living there would just destroy it
My dream castle would look something like the beauty and the beast castle Vincent cassell Movie. The interior would have opulence and big columns some curved ones aswell. The exterior would be very high with large tall windows. I only dream on living in one. Maybe one day who knows.
@@jdos5643. I was blessed to have visited two castles while visiting England and Ireland. While they are beautiful, inside and out, they are cold and damp. It feels like your inner warmth is being sucked out of you! I visited during the warmer months, wore a coat inside and was stilled chilled. I think it would have been miserable to live in a castle year round.
10:58 This chopping block, if it was placed there before the house was completed in 1311, is at least 711 years old! That means also, estimated by the diameter of the block, the tree that it is made of would have been alive around the year 1161! I think that is just fascinating to think about.
Loved this guy. Very humble and appreciative of the position he lucked into. Seems to be taking good care of the place and obviously likes to share his knowledge… props.
To really show us how it is to live in a castle they should've filmed the quarters that the present owners actually use. What they shown us is so obviously a museum and a tourist attraction and not a place of residence.
Your curiosity is understandable, but the Kempenich house on the castle grounds is still used privately by the Eltz family and therefore remains closed to visitors.
@@DWTravel Eventually there are some places that are not accessible to everyone and visitors. Kempenich Castle is as older as our Mont Saint Michel located in Normandy. We French do have castles too and most of them are luxurious and well preserved. Why don't you check them out ? Want to explore our Palace of Versailles ? Actually a Baroque/Renaissance style Architecture
It's a bit understandable, tbh. It would be weird to showcase my house plan to the entire world, specially when you're a somewhat better-off person that could be targeted by shady people.
My hometown is 10 minutes away from this 😂 bit weird to see an international documentation about it. So many friends of mine worked there as a tourist guides. And my mom has often done some flower garments for the castle 😂
What an amazingly personable owner (Lord) of the castle, very humble. I can't even imagine the cost of upkeeping a structure like that, but it certainly is beautiful!
I was very taken by his demeanor. Such a likable person! I know it is an honor and privilege to have been born into such a family, as with any royal family, but at the same time, their lives are mapped out for them at birth. They don’t have the same freedom to choose what they are going to do with their lives the way non-royals do. And heaven forbid that they don’t maintain the path expected. It is more responsibility than I would have wanted.
@@merk9569Imagine having the course of your life decided by others while no longer having the economic benefits of being a wealthy royal to console yourself with... He seems surprisingly well adjusted despite that as well as passionate about the history of the castle...
@@avamasqueradehe doesn't have royal responsibilities like that, and besides the castle is self sustainable, and probably profitable, with having tours, and restaurants inside, I'm sure goes a long way to paying for it's own upkeep. Not like there's tons of these around that you can actually visit
A lovely gentleman with great character. If that is any indication of what the family is like, no wonder they have been able to manage their estate for so long. Thank you.
@@serlancerlot315 Depends on the profession, mostly. Most Germans learn some English at school, but many quickly forget how to speak soon after leaving school. Unless they need it for work, or keep it up with international friends online.
@@serlancerlot315 Not exactly. While most Germans English is fine - I guess he either spent some time abroad or got his practice from being a tour guide for his accent to be this smooth.
The upkeep, electric, roof repairs, masonry and water, in a building of that size must be insane but grats to the family for preserving such a beautiful piece of history.
I have a friend whose grandfather was a German count (he died a few years ago) and sold his castle for that reason. The upkeep was around a million Euros per year. Burg Eltz might even be costlier than that. I guess that's why so many owners of castles open them to tourists.
@@joshschneider9766 yeah, well... these aren't the middle ages any more. If you're a noble you can no longer rely on the slave labour of your serfs. Back when they could exploit human beings like that the family surely had no problems with the upkeep of their precious castle.
@@barbarusbloodshed6347 I've been to castle Eltz last year and asked one of the guides. The family has around 100 seasonal workers there. The entry prices do not even cover half the maintenance costs. They do pump a lot of money into it.
I visited this castle back in 1989 and was wowed by its beauty. Of all the castles I visited while stationed in Germany, this was hands down my favorite!
If you've ever worked at a year-round camp in a mountaintop forest, you'd see it differently! 😂 The worst was when I was the last staff member working late that night and had to walk back to my cabin alone. We had all kinds of wild animals that I was always afraid of seeing along the way, in the total darkness, no city lights in sight, just my little red-light flashlight, no cell phone service, far from reachable by any emergency responders... Maybe my experience is part of why her question of what it's like living in this castle fills me with terror!
@@mynameisworld Wow, it does sound terrifying when you put it that way 😆 but also, I'd love to have your job??? Ngl I'd probably just never leave the castle at night
The effort, resources and manpower it would take to maintain a castle like that for hundreds of years is even more insane, and it will only increase as the castle get older.
It takes so many people for a Castle to actually work… a staff of maintenance, restoration work, daily cleaning, cooking, supplies… all those rooms were filled up with Staff and guards and Royalty…
Though in their case it would be more adequate to speak of a "Sippe" - the German equivalent to Scottish Clans, as, as the gentleman hinted at when saying that the kitchen shown belonged to another family, it was build as a shared castle between multiple aristocratic families belonging to the same branch
@@avamasquerade the first parts of ghe castle were probably built at the beginning of the 12th century by the family Eltz on a trading route. They were first mentioned in a document by Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa in 1157 and their clan was divided in 1268 between the brothers Elias, Wilhelm and Theoderich. They subdivided their castle and possessions into three families: Eltz-Kempenich "Eltz of the golden lion", Eltz-Rübenach "Eltz of the silver lion" and Eltz-Rodendorf "Eltz of the bull's horns" (after respective wives in their lineage). Eltz-Rodendorf died out over the centuries and the main line of Eltz-Kempenich inherited their part of the castle and in 1815 the Eltz-Rübenach sold their part to the same which has been and still is the sole owner ever since
@@avamasquerade all three lines erected living towers which to this day are named after them, hence the gentleman in the video refering to the kitchen one open to the public as belonging to another family (their part is still used by them privately and not open to the public)
I worked at the castle too. I was even present in the day the video was filmed🤗. I did not have the same job as Marie in the comments though. I worked as a tour guide and seeing the state of the castle and the soroundings change throughout the day gives a great idea of how the ancestors of family eltz might have spent their days. the anually dinners with the whole team are one of the nicest things. it brings everyone together and the ambience is absolutely otherworldly.
What a delight this tour has been! The young lady and Herr Count von Eltz both speak such beautiful cultured English, making it a sheer joy to listen to! Many thanks to Deutsche Welle for kindly putting this together and keeping up with the finest of German culture and tradition! Danke sehr!
Us moderns can easily imagine running off to such a "secluded" place and living a somewhat isolated and idyllic life here, which colors our idea of what life and this place would have actually been like in medieval times, when survival genuinely required a full on community. It is likely that in this - and most - castle's haydays, they would have been much more like villages onto themselves; although without the openness, government, free-trade and citizenship of an actual village, town or city. Take just having that morning cup of coffee and breakfast he describes. Easy for a modern to do, alone, but not back then. The amount of people required for that to happen is almost a lost concept on us, because we go to - or order - our coffee (already ground), sliced bacon and clean cartoned eggs ready-to-go at the grocery store. All the people and processes necessary for such simple things as breakfast are entirely invisible to us moderns, but back then all of this had to exist within a relatively small area, and with such a remote castle, were likely taken care of right there. Somewhere in the castle or on the grounds - not seen in the video - we would likely find animal pens and coops as well as some form of butchery room separate from the main kitchens. And this wouldn't have simply been a little hobbyist farm, but a full-on operation requiring a handful of dedicated people who either lived in the castle or within very close distance. Just keeping the place heated alone would have required a dedicated team to acquire wood-fuel and manage the many fireplaces.
Yup a steward to take your order and relay it Someone to feed the cows and someone to milk them Another servant to run errands from kitchens to living quarters a cook who would prepare your tea and another to look after the supplies
It's important to remember that back then the lords/nobles were often what are the modern equivalent of farmers. They didn't plow the fields, but they made sure everything was up and running. Otherwise crop yields would drop and they'd go broke. In the movies noble just sat around doing nothing, but for mid level nobles this wasn't an option. They couldn't delegate running of the farms.
I went to Burg Eltz 18 years ago when we lived in Germany and there were not that many people at the time. It was a beautiful castle and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The surround area of Mosel river is as beautiful as castle. I miss Germany so much.
@@priscilladanley8722 The castle is reachable by car. There is a parking spot about 10 minutes from the castle. While you have to walk the rest of the way, the owner can drive.
We visited Burg Eltz in early seventies. The day we visited the German Air Force was flying simulated sorties and runs up and down the valley with fighter jets. The contrast was stunning. One of the most beautiful and well preserved castles.
@HeartlandTuber had a similar experience in 1988... In a beautiful mountain castle, the tourist program Jagdfalken was runnig, so we had been watching a show with falcons while "iron falcons" were taking the skies... It was lovely!
@@samuelsamu8340 Yep, we visited in 1990, unfortunately 'just missing the end of the tourist season so it was closed, so we climbed the outer guard tower instead, which was pretty fascinating in its own right. People must have been significantly shorter back in the day! It was strange taking in such a beautiful scene with the sound of modern fighters making runs the next valley over.
The Lord of the castle seemed very gracious and humble and from the way he presented himself, he very much comes across as a Lord. The Castle is in good hands.
For those not familiair with german titles: "von und zu" (from and at) means that in this case Jakob is a member of the Eltz family (that's what the 'von' is for) who is so still living at the ancestral home that carries the title (that's what the 'zu' is for)
when she asked him where he lives he was very careful with his answer. i wonder if titles and financial matters rely on the family being there a certain amount of time per year. just a wild guess. he was very "dodgy" with his answer.
@@buddsidewinder7778 There is no title relying on anything. Because since 1919 titles don't exist anymore in Germany. Nobility/aristocracy was abolished back then completely and does not exist anymore. Basically when that happened former aristocrats were allowed to carry over some old titles as part of normal family names. But there are no titles anymore. Today he is really only a guy with a slightly unusual, more rare and longer family name than most and his family history is probably better documented than that of other families. And in this case he happens to inherit a castle. But of course the laws of right of inheritance to him are the same as for any other German citizen. German civil law of course applies to everyone the same.
@@buddsidewinder7778 The title is part of the surname. The count is probably aware of privacy issues as well as possible legal issues. He probably has two or three other homes. The German state funds or funded some ongoing maintainance and repair work according to two websites (Burg Eltz's own site). But the ticket sales probably bring much of the money required to keep the castle running. There are two castellans who actually run the castle, the husband being the son of the previous castellans. Many local people who work here are descended from earlier workers. The Eltz family itself moved away to Vukovar, Croatia 1922-1944 (widowed Countess Sophie and her son Jakob) and again post 1990s. Countess Sophie preferred Vukovar where they have another castle, destroyed in the 1990s civil war but since rebuilt. Source: two websites about Burg Eltz and two about the Eltz family
The privacy and the safety of that family would be greatly compromised. He was a wonderful gracious host and deserves to be treated with utmost respect
@@everywherenowhere6901you live in rural place like me then you would appreciate it more, it takes me 30 mins just to go to a convenience store gas station 😂
I am so glad you asked those questions about how he lives even if some may have seemed silly. You truly wouldn't know how someone like this would live in especially if their family still owned the castle. So great to hear about the history, that it is still around, and to learn they lead very modern lives! Makes total sense.
I can't help but think about how the world has changed (especially politically) during the timeframe the Eltz family has called that beautiful little corner of the world their home. That castle has seen everything from the last of the Crusades to the end of the Cold War which is kind of mind blowing.
We visited in 2017. Our guide told us that it consists of three separate residences for three branches of the family that didn't get along with each other -- or at least as I recall. The kitchen is interesting. The refrigerator being an enclosed recess in the stone wall to keep food cool. Hooks on the ceiling to hang the food from to keep it away from rats and mice. Miniature cannons -- cannon salesmen used miniatures to demonstrate their wares and if you put in an order for cannons you could keep the model. Going through the armory I saw catapult pistols for the first time -- hand-held catapults; I had never even imagined such a thing and there they were.
@@educationforblind6362 I think your confusing Burg Eltz with Reichsburg Cochem. Reichsburg Cochem was destroyed some centuries ago and rebuilt in the 1800's. Burg Eltz was built in 1100-1300 and is to this day original.
I lived in an old stable masters house, that was part of a castle up the road. It had very thick stone walls. I lived there for 2 years. I can sum up what it was it was like to live there in one word. Cold.
Could you please share with us the reason why you could live in the castle for two years? Is there any other interesting stories you could also share with us? Thank you. : )
Yes, there's a reason that it's closed in wintertime. Even in spring and fall it's quite cold there, because obviously they don't light fires in the rooms for tours anymore.
I love this castle❤ My grandmother was a German War Bride. My grandfather met her in Germany at her family’s dining room table cloth business. They fell in love & he brought her back to The U. S.A. She only had a month to say her good byes to family. The Eltz castle was 4hrs from where she lived.
Awesome location. And what a Fantastic piece of living history where the same family has resided there for 800 years. Given Germany’s history over that period it’s amazing the place is still standing. That is testament to the skill of the family’s mastery in the arts of diplomacy and getting on with your neighbours. Respect ✊
I am from Czech republic and we also have a lot of beautiful castles and chateaux and I really enjoy visiting them. But this castle is on my top castle list for long time and I hope I´ll visit soon.
My husband and I were so honored to be able to visit this absolutely magical castle in May of 2017… it is one of the most unbelievably beautiful locations I have ever seen! One can hardly believe it, and the castle it holds, is real! The architecture and the history are mind-boggling, and we are so very grateful to be living in a time when we are actually able to visit such surreal places. Germany is one of our favorite countries to visit. If you love castles, like we do, it is a must for your Bucket List!❤️🏰❤️ And what a treat to meet the lucky man who inherited it! Thank you for this wonderful video… we cannot wait to return for another visit!😃👏🏻❤️🏰
I had the opportunity to visit that beautiful castle back in 2018 guided my German colleagues, it is so amazing and impressive surrounded by such natural beauty of the forest.
The Eltz family had their properties all over Europe, so there is a baroque castle in Croatia in the city of Vukovar, built in 1749. Unfortunately, in 1991 it became a victim of the war and was completely destroyed, but after the war from 2008 to 2011 it was rebuilt and serves as a museum of the city of Vukovar.
The private guided tour by Jakob Graf zu Eltz really elevated this video to something special! Super glad ya'll did such a good job capturing it and that I got to see it.
Cool video! The owner was really informative. When I was younger I thought bigger was better. These days I think it is a bad idea to live in a place that is larger than what you need. Too much cleaning, maintenance, expense. Even if you were really rich and can afford to hire help, you lose your privacy.
Back in 1974 while stationed with the US Army in West Germany our unit commander arranged for a three day marriage retreat for several of the younger married couples in our unit at a remote castle much like this one. Included was the opportunity to retake your marriage vows in the castles chapel.
What a charming and interesting gentleman, I very much enjoyed the tour and imagined myself living in such a beautiful place, although when the discussion turned to upkeep, I kind of freaked out, maintaining a home that old would probably require people with special skills that likely are hard to find, and the cost has got to be mind boggling so I understand why fundraising is probably a full time endeavor.
The castle is so beautiful. We visited the surrounding and the exterior of the castle couple weeks ago as the interior is closed during winter. We contentedly love it.
Places like this always are always fascinating. They make you wonder how life back then was, the people who lived in them, the secrets, the memories… I wonder why the count had a change of trousers in the middle of the tour
Thank you for showing us Eltz castle and to the count for telling us about his family's home! How beautiful ❤️! Now, I have a new place I want to visit!
Thanks for the tour inside. I only saw Eltz castle from the outside when I was bicycling touring Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands about 7 years ago.
@@letsexploreandtravelonadis6424 24.11.22 2129pm Live Gaming replied: "Take me too 😁🤘" and i said: well, that's categorical then - i want to leave this place and settle down....
@@mamakind99 this is not accurate. There no roman fortress in this region, as the claim. There was small castle and the eltz family in 1800s built/expanded on it.
I visited Burg Eltz castle as a young guy in the early 70's... we got a rare tour through the owners part of the castle as well, the floors were absolutely beautiful. There was a delivery truck stuck in the entrance archway so we were captive there while they took the tires off it to get it through, beautiful castle in an awesome location.
He is either extremely tall or she is short. What a beautiful place and so much history to love and enjoy. As much as it takes the tourists to keep the place going, it would be thoroughly annoying to have them all the time, every day, if you were living there on a permanent basis. However, only staying there once in a while isn't much like living there. It is a shame that places like these cannot be completely sustainable. It is the same with Biltmore in the US, while privately owned, it requires tourism to keep it functioning.
I am from kerala, India..we too have lots of traditional buildings, palaces and architectural museums preserved, proud to say so..beautifully photographs of the castle and glad to see the inside of castle well preserved 🙏
In the late 1970's my wife and I live about a 30 minute drive from Berg Eltz. We visited there many times and walked along the Mosel river often. We had a wonderful time living in Germany.
It would be a nice place to visit and maybe stay a night or two but not very practical to live in since it needs continuous upkeep and a large staff. I quite impressed that these castles are so well built that they've survived many centuries. The count seemed to be very kind and humble. 💫
We toured Eltz Castle last July while visiting our son who lives in Trier. We took a train from Trier and then a local bus up to the castle. It was a great day for my wife and I. The tour guide was wonderful and very patient as the group was quite large, I believe around 30-34 people. We plan on going back when we return to Germany this fall. There are so many wonderful villages along the Moselle river and we plan on spending a week visiting each one. Great memories.
The Lord of the castle is an impeccable epitome of chivalry and humbleness. Rooted to his legacy yet modern. The way he talks to the lady…ahhh. What a man he is.
The owner of the castle was so nice 😊 I would have loved to hear about his family and history! My goodness how interesting to hear about his grandmother and great grandmother cooking 🥘 in the kitchen ❤
Fascinating! What an amazing cultural treasure! Very nice to work to put this video together. When I visit Germany, I will be sure to put this destination on my list.
You see how different old money people can be? Just so humble and down to earth. Now compare him with new money people! Can you even imagine the difference? I love the guy! Such a gentleman.
I knew we wouldn't get a look at the modernized quarters, it would take away from the historic feel. But I've visited a much smaller renovated castle/manor with a modern interior and I loved the stark change of eras. It was a fortune to rebuild, they could have built a mansion 3 times the size with the money. But it was amazing!
I thought this was going to show the inside of the castle and how it’s changed to be livable and add modern amenities. Much rather would’ve been able to see more of the castle . Rooms and living areas , what was normal to do during the day. Seems like you can pay for a tour and see the castle and it is just like every other castle around ,but with different artwork and designs
I've spent my career as artist, for almost 40 years in studios that look out, into my backyard. As I live on top of a set of hills at a ski resort in Ontario, Canada I do have a beautiful view and lots of space to hike and wander. But nothing like this, of course. I prefer to be alone and to work without interruption. Something that is difficult when your adult son, his girl and a one year old live with you, and sharing space is just something I have to tolerate. My grandson is just too damn cute to ignore so, it's easy to loose track of what I am doing. Imagining myself working in one of those top floor parapets as a studio, excites me no end. What a space! Quiet, serene and beautiful, I can only imagine what sort of inspiration one could find, in such an amazing, medieval creation. Fantastic! Thanks for the video!
I most definitely recommend visiting Eltz castle. This place is amazing. The hike up is an easy hike and you will pass a farm/restaurant along the way. the parking area for the trail head can be easily missed...very easily. I would suggest getting the GPS coordinates and letting GPS guide you in. Don't be surprised if your car is the only one parked there as most folks take the tram from the nearby city.
I visited this place in 1998. We bought a bottle of Riesling (from the Mosel river valley vineyards of course ) at the entrance to the hiking path and chugged it on the walk. So we were nice and tipsy by the time we got to the entrance. Our friend living in Bonn was so impressed with this place and she had seen many Castles. I also loved Moselkern one of my favorite places in Europe. I only regret turning back before making it to Trier.
If this was my castle, i would DEFINITLY be living in it with my entire family. I lived in Germany for about 5 years in Mannheim and i traveled all over Germany and absolutely loved it to where i never wanted to leave. So i would want to live there as I would WANT to get away from all the "luxuries" of modern life and raise my kids to be a bit "harder" than someone raised in a city or something. It would also make me want to have like 10 kids or something, to really fill out the home, id have plenty of room...lol. Id probably also let my extended family and maybe even friends live there with me. But this would be my home 24/7, as the winters there have GOT TO BE AMAZING. To wake up to views like that covered in snow would be freaken heavenly. Think about waking up in the early morning hours to go hunting, see the smoke rising from the fire places and to hear the sounds of nature echoing off the stone walls. I would definitely leave the castle as is for the most part, but i would also probably HAVE to wire the place up with modern electricity and stuff just so that i wouldn't be completely disconnected from the modern world.
currently it’s a family that lives there but in medieval times it would basically be a city the outskirts would be farms for food supply and the maids helpers and security forces would be housed meaning there would be social hangouts for each class as well, places like these were hubs that’s why they got more powerful as time went on because people would hear that this certain kingdom was a cool place to live so people like go there to live and work
What a beautiful place with such history. I would love to tour a castle. They looks so wonderful, if only walls could talk we would know so many secrets hidden behind the walls.
Whenever I see castles, or even old buildings in general, I always dream about exploring all the mini towers and windows peaking out of the rooftops. You for sure know there's got to be something hidden somewhere as well!
I worked there as a student. It was magical when I came in the mornings with the sun just up and no tourists. One time we had a dinner for all the staff and I walked the long road up to my car in total darkness. That was scary. Still one of the best jobs I've had, the people working there are so friendly and it's amazing to be part of history.
Sounds cool!
Must've been a fascinating experience. You're very lucky...and fortunate.
Really .. It was scary? It's dark where I live at night, too. We have flashlights ;) Perhaps next time bring one.
@@SirenaSpades oh wow. Jealous? Maybe next time you get invited to dinner at an ancient German castle, tell us how composed and perfectly you planned the late night forest walk home and in the meantime, let people have their moment. Like going to a staff dinner automatically equals survival prepping.
@@SirenaSpades
Werewolves.
There's werewolves in Germany.
Being able to trace your family back 900 and some years and having to be part of such a long history is amazing. Having something tangible to show for almost a millennia is a gift.
My family tree is longer than that. It's really not that big a deal. Just names, places, occupations, etc. written on paper, along with photos from times when that was possible. It's really no different than reading a history book in school.
@@mynameisworldactually it is unique. For individuals who were colonised, and societies lineage that were forced to assimilate, it is not a possibility.
@@mynameisworldIt is quite unique, even in Europe. If you can legitimately trace your lineage to the middle ages that is quite impressive, even for a noble family, not to mention common people.
For example the earliest trace of my family can be found in 1251
I’ve found I’m a descendant of the Eltz family back in the 1400’s thanks to my genealogy researches so it’s my family castle too ? 😂😏
@@constance5356 nope... lol
I love that the owner credits all of his guests for him being able to continue owning his family castle.
He has no other option left though
@@himanshuital8848 says who?
He could marry one Lady
wiTh much money +
.. much HisTroy Knowledge ...
If it’s his family castle does it cost money to maintain it or keep it up? Is that why he needs tourist, guests, and visitors? That’s sad. Is he at risk of losing it if he doesn’t have xxx amount of dollars? Stupid but legitimate questions.
@@augustdelacremewell he has the rights to his family castle. It’s a very old and large structure and likely requires very regular maintenance to keep wood from rotting and the structure itself from crumbling which for something this old and size would be very expensive. I wonder what happened to his family’s wealth
@@rainphantom7024 900 years happened bro
I love Count Eltz’s affable, friendly and humble personality. It’s amazing that his family can keep this castle in the family for so long AND maintains it so well. It even survived WW1 & WW2!
There in the woods who could bombarded it?
@@ramonafaur Soldiers could have taken it over and destroyed it.
It even survived Louis XIV....
@@ramonafaur. What kind of question is that?! You think only buildings out in the open are bombed? Have you never seen an airplane fly over? Even in WWI it could have been obliterated with bombing.
@@merk9569 Calm down. Not everybody knows the terror of war. I know. That's why I can calmly answer the question.
I have to admit I feel a bit of envy. Not even about the castle itself, which looks rather uncomfortable, but as the owner said himself: *the sense of belonging!* Being able to call your home a place where your family has lived for so many generations must surely have a positive impact on you. 👍❤
The owner seemed very humble and I thoroughly enjoyed the information he shared so graciously.
The true rich people (and I'm not talking of only moneywise...) are humble. They don't need Ray Ban or a Corvette to BE.
The people that are this type of rich are well aware they have wealth, but they don't feel the need to throw it in people's faces, it's a nice change.
I don't think he was the owner.
@@maddie4077 4:25
Nice flex! Would you like to go back to my place later, and explore my castle? 🤪
Mr. Von Eltz is very fortunate to preserve the legacy and soul of this masterpiece of German culture. He seems a very down-the-earth kind of guy.
@@Dutchtreat-pn3cj Is it you, Mr. Von Eltz?
I respect their need for privacy, but gosh i would love to see the modernized sections of the castle the family lives in!
Same
I get the feeling they do it not just out of privacy but to preserve the mysticism of the rest of the property. Since theirs is modernized and possible not that luxurious (judging by how humble the owner seems), it would probably take a bit out of the experience of visiting the castle, if you knew that part of it is just a regular home fit into the frame of a castle. It's probably a nice place to live, but too distinct from the setting.
I couldn't find a single photo online and now I'm so curious! I'm imagining going through a heavy wooden door and suddenly you're in a mid-century living room or something 😂 I'm dying to know what it's actually like.
I own a castle like this. The trouble is staffing. They get lost and we have to send out search parties. Two butlers have gone missing even in the past year, no trace.
@@malcolmabram2957RIP to the butlers and sincere condolences to their respective families, friends and acquaintances.
Castles weren't just fancy single family homes, they had extended families, workers, servants, knights, travelers, distinguished guests and all manner of other folk constantly pouring in and ond out of the gates, milling around the grounds, staying the night or working there. They were living structures, with complex social functions, and this one has managed to stay alive by adapting to the modern world and keeping its social functionality.
Yes! It would not have been peaceful at all. Quite noisy and smelly, in fact.
I think it is important to keep buildings like this around and alive. Knowing history helps us to understand today. Plus, it's just delightful and inspiring to see the great things people have built in the past. We are living in a time of great priviledge in that most buildings like this are open to the public to give us all joy.
Well said!
Well put
this is probably the best way to preserve it too. There's certain people that would not do the upkeep with that castle if they had it. Most people are uncivilized and the wrong family living there would just destroy it
My dream castle would look something like the beauty and the beast castle Vincent cassell Movie. The interior would have opulence and big columns some curved ones aswell. The exterior would be very high with large tall windows. I only dream on living in one. Maybe one day who knows.
@@jdos5643. I was blessed to have visited two castles while visiting England and Ireland. While they are beautiful, inside and out, they are cold and damp. It feels like your inner warmth is being sucked out of you! I visited during the warmer months, wore a coat inside and was stilled chilled. I think it would have been miserable to live in a castle year round.
10:58 This chopping block, if it was placed there before the house was completed in 1311, is at least 711 years old! That means also, estimated by the diameter of the block, the tree that it is made of would have been alive around the year 1161! I think that is just fascinating to think about.
There were plenty of trees like that to choose from back then
Possibly the chopping block was brought in through the window before it was finished, whilst it was still a hole in the wall.
@@richardcarter5314 That's what i thought xD They could also just take out the window and fit it right in than put the window back. . xD
Your clever.😐
It is good for dendrochronology
Loved this guy. Very humble and appreciative of the position he lucked into. Seems to be taking good care of the place and obviously likes to share his knowledge… props.
What a polite man
Cuz these are the old rich, not new rich 😊
@@EVL-xj5vc As in, those whose ancestors got rich via feudalism and totalitarian regime power grab?
great guy! and based on the gal's questions, he doesn't live his personal life as if the year is 1423.
@@EVL-xj5vc No. new rich are obnoxious. Old rich usually take it for granted and have a massive sense of entitlement. He’s refreshingly grounded.
To really show us how it is to live in a castle they should've filmed the quarters that the present owners actually use. What they shown us is so obviously a museum and a tourist attraction and not a place of residence.
Your curiosity is understandable, but the Kempenich house on the castle grounds is still used privately by the Eltz family and therefore remains closed to visitors.
@@DWTravel Eventually there are some places that are not accessible to everyone and visitors.
Kempenich Castle is as older as our Mont Saint Michel located in Normandy.
We French do have castles too and most of them are luxurious and well preserved.
Why don't you check them out ?
Want to explore our Palace of Versailles ?
Actually a Baroque/Renaissance style Architecture
@@christophermichaelclarence6003 been to Versailles. awestruck 😉
It's a bit understandable, tbh. It would be weird to showcase my house plan to the entire world, specially when you're a somewhat better-off person that could be targeted by shady people.
@@Gabriel87100 If I am wealthy and can afford a Manor. I wouldn't mind to show it to the World
My hometown is 10 minutes away from this 😂 bit weird to see an international documentation about it. So many friends of mine worked there as a tourist guides. And my mom has often done some flower garments for the castle 😂
Not a bad place to live! 🌞
How fortunate you are- here in America we have no immediate access to any sort of experience.
@@kellyalcaraz9116What do you mean? Isn’t there museums, national parks, different courses you can take etc
What an amazingly personable owner (Lord) of the castle, very humble. I can't even imagine the cost of upkeeping a structure like that, but it certainly is beautiful!
I was very taken by his demeanor. Such a likable person! I know it is an honor and privilege to have been born into such a family, as with any royal family, but at the same time, their lives are mapped out for them at birth. They don’t have the same freedom to choose what they are going to do with their lives the way non-royals do. And heaven forbid that they don’t maintain the path expected. It is more responsibility than I would have wanted.
@@merk9569Imagine having the course of your life decided by others while no longer having the economic benefits of being a wealthy royal to console yourself with... He seems surprisingly well adjusted despite that as well as passionate about the history of the castle...
@@avamasqueradehe doesn't have royal responsibilities like that, and besides the castle is self sustainable, and probably profitable, with having tours, and restaurants inside, I'm sure goes a long way to paying for it's own upkeep. Not like there's tons of these around that you can actually visit
I'll be the sort of journalist who'd ask how much he'd spend in it yearly 😂
A lovely gentleman with great character. If that is any indication of what the family is like, no wonder they have been able to manage their estate for so long. Thank you.
I wonder how many women checked his ring finger (including me) throughout this interview? 😍 LOL
Beautiful
Is it usual for a German to speak so well in English?
@@serlancerlot315 Depends on the profession, mostly. Most Germans learn some English at school, but many quickly forget how to speak soon after leaving school. Unless they need it for work, or keep it up with international friends online.
@@serlancerlot315 Not exactly. While most Germans English is fine - I guess he either spent some time abroad or got his practice from being a tour guide for his accent to be this smooth.
The upkeep, electric, roof repairs, masonry and water, in a building of that size must be insane but grats to the family for preserving such a beautiful piece of history.
I have a friend whose grandfather was a German count (he died a few years ago) and sold his castle for that reason.
The upkeep was around a million Euros per year.
Burg Eltz might even be costlier than that. I guess that's why so many owners of castles open them to tourists.
That's why it's a museum and the family lives in that smaller building in front of it ;)
ikr
@@joshschneider9766 yeah, well... these aren't the middle ages any more.
If you're a noble you can no longer rely on the slave labour of your serfs.
Back when they could exploit human beings like that the family surely had no problems with the upkeep of their precious castle.
@@barbarusbloodshed6347 I've been to castle Eltz last year and asked one of the guides. The family has around 100 seasonal workers there. The entry prices do not even cover half the maintenance costs. They do pump a lot of money into it.
The Count was a charming host, free of hubris, masterful at speaking English. My highest regards to him!
I visited this castle back in 1989 and was wowed by its beauty. Of all the castles I visited while stationed in Germany, this was hands down my favorite!
12 year old me visited the castle in 1986 when it was still part of West Germany. It's just as I remember it. Very impressive.
The fact that you have to walk through a forest to get there is so enchanting! I wish I could experience living inside 😢
If you've ever worked at a year-round camp in a mountaintop forest, you'd see it differently! 😂 The worst was when I was the last staff member working late that night and had to walk back to my cabin alone. We had all kinds of wild animals that I was always afraid of seeing along the way, in the total darkness, no city lights in sight, just my little red-light flashlight, no cell phone service, far from reachable by any emergency responders... Maybe my experience is part of why her question of what it's like living in this castle fills me with terror!
@@mynameisworld Wow, it does sound terrifying when you put it that way 😆 but also, I'd love to have your job??? Ngl I'd probably just never leave the castle at night
It’s only for a few minutes, there’s actually a road there the owners drive straight to it. Was there last week
Or horrifying that's how all horror movies start
The effort, resources and manpower it took to build that castle is mind boggling!
The effort, resources and manpower it would take to maintain a castle like that for hundreds of years is even more insane, and it will only increase as the castle get older.
@@aclock2Thanks to Tourists
@@aclock2 Perhaps not. Better building materials for repairs will probably last longer than the original material.
It takes so many people for a Castle to actually work… a staff of maintenance, restoration work, daily cleaning, cooking, supplies… all those rooms were filled up with Staff and guards and Royalty…
What a nice guy that owns the place. If anyone deserves to live in a castle, seems like it should be him
it's incredible that family has been able to maintain that property for 800 years. what a daunting task.
Though in their case it would be more adequate to speak of a "Sippe" - the German equivalent to Scottish Clans, as, as the gentleman hinted at when saying that the kitchen shown belonged to another family, it was build as a shared castle between multiple aristocratic families belonging to the same branch
@@hmvollbanane1259Now *that* is fascinating! I need to know more immediately..
@@avamasquerade the first parts of ghe castle were probably built at the beginning of the 12th century by the family Eltz on a trading route. They were first mentioned in a document by Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa in 1157 and their clan was divided in 1268 between the brothers Elias, Wilhelm and Theoderich. They subdivided their castle and possessions into three families: Eltz-Kempenich "Eltz of the golden lion", Eltz-Rübenach "Eltz of the silver lion" and Eltz-Rodendorf "Eltz of the bull's horns" (after respective wives in their lineage).
Eltz-Rodendorf died out over the centuries and the main line of Eltz-Kempenich inherited their part of the castle and in 1815 the Eltz-Rübenach sold their part to the same which has been and still is the sole owner ever since
@@avamasquerade all three lines erected living towers which to this day are named after them, hence the gentleman in the video refering to the kitchen one open to the public as belonging to another family (their part is still used by them privately and not open to the public)
Lucky too. Things like property tax end up pushing out long time family owners of properties.
I worked at the castle too. I was even present in the day the video was filmed🤗.
I did not have the same job as Marie in the comments though. I worked as a tour guide and seeing the state of the castle and the soroundings change throughout the day gives a great idea of how the ancestors of family eltz might have spent their days. the anually dinners with the whole team are one of the nicest things. it brings everyone together and the ambience is absolutely otherworldly.
Ist Herr von Eltz dann dabei? Sozusagen ein Firmenessen mit Chef?
What a delight this tour has been! The young lady and Herr Count von Eltz both speak such beautiful cultured English, making it a sheer joy to listen to!
Many thanks to Deutsche Welle for kindly putting this together and keeping up with the finest of German culture and tradition! Danke sehr!
Us moderns can easily imagine running off to such a "secluded" place and living a somewhat isolated and idyllic life here, which colors our idea of what life and this place would have actually been like in medieval times, when survival genuinely required a full on community.
It is likely that in this - and most - castle's haydays, they would have been much more like villages onto themselves; although without the openness, government, free-trade and citizenship of an actual village, town or city.
Take just having that morning cup of coffee and breakfast he describes. Easy for a modern to do, alone, but not back then. The amount of people required for that to happen is almost a lost concept on us, because we go to - or order - our coffee (already ground), sliced bacon and clean cartoned eggs ready-to-go at the grocery store. All the people and processes necessary for such simple things as breakfast are entirely invisible to us moderns, but back then all of this had to exist within a relatively small area, and with such a remote castle, were likely taken care of right there. Somewhere in the castle or on the grounds - not seen in the video - we would likely find animal pens and coops as well as some form of butchery room separate from the main kitchens. And this wouldn't have simply been a little hobbyist farm, but a full-on operation requiring a handful of dedicated people who either lived in the castle or within very close distance. Just keeping the place heated alone would have required a dedicated team to acquire wood-fuel and manage the many fireplaces.
FYI, the word is “heyday”, not “hayday”.
Yup a steward to take your order and relay it
Someone to feed the cows and someone to milk them
Another servant to run errands from kitchens to living quarters a cook who would prepare your tea and another to look after the supplies
A most excellent perspective on this!
Thank you sir or ma'am!
The castle mostly built in 1800s on small older castle.
It's important to remember that back then the lords/nobles were often what are the modern equivalent of farmers. They didn't plow the fields, but they made sure everything was up and running. Otherwise crop yields would drop and they'd go broke. In the movies noble just sat around doing nothing, but for mid level nobles this wasn't an option. They couldn't delegate running of the farms.
I went to Burg Eltz 18 years ago when we lived in Germany and there were not that many people at the time. It was a beautiful castle and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The surround area of Mosel river is as beautiful as castle. I miss Germany so much.
How do they get supplies in, the river?
@@priscilladanley8722 The castle is reachable by car. There is a parking spot about 10 minutes from the castle. While you have to walk the rest of the way, the owner can drive.
@@privatevendettathe owner can drive.
I bet you can park there.
We visited Burg Eltz in early seventies. The day we visited the German Air Force was flying simulated sorties and runs up and down the valley with fighter jets. The contrast was stunning. One of the most beautiful and well preserved castles.
You should see it now. They are constantly restoring the castle and might open another building for the public in the next years.
@HeartlandTuber had a similar experience in 1988... In a beautiful mountain castle, the tourist program Jagdfalken was runnig, so we had been watching a show with falcons while "iron falcons" were taking the skies... It was lovely!
@@samuelsamu8340 Yep, we visited in 1990, unfortunately 'just missing the end of the tourist season so it was closed, so we climbed the outer guard tower instead, which was pretty fascinating in its own right. People must have been significantly shorter back in the day! It was strange taking in such a beautiful scene with the sound of modern fighters making runs the next valley over.
The Lord of the castle seemed very gracious and humble and from the way he presented himself, he very much comes across as a Lord. The Castle is in good hands.
For those not familiair with german titles: "von und zu" (from and at) means that in this case Jakob is a member of the Eltz family (that's what the 'von' is for) who is so still living at the ancestral home that carries the title (that's what the 'zu' is for)
when she asked him where he lives he was very careful with his answer. i wonder if titles and financial matters rely on the family being there a certain amount of time per year. just a wild guess. he was very "dodgy" with his answer.
@@buddsidewinder7778 yes he seemed so.
@@buddsidewinder7778 There is no title relying on anything. Because since 1919 titles don't exist anymore in Germany.
Nobility/aristocracy was abolished back then completely and does not exist anymore.
Basically when that happened former aristocrats were allowed to carry over some old titles as part of normal family names. But there are no titles anymore.
Today he is really only a guy with a slightly unusual, more rare and longer family name than most and his family history is probably better documented than that of other families. And in this case he happens to inherit a castle.
But of course the laws of right of inheritance to him are the same as for any other German citizen. German civil law of course applies to everyone the same.
@@buddsidewinder7778 tax is the answer I believe
@@buddsidewinder7778 The title is part of the surname. The count is probably aware of privacy issues as well as possible legal issues. He probably has two or three other homes.
The German state funds or funded some ongoing maintainance and repair work according to two websites (Burg Eltz's own site). But the ticket sales probably bring much of the money required to keep the castle running.
There are two castellans who actually run the castle, the husband being the son of the previous castellans. Many local people who work here are descended from earlier workers.
The Eltz family itself moved away to Vukovar, Croatia 1922-1944 (widowed Countess Sophie and her son Jakob) and again post 1990s. Countess Sophie preferred Vukovar where they have another castle, destroyed in the 1990s civil war but since rebuilt.
Source: two websites about Burg Eltz and two about the Eltz family
That Count seems to be a really nice guy. And I love that they're both wearing clothes of the same shade, like fall colors, orange and brown.
The privacy and the safety of that family would be greatly compromised. He was a wonderful gracious host and deserves to be treated with utmost respect
Wow, I think I just fell in love with Mr Von Eltz! So charming, humble, accommodating, and classy. Forget the castle, we need more men like this!
Living at the castle 🏰, “What if you wanted to order takeout 🥡 in the middle of the night?”….Answer: you don’t !! 🤷🏻♂️😂😂😂
I never order takeout and I live in a city. It's hardly something one can't live without.
ikr!🙌
So true! What a real gentleman and scholar he is.
@@everywherenowhere6901you live in rural place like me then you would appreciate it more, it takes me 30 mins just to go to a convenience store gas station 😂
I am so glad you asked those questions about how he lives even if some may have seemed silly. You truly wouldn't know how someone like this would live in especially if their family still owned the castle. So great to hear about the history, that it is still around, and to learn they lead very modern lives! Makes total sense.
I can't help but think about how the world has changed (especially politically) during the timeframe the Eltz family has called that beautiful little corner of the world their home. That castle has seen everything from the last of the Crusades to the end of the Cold War which is kind of mind blowing.
We visited in 2017. Our guide told us that it consists of three separate residences for three branches of the family that didn't get along with each other -- or at least as I recall.
The kitchen is interesting. The refrigerator being an enclosed recess in the stone wall to keep food cool. Hooks on the ceiling to hang the food from to keep it away from rats and mice. Miniature cannons -- cannon salesmen used miniatures to demonstrate their wares and if you put in an order for cannons you could keep the model. Going through the armory I saw catapult pistols for the first time -- hand-held catapults; I had never even imagined such a thing and there they were.
The castle mostly built in 1800s on small older castle.
@@educationforblind6362 I think your confusing Burg Eltz with Reichsburg Cochem. Reichsburg Cochem was destroyed some centuries ago and rebuilt in the 1800's. Burg Eltz was built in 1100-1300 and is to this day original.
@@SonnyWeg i read about it. It was mostly built/expanded on dilapidated castle, by eltz family.
@@educationforblind6362 why are you posting the same comment ..?
I lived in an old stable masters house, that was part of a castle up the road. It had very thick stone walls. I lived there for 2 years. I can sum up what it was it was like to live there in one word. Cold.
Yes, it seemed like they we're always trying to stay warm!
Could you please share with us the reason why you could live in the castle for two years? Is there any other interesting stories you could also share with us? Thank you. : )
All that stone is a great heat sink, but it takes a lot of heat to get it warm. It's about equivalent to concrete.
Yes, there's a reason that it's closed in wintertime. Even in spring and fall it's quite cold there, because obviously they don't light fires in the rooms for tours anymore.
Cold dark and spooky. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂ghost???
Very humble Count. Great overview of the castle; I wish to visit it someday soon.
What a delightful tour! The Count is a very decent and grounded person, very polite, kind and humble. The place is fantastic! Thank you!
I love this castle❤ My grandmother was a German War Bride. My grandfather met her in Germany at her family’s dining room table cloth business. They fell in love & he brought her back to The U. S.A. She only had a month to say her good byes to family. The Eltz castle was 4hrs from where she lived.
Awesome location. And what a Fantastic piece of living history where the same family has resided there for 800 years. Given Germany’s history over that period it’s amazing the place is still standing. That is testament to the skill of the family’s mastery in the arts of diplomacy and getting on with your neighbours. Respect ✊
russ: Indeed! The French were pretty rough for 400 years, invading German territory 40 times during that time.
I am from Czech republic and we also have a lot of beautiful castles and chateaux and I really enjoy visiting them. But this castle is on my top castle list for long time and I hope I´ll visit soon.
Your country is also marvellous 😀
Karlovy Vary is my favorite place in Czech republic. Seems very remote.
All German in origin. You forgot that part.
Most of these „Czech“ castles are actually German originally.
Geez, I could spend hours watching a complete tour of this castle. This was so very amazing!!!
The lord of the castle is a very kind, polite and charismatic person.
My husband and I were so honored to be able to visit this absolutely magical castle in May of 2017… it is one of the most unbelievably beautiful locations I have ever seen! One can hardly believe it, and the castle it holds, is real! The architecture and the history are mind-boggling, and we are so very grateful to be living in a time when we are actually able to visit such surreal places. Germany is one of our favorite countries to visit. If you love castles, like we do, it is a must for your Bucket List!❤️🏰❤️ And what a treat to meet the lucky man who inherited it! Thank you for this wonderful video… we cannot wait to return for another visit!😃👏🏻❤️🏰
I had the opportunity to visit that beautiful castle back in 2018 guided my German colleagues, it is so amazing and impressive surrounded by such natural beauty of the forest.
What a very kind & personable gentlemen! I really enjoyed this tour! Thank you both so very much! ✨
The Eltz family had their properties all over Europe, so there is a baroque castle in Croatia in the city of Vukovar, built in 1749.
Unfortunately, in 1991 it became a victim of the war and was completely destroyed, but after the war from 2008 to 2011 it was rebuilt and serves as a museum of the city of Vukovar.
@vorda400 thanks for the info!
The private guided tour by Jakob Graf zu Eltz really elevated this video to something special! Super glad ya'll did such a good job capturing it and that I got to see it.
You can tell his “climb into bed, fall into bed” joke is one of his favorites! Thank you for sharing.
Cool video! The owner was really informative. When I was younger I thought bigger was better. These days I think it is a bad idea to live in a place that is larger than what you need. Too much cleaning, maintenance, expense. Even if you were really rich and can afford to hire help, you lose your privacy.
Back in 1974 while stationed with the US Army in West Germany our unit commander arranged for a three day marriage retreat for several of the younger married couples in our unit at a remote castle much like this one. Included was the opportunity to retake your marriage vows in the castles chapel.
What a charming and interesting gentleman, I very much enjoyed the tour and imagined myself living in such a beautiful place, although when the discussion turned to upkeep, I kind of freaked out, maintaining a home that old would probably require people with special skills that likely are hard to find, and the cost has got to be mind boggling so I understand why fundraising is probably a full time endeavor.
Even an island loses its built heritage. This is an amazing survival.. and the family most of all. Incredible story.
Jakob's humility and sense of stewardship is commendable. Long may Burg Eltz survive!
The perspective from the Jakob is fascinating. So many things I wouldn't have thought about if he hadn't pointed them out.
The castle is so beautiful. We visited the surrounding and the exterior of the castle couple weeks ago as the interior is closed during winter. We contentedly love it.
What's really special about this is that there are so very few medieval castles left intact to see what life looked like centuries ago.
What a humble handsome man. He is born into it and very grateful for what he have. Hope his future generation protect thid castle
Places like this always are always fascinating. They make you wonder how life back then was, the people who lived in them, the secrets, the memories… I wonder why the count had a change of trousers in the middle of the tour
Amazing insight into a lovely home and castle. Kudos to the eloquence, vocabulary and accent of the Count and the presenter. Loved all of this.
I’m so grateful for the preservation efforts that keep this history alive! Beautiful documentary, thank you.
Thank you for showing us Eltz castle and to the count for telling us about his family's home! How beautiful ❤️! Now, I have a new place I want to visit!
I really hope one day I can visit Germany to see these beautiful castles, it's on my bucket list
You should!
Great content. I have seen the castle on travel shows but your time with a Eltz family member showing you around was extra special.
Thanks for the tour inside. I only saw Eltz castle from the outside when I was bicycling touring Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands about 7 years ago.
@@letsexploreandtravelonadis6424 24.11.22 2129pm
Live Gaming replied: "Take me too 😁🤘" and i said: well, that's categorical then - i want to leave this place and settle down....
The castle mostly built in 1800s on small older castle.
@@educationforblind6362 No it wasn't. It was build mainly in the 10th-14th century on top of an old roman fortress.
@@mamakind99 this is not accurate. There no roman fortress in this region, as the claim. There was small castle and the eltz family in 1800s built/expanded on it.
I'm glad there are people dedicated to preserving history
I visited Burg Eltz castle as a young guy in the early 70's... we got a rare tour through the owners part of the castle as well, the floors were absolutely beautiful. There was a delivery truck stuck in the entrance archway so we were captive there while they took the tires off it to get it through, beautiful castle in an awesome location.
He is either extremely tall or she is short. What a beautiful place and so much history to love and enjoy. As much as it takes the tourists to keep the place going, it would be thoroughly annoying to have them all the time, every day, if you were living there on a permanent basis. However, only staying there once in a while isn't much like living there. It is a shame that places like these cannot be completely sustainable. It is the same with Biltmore in the US, while privately owned, it requires tourism to keep it functioning.
He's seems like a very humble and appreciative gentleman. Perhaps I'll visit the castle one day soon.
I am from kerala, India..we too have lots of traditional buildings, palaces and architectural museums preserved, proud to say so..beautifully photographs of the castle and glad to see the inside of castle well preserved 🙏
In the late 1970's my wife and I live about a 30 minute drive from Berg Eltz. We visited there many times and walked along the Mosel river often. We had a wonderful time living in Germany.
Germany is a great country ❤. Without a doubt, If I have an opportunity, I never hesitate to visit and explore.
It would be a nice place to visit and maybe stay a night or two but not very practical to live in since it needs continuous upkeep and a large staff. I quite impressed that these castles are so well built that they've survived many centuries. The count seemed to be very kind and humble. 💫
We toured Eltz Castle last July while visiting our son who lives in Trier. We took a train from Trier and then a local bus up to the castle. It was a great day for my wife and I. The tour guide was wonderful and very patient as the group was quite large, I believe around 30-34 people. We plan on going back when we return to Germany this fall. There are so many wonderful villages along the Moselle river and we plan on spending a week visiting each one. Great memories.
He seems like a very personable Count. Wonderful castle and a wonderful episode.
The Lord of the castle is an impeccable epitome of chivalry and humbleness. Rooted to his legacy yet modern. The way he talks to the lady…ahhh. What a man he is.
The owner of the castle was so nice 😊 I would have loved to hear about his family and history! My goodness how interesting to hear about his grandmother and great grandmother cooking 🥘 in the kitchen ❤
That must have been really interesting experiencing to meet the Count! He seems like a very knowledgeable and pleasant person to be around!
I visited Burg Eltz in 2019. It really is as secluded as it is magical. The golden treasures on display in the "Schatzkammer" are amazing.
Fascinating! What an amazing cultural treasure! Very nice to work to put this video together. When I visit Germany, I will be sure to put this destination on my list.
I lived in Kaiserslautern from 4-7th grade back in the late 70's early 80's. This is castle is the one I remember the most. Thanks for showing.
You see how different old money people can be? Just so humble and down to earth. Now compare him with new money people! Can you even imagine the difference? I love the guy! Such a gentleman.
i visited this castle this summer and its really really stunning to see in real life. also the tour was very nice. i would live there for sure!!
I knew we wouldn't get a look at the modernized quarters, it would take away from the historic feel. But I've visited a much smaller renovated castle/manor with a modern interior and I loved the stark change of eras. It was a fortune to rebuild, they could have built a mansion 3 times the size with the money. But it was amazing!
I thought this was going to show the inside of the castle and how it’s changed to be livable and add modern amenities.
Much rather would’ve been able to see more of the castle . Rooms and living areas , what was normal to do during the day. Seems like you can pay for a tour and see the castle and it is just like every other castle around ,but with different artwork and designs
imagine thats kept a secret
I've spent my career as artist, for almost 40 years in studios that look out, into my backyard. As I live on top of a set of hills at a ski resort in Ontario, Canada I do have a beautiful view and lots of space to hike and wander.
But nothing like this, of course. I prefer to be alone and to work without interruption. Something that is difficult when your adult son, his girl and a one year old live with you, and sharing space is just something I have to tolerate. My grandson is just too damn cute to ignore so, it's easy to loose track of what I am doing.
Imagining myself working in one of those top floor parapets as a studio, excites me no end. What a space!
Quiet, serene and beautiful, I can only imagine what sort of inspiration one could find, in such an amazing, medieval creation.
Fantastic!
Thanks for the video!
Its crazy how people at that time build the castle like this. 😮🎉
I most definitely recommend visiting Eltz castle. This place is amazing. The hike up is an easy hike and you will pass a farm/restaurant along the way. the parking area for the trail head can be easily missed...very easily. I would suggest getting the GPS coordinates and letting GPS guide you in. Don't be surprised if your car is the only one parked there as most folks take the tram from the nearby city.
I've always loved castles and to be surrounded by lush greenery, makes it even better. Thank you for sharing.:)
I visited this place in 1998. We bought a bottle of Riesling (from the Mosel river valley vineyards of course
) at the entrance to the hiking path and chugged it on the walk. So we were nice and tipsy by the time we got to the entrance. Our friend living in Bonn was so impressed with this place and she had seen many Castles. I also loved Moselkern one of my favorite places in Europe. I only regret turning back before making it to Trier.
I like that owner very much. He really treasures and appreciates the beauty of the castle. I'd love to visit.
No mention of his children, I hope there are offspring who can carry the torch forward and help preserve this special place.
If this was my castle, i would DEFINITLY be living in it with my entire family. I lived in Germany for about 5 years in Mannheim and i traveled all over Germany and absolutely loved it to where i never wanted to leave. So i would want to live there as I would WANT to get away from all the "luxuries" of modern life and raise my kids to be a bit "harder" than someone raised in a city or something. It would also make me want to have like 10 kids or something, to really fill out the home, id have plenty of room...lol. Id probably also let my extended family and maybe even friends live there with me. But this would be my home 24/7, as the winters there have GOT TO BE AMAZING. To wake up to views like that covered in snow would be freaken heavenly. Think about waking up in the early morning hours to go hunting, see the smoke rising from the fire places and to hear the sounds of nature echoing off the stone walls. I would definitely leave the castle as is for the most part, but i would also probably HAVE to wire the place up with modern electricity and stuff just so that i wouldn't be completely disconnected from the modern world.
it is titrait different to live there compared to just a visit. Can you handle the daily repaires and bills?
As it is this place takes $1mil+ per year to upkeep, unless you are very, very rich, I doubt it's possible.
It's nothing wrong with having dreams.
currently it’s a family that lives there but in medieval times it would basically be a city the outskirts would be farms for food supply and the maids helpers and security forces would be housed meaning there would be social hangouts for each class as well, places like these were hubs that’s why they got more powerful as time went on because people would hear that this certain kingdom was a cool place to live so people like go there to live and work
The host is absolutely amazing, so hospitable and so nice! Thank you so much for this exclusive tour
Imagine living on the top floor when you want to go out every time & when you get to the ground floor & realise youve forgotten something!!
😅
Nice editing, they left the room to go upstairs but in the next shot are back where they started.
A real treasure of an estate. Glad to see it is maintained for future generations to enjoy.
What a beautiful place with such history. I would love to tour a castle. They looks so wonderful, if only walls could talk we would know so many secrets hidden behind the walls.
Whenever I see castles, or even old buildings in general, I always dream about exploring all the mini towers and windows peaking out of the rooftops. You for sure know there's got to be something hidden somewhere as well!