We are taking the Viking Rhine Cruise in late Sept. this year. The cruise offers a tour to Marksburg and we would need to find our own way if we want to see Berg Eltz. We were curious what feedback we could get on the following Questions.
Is there enough time to take a private tour to visit Berg Eltz when cruising with Viking?
If you only have time to view one or the other of these castles - Which one is better to see?
Thanks for your time and consideration.
This just came up on another thread. Apparently, the Viking ship only stops in Koblenz for the morning and they do an included excursion to Marksburg. The ship departs at noon so that it will pass through the Rhine Gorge in daylight. That really leaves no time for Burg Eltz.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/berg-eltz
Thanks for your response. Guess we will have to see Ber Eltz next time.
By the way, it's Burg Eltz, with a 'u'. Burg is a "castle"; berg is a hill or mountain. A few Burgen are named Berg (ex., Nürnberg) after the hill they were on.
I've never seen Burg Eltz. Once it was raining, and I didn't want to walk in the rain or rent a car just for a single venue. The second time it was already closed for the season. However, I have seen the Marksburg, and I definitely think it is worth while. The German Castle Association has preserved it inside just like it was hundreds of years ago.
Not that it helps you, but my wife and I loved Burg Eltz. Took a couple wrong turns driving there, but it was worth it. I haven’t been to the other castle.
I have been to both castles and Burg Eltz is unique,one of the best in Europe.Marksburg has great views of the Rhine so it will be a good stop.
Mike
You won't go wrong with Marksburg but Burg Eltz is in a class all its own.
This newsboard host has an essay among his many free pages of advice:
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/three-rhineland-castles
I would suggest that you consider the physical effort and time needed, as well as the attractiveness of the castles. (We didn't walk the forest to Burg Eltz, but many people without cars do so.) Although the exterior and setting of Burg Eltz are spectacular, I was a little let down by the (... if, dated) modern interiors of Burg Eltz. It's occupied by real, living people. Haven't been to Marksburg.
