Eltville Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Eltville for tourists featuring historical sites, cultural attractions, scenic views, hiking and biking routes and local food.


Introduction to Eltville

Eltville is a picturesque town situated in Rheingau region in Hesse, Germany. This town is located in central Europe and is renowned for its wineries, medieval architecture, and beautiful scenery. Eltville is built around the stunning Rhine River, which is complemented by the surrounding vineyards. The town is known both nationally and internationally for its wine, and it attracts tourists and wine enthusiasts all over Germany and Europe. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation surrounded by lush greenery or a cultural adventure, Eltville has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Eltville

Here is the most comprehensive list of places to visit in Eltville.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Eltville Electoral Castle: A historic castle built in the early 14th century that used to house the Archbishop of Mainz.
  • Erbach Palace: The residence of the Erbach family; the palace is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum.
  • Eltville Town Hall: It houses the famous Schatzkammer, containing the town’s most incredible treasures.

Natural Attractions of Eltville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kloster Eberbach: A monastery built-in 1136, perfect for picnicking and taking in the beautiful surrounding gardens.
  • Rheinuferpromenade: A lively promenade that runs alongside the Rhine River.
  • Reinheimer Teich Nature Reserve: A peaceful nature reserve home to 120 different bird species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eltville

Eltville has an ample network of hiking and biking trails that offer visitors a chance to explore the beautiful scenery.

  • Schlangenkopf & Rauenthal: A 7.5 km hike that takes you through the vineyards of Rauenthal.
  • Kloster Fahr: A 22 km bike route that takes you to the picturesque village of Kloster Fahr.

Best Things to Do in Eltville: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting Tour in Rheingau: Tour the wineries and vineyards and learn how to taste wine like a professional.
  • Rhine River Cruise: A beautiful way to experience the picturesque scenery along the Rhine River.
  • Kayaking in the Rhine River: For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Kayaking on the River is a perfect way to spend the day.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eltville

Here is an itinerary for a week-long trip to Eltville:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Eltville Electoral Castle and take a guided tour
Day 2 Take a Wine Tasting Tour in Rheingau
Day 3 Hike the Schlangenkopf and Rauenthal trail
Day 4 Visit the Rheinuferpromenade
Day 5 Take a Rhine River Cruise
Day 6 Visit the Erbach Palace and the Rheingau Wine Museum
Day 7 Kayaking on the Rhine River

Food and Drink Scene of Eltville

The food and drink scene of Eltville is one of its most impressive features. The town is best known for its wine, but it also offers some delicious and unique local dishes.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Handkäse: A regional specialty that is made from sour milk and is usually served with onions.
  • Rheingauer Riesling Soup: A creamy soup made using the region’s famous Riesling wine and garnished with croutons.
  • Rheingauer Spundekäs: A piquant, creamy cheese dip that is typically served with a pretzel or crackers.

Local Beverages

  • Riesling Wine: The region’s most famous wine, characterized by its fruity and floral flavor.
  • Apfelwein: A dry and tart cider that pairs well with savory food.

Where to Stay in Eltville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eltville offers a wide range of accommodation options that suit different budgets and preferences. From luxurious hotels to modest guesthouses and cozy hostels, the town has something for everyone.

  • Schloss Reinhartshausen Kempinski: A luxurious 5-star hotel that offers stunning views of the Rhine River.
  • Pension Lindenhof: A budget-friendly guesthouse located in the heart of Eltville.
  • Jugendherberge: A cozy hostel perfect for solo travelers or backpackers.

What to Buy in Eltville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you are looking to take a piece of Eltville home with you, here are some local souvenirs and products you ought to buy:

  • Riesling Wine: The town’s most famous product, perfect for wine enthusiasts.
  • Handmade Pottery: Beautifully crafted pottery is available in the local shops of Eltville.
  • Specialty Foods: Pick up jars of hand-crafted mustard or unique chocolate bars made locally.

Best Time to Visit Eltville

The best time to visit Eltville is during the late spring and early fall. During this time, the weather is mild, and the vineyards and gardens are at their most alluring. There are also several festivals held in the town during these seasons that are worth attending.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eltville

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to follow in Eltville:

Do:

  • Try the local wine and cuisine
  • Hike or bike through the beautiful vineyards and scenery
  • Take a Rhine River Cruise

Don’t:

  • Drink and drive
  • Litter in the town
  • Disrespect the local culture or customs

Safety and Health

Safety in Eltville

Eltville is a generally safe town with very low crime rates. Visitors are advised to take the general safety precautions when touring the town or hiking in the vineyards.

Health in Eltville

Eltville offers excellent medical facilities, and visitors should have no concerns when it comes to health issues. There are several pharmacies and doctors available in the town.

Getting to Eltville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Eltville is easily accessible from the nearby German cities via bus or train services.

Airports Near Eltville

  • Frankfurt Airport: has frequent flights all over the world and is located approximately 37 km away from Eltville.

Bus Stations Near Eltville

  • Eltville Bahnhof: This bus stop is located in the center of town and is convenient for visitors coming from the nearby areas.

Other Options

  • Train: Eltville is connected to other major German cities via the regional train network.

How to Get Around in Eltville

Eltville is a small town and can be explored on foot, but visitors can also rent a bike or take a taxi.

Where to Go Next from Eltville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations that you can visit from Eltville:

  • Wiesbaden: A spa town renowned for its thermal springs and architectural attractions located approximately 15 km from Eltville.
  • Frankfurt: The financial capital of Germany located approximately 45 km from Eltville.

Conclusion

Eltville is a charming and picturesque town that is perfect for lovers of wine and history. Visitors can enjoy the stunning vineyards, delightful cuisine and architecture from any point of the town. Whether you’re here for outdoor adventures or cultural exhibits, Eltville has something for everyone. Plan your visit to Eltville and experience the beauty of this town by yourself.

Biedermeier sculptures in front of the Electoral castle Biedermeier sculptures in front of the Electoral castle St. Peter and Paul parish church St. Peter and Paul parish church Eberbach Abbey ''(Kloster Eberbach)'' Eberbach Abbey ''(Kloster Eberbach)''