I am traveling with a friend to Germany for the Christmas markets. We will also be spending time doing other sightseeing. I am specifically asking about the burg Eltz castle. It will be closed in late November when we are there. Can anyone tell me how close I can actually get to the castle? There are two parking lots. Will I be able to get as far as the closest parking lot to the castle During that time? even though it is actually closed, can I walk up to the castle or will it be blocked off? I just want to be able to take some pictures.
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
There's a reason the Elztal (Elz Valley) is lush with vegetation... if it's been raining, which it almost always has in this area, you should expect some muckiness on the trail that takes you through there. Can't comment about accessibility by car in late November - the one time I drove there was in summer, and I chose to park at the Ringelsteiner Mühle trailhead at the end of town for the purpose of walking up the trail. It was surprisingly damp even then. I would email the castle administration to ask about that.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7162 posts
The parking lot for the castle is .6 miles from the castle itself and you’d normally take a shuttle bus to the castle. My guess is you still be able to park at it and walk closer. Between it and the castle is Aussichtspunkt Burg Eltz observation deck and a small chapel where you can get a good view of the castle. You could possible park there if you’re not going to wander anyplace else.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
I found the trail from Moselkern very easy walking (hiking would be overstating it). The only hard part of the trail was the last bit climbing up to the castle entrance, and then only because it winded me a little. Whether the trail will be wet, I can't say. It seemed to have good drainage when I walked it, but it depends how much rain it has received right before your visit.