I plan to take the train to Moselkern and visit Burg Eltz. Is there a shuttle bus to the castle or do I have to hike to it? If anyone has any knowledge of either way please let me know.

It's a hike. But a nice hike. The Ringelsteiner Muehle Inn sometimes organizes covered wagon rides to the castle, but I think these are for groups by prior arrangement. Don't know about taxis. My 75-year-old in-laws hiked there and back last spring (dad-in-law has two bad hips, too); it's not especially strenuous, but takes close to an hour each way.

It's really not much of a hike as it is a stroll through the forest (depends on how fast you go of course) It will take about 1/2 an hour but definately worth it. I recommend having a bier and brat at the cafe on top. It's a refeshing taste of Germany while enjoying the view.

I had a car and drove to Burg Eltz but parked in a parking lot too far from the castle. I thought the walk (downhill and about an hour) was very strenuous, altho' very scenic thru a forest, fairly ruined my trip to the castle (couldn't even face the castle tour). I did find out (after the fact) that there was another parking lot with bus service to the castle. Don't know about how to get there from Moselkern as we drove from Zell.

Nancy is right. The signs are not very clear in indicating the best way to get to Burg Elz by bus. You should ask for directions for the bus to Burg Elz. If you decide to hike it will take you about 25-30 minutes, one way, through interesting scenery and not at all strenuous.

The hike isn't especially strenuous, but it is time consuming. There are nine passanger vans that make the trip from the parking lot.

There are 3 walking routes most often used to get to the castle. One of them, the one we took not knowing about the other two, is really unpleasant if you happen to hit it on a hot day like we did. It is long, it is up and down, it is not well marked. We were drenched in sweat and very tired by the time we got to the castle. It's one case where I didn't do enough research.