Today we had a fantastic adventure to Burg Eltz - the castle that Rick Steves'
claims to be the best in Europe!!!
We took the train from Cochem to Moselkern (dept 10:25am arr 10:41am)
Followed the signs through the cute village town to Burg Eltz.
It took us exactly one hour to walk from train station to the castle - guidebooks say the walk is 90 minutes.
It was a beautiful walk through a forest along the stream and then the
castle suddenly comes into view. Unfortunately there was scaffolding and a huge crane as they are trying to keep this gorgeous castle (first built in 1157) from crumbling. Great guided tour. On the walk back down to town, we stopped at Landhotel Ringelsteiner Muhle for a wonderful lunch and beer. Back in Cochem by 4:30pm. A very memorable day!

The Burg Eltz castle was my favorite, very beautiful. Too bad about the scaffolding. Were there lovely floral arrangements throughout the castle? The occupant/owner was still putting out flowers 2 years ago. I thought it was so charming.
Are you going to Rothenburg o da tauber? another fantastic experience. If you go, be sure and take the "night watchmen tour".
tina

Very nice! Enjoy!!

Yes, the gorgeous flower arrangements were in every room and outside in the dining patio as well! Sadly, we leave Germany tomorrow for a flight out of Amsterdam. We definitely plan to return!

I love this castle. If you do go to Rothenburg, I suggest that you not make it just a day trip. Stay overnight so that you can experience the town when it is not jammed with tourists.

I second the Night Watchman's Tour. That was fun.

We were just there this past month. Got some great pictures of the scaffolding. Nice castle, but I don't think I would consider it the best in Europe.