Another day trip to the Hunsrück and Mosel River area
This is part two of my trips to the Hunsrück and Mosel region. Since I’m still pretty new to the Mainz/Wiesbaden area, there its lots to explore and see. This time we visited the Ehrenburg Castle, Thurant Castle, Eltz castle and the horseshoe bend of the Mosel River. All the following sites can be visited within a daytrip from Koblenz, Frankfurt and Mainz/Wiesbaden, but you will need a car (or bus tour) and they all involve hiking. If you want to know more about the Geierlay plank bridge and get more details on the horseshoe bend of the Mosel River or Eltz Castle, please check out part 1.
Our first stop of the day was Ehrenburg Castle, which is about an hour (75 km) from the Mainz/Wiesbaden area. The drive up there from the Mosel is an adventure in itself: the winding road takes you up and reveilles a breathtaking view of the Mosel river. Please be aware, that some hiking is involved in getting to the castle itself (10 min. moderate on paved street). Most of the castles in the area are closed during winter month (November till end of March) and can’t be toured.
Ehrenburg Castle doesn’t offer tours but special events during winter closure, including medieval themed dinners (“Höfische Tafeley”) as well as Sunday brunches in the great hall (“Rittersaal”). The brunch is all you can eat feast from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. including Breakfast and Lunch (19.90 € p.P.). It was our first time and we were overwhelmed by the diversity of the food as well as the authentic setting in the great hall; they even serve the food and drinks in traditional clay plates and jugs. If you are into good food and medieval themes, you should definitely check it out, I can totally recommend it. We were also able to explore the castle on our own. You can walk up the first tower and get to the platform, where festivals were held back in the days. You can also climb up the second/big tower and get a 360-degree view of the surroundings. Since we were the only visitors up there, we were able to really enjoy everything at our own pace.
Normal entry prices during the summer are between 3.50 € and 7.00 € for adults and between 2.50 € and 5.00 € for kids (they also offer family tickets), depending on the day and possible events. There is also a hotel attached to the castle, if you want an even more unique experience.
After we ate more than we should and climbed back up to our car, we made our way to Eltz Castle (about 25 min. from Ehrenburg). Since the castle itself is closed between November and Easter, there was no fee for the parking area and not many people on the trail. If you want to know more about the history of the castle, please check out part 1. We took the hiking trail to get to the castle and were, once again, blown away by the beauty of the snowy castle. Since there weren’t many tourists there, we had enough time to take our photos and explore the surrounding. This time we walked the paved road back to the car (where the shuttle busses drive during summer) and were surprised, that you can see the castle from various points of the trail. When I visited during the summer, I took the hiking trail for both ways. It was well worth taking that specific way back, even though the hike was more demanding, since the road is much steeper but therefore shorter than hiking trail. I can’t decide which season I like better, comparing the pictures from August to the ones I took this time. But one thing is for sure: it was much more relaxing to visit the castle during the winter, than trying to see everything and take pictures during summer madness.
Before we were heading to our last stop – the horseshoe bend of the Mosel River – we stopped at another beautiful castle: Thurant Castle. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle consists of two parts (“Trierer Burg” and “Kölner Burg”) and is one of the oldest castles in the area. The location right above the Mosel River is one of its special features. The castle was destroyed in the 17th century and rebuilt after the WW II by the owners – just like Eltz Castle it is still privately owned. You can tour the castles with a guided tour during the summer month (March till November, 4 € for adults and 2.50 € reduced price). Since our visit was in January, we only took photos from the outside. Due to the unique location, you can also enjoy the sunset and the amazing view on the river from up there. Compared to the other two castles, the walk from the parking area is short but includes some stairs.
We ended our day trip with watching the sunset on top of the steepest vineyard in Germany (above Bremm village) and a perfect view on the horseshoe bend of the Mosel. Pleas be aware, that the sun doesn’t actually set on that side, but the clouds and the lighting are still great.
It was super fun, to explore the Hunsrück and Mosel area a little bit more and going back to places I’ve already seen. I know, this area might not be on every bodies list, but it is definitely worth a visit. I still have a lot castles and areas to see, so there will most likely be a part 3 😉
If you have any questions or feedback please comment down below or contact me, I’m always looking forward to hearing other people’s experiences or answer questions. If you want to see more pictures, please check out my Instagram Account as well.
Anja Travels 