We will be visiting the Moselle and Rhine for only 2 1/2 days in March. Burg Eltz will not be open during our visit, but hikes to the castle and the exterior of the castle sound great. Would it be worth our (limited) time to hike to the castle even if it will be closed? If not, what would you recommend instead for a scenic, half-day hike? I think we will be staying in Bacharach. Thanks!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19287 posts
Well, it's not a half day hike (only 2.2 km RT, with an elevation change of about 260 ft, but you would get to see the only other intact castle in the area. Visit the Marksburg in Braubach. It's open for tour year-round.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Great - thanks for this info.
Posted by
262 posts
A nice hike if you're staying in the area with a short trip to the trailhead. My memories are mostly of the exterior expecially that first view from below so I'd recommend it if starting nearby. But, being in Bacharach that would be a full-day expedition - agree about going to Marksburg if you want interiors - actually we really enjoyed Rheinstein and the hike to it.
Posted by
Paradise
7108 posts
Forest hikes on mushy trails in March may not be as much fun as you think. Visit Marksburg if you can. It involves a hike as well but the trail up should be a little better than the one to Eltz anyway.
Cochem's Reichsburg Castle is a popular and enjoyable destination - AND it's open in March (and easy to walk to on a paved path.)
Their fullblown summer schedule begins March 10, and they're open on a more limited basis before that as well:
http://www.burg-cochem.de/home.html?&L=1
If you want a longer hike in Cochem, and the weather and ground are OK, you can also hike up to Winneburg Castle ruins, just outside of Cochem:
http://www.mosel-inside.de/en/mosel-villages/lower-mosel/cochem/132-castle-ruin-winneburg.html