Which castle in Germany was owned by the same family for 850 years?

One of only three castles in the region left intact over the centuries, Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle) has remained in the same family for over 850 years, or 33 generations.



Burg Eltz (Eltz Castle), nestled in the hills above the Moselle River in Wierschem, Germany, is the famous fortress that has remained in the possession of the same family for over 850 years. Currently owned by Dr. Karl Graf von und zu Eltz-Kempenich, the castle has been in the House of Eltz since at least the 12th century. It is a "Ganerbenburg," or a joint-heir castle, which was originally divided into several parts to house different branches of the family, resulting in its unique, fairy-tale cluster of eight towers and multiple residential wings. Unlike many other German castles, Burg Eltz was never destroyed by war, largely due to skillful diplomacy and the family's high-ranking military and political status over the centuries. In 2026, it remains one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of medieval architecture in Europe, featuring original 15th-century frescoes and a treasury of gold and silver artifacts. Its location in a deep, lush valley makes it one of the most photographed castles in the world, symbolizing the enduring continuity of German nobility and medieval architectural heritage.

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