Eltz Castle in Germany: Would you like to live here?

Luxury, romance and a fairytale atmosphere — that's how we imagine life at the medieval Eltz Castle. But what is it really like to live there? Spoiler: there are 80 rooms, all of which require a little maintenance. DW's Hannah Hummel asks owner Jakob Graf zu Eltz about life at the castle back then and now. The castle resident has even set up his home office there. Would that be something for you, too?

CREDITS:
Report: Hannah Hummel
Camera: Holm Weber
Editing: Klaus Hellmig
Supervising Editor: Christina Deicke
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[mariea.]

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.

[jennielynnjoy]

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.

[jessicabenavides]

I love that the owner credits all of his guests for him being able to continue owning his family castle.

[rikokojima]

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!

[jaromor]

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. 👍❤

[RowenMyBoat]

The owner seemed very humble and I thoroughly enjoyed the information he shared so graciously.

[kiernanscanlon]

I respect their need for privacy, but gosh i would love to see the modernized sections of the castle the family lives in!

[VykingVale]

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.

[LogosFlow]

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.

[thedarkdane]

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.

[whatevs]

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.

[RevantuZ]

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.

[jasatx]

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.

[killermuffinxoxo]

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 😂

[StewsChannel]

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!

[SkepticalChris]

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.

[stevehinnenkamp]

The Count was a charming host, free of hubris, masterful at speaking English. My highest regards to him!

[tombombadil]

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.

[TheRklucznik]

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!

[alexstokowsky]

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!