Burg Eltz castle?
 

My wife and I will be in Dusseldorf and Solingen in a couple weeks. We're trying to figure out a way to get to Burg Eltz Castle from either of these towns. Is there an easy way to get there without driving? Train? Bus? Magic Carpet? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

(We also purchased a Eurail Pass, but not sure if there is a train that goes close by the castle that would accept this pass)

A magic carpet would indeed be helpful;-) If you can't obtain one - not sure if there are rentals in Düsseldorf - the train is the way to go. The nearest station is Moselkern, from there it's a hike of about an hour. Bus is not an option.

Check train connections on http://www.bahn.de

We hiked from Moselkern train staion. Can't remember the time, but I believe 60-90 minutes. It is a pretty hike and it starts in the town for awhile and then you are in a forest area for the later part.

If you can't hike for some reason, there were people on a small shuttle arriving from the north when we got to the castle. I have no clue what town/parking area they started in though.

Duesseldorf---> Moselkern takes 2 hr 19 min with one change in Koblenz.
Ex trips:
Leave D 9:49 arrive M 12:10 OR
Leave D 10:51 and arrive M 13:10, etc
It is a moderate hike through woods uphill, taking about 45 minutes. If you are in fairly good shape, it is well worth it IMO. Just follow signs to castle! You'll winf along the edge of the small town and begin uphill at a babbling brook....

Or,if you rent a car, try this site: www.burg-eltz.de/e_index.html
which refers to the castle's 'carpark
near St. Antonius'
chapel and accessible by bus or car/reached via Muenstermaifeld and Wierschem...!

Description of the walk from Moselkern to Burg Eltz, with photos:

http://www.bensbauernhof.com/burgeltzfrommoselkern.html

Rick Steve's website had a post from a visitor who was unhappy to see the scaffolding set up around Burg Eltz which was not condusive to the family Christmas card photo she had planned on taking. Just FYI that they may be doing some restoration work IF that is important to you.

Thank you all so much for your help! Some very good advice here. We decided to stay a few nights in Cochen, so it should be pretty easy to make our way to Burg Eltz from there. Cheers!