One of the highlights of a trip to Germany is the chance to visit a castle or two. My favorite castle in Germany – possibly in all of Europe – is Burg Eltz. Hidden away in a forest, not far from the Mosel River, Burg Eltz is one of the the most authentic medieval castles in Germany. It is one of only two castles in all of the Rhine and Mosel area that was never destroyed, and is still owned by the family that built it more than 800 years ago.

Tags: Burg Eltz, Mosel

Nicknamed the 'Sleeping Beauty' village, Beilstein an der Mosel is almost too cute to be real. The tiny little wine village sits on a quiet stretch of the Mosel River, a few miles from the busy town of Cochem. Highlights include cobblestone streets, half-timbered buildings, a cavernous medieval cellar that now houses a wine bar, a beautifully restored abbey church, and the whole thing is crowned by the ruins of a medieval castle.

My favorite places to stay in town are Hotel Haus Lipmann, Hotel Alte Stadtmauer, and Villa Beilstein.

Tags: Beilstein, Mosel

A Hand Crafted tour group enjoying a view of Burg Eltz in Germany.

Burg Eltz, one of the best preserved castles in Germany, sits nestled in a small river valley just off the Mosel River. The castle is still owned by descendants of the family that built it more than 800 years ago, and still furnished much as it was in the 15th century. It's not easy to get to by public transportation – you really need a car to explore this area. To reach the castle you have to park in a lot above the valley, then walk down or take a shuttle bus. The walk is worth the effort, if you are able. You have the choice of either a steep ¼-mile descent on a paved road, or a more gentle one-mile walk along a path. Both provide stunning views of the castle as you descend.

Tags: Burg Eltz, Mosel