Visiting Burg Eltz in March

As far as I know it's still a family home, so chances are good it's really closed. You might want to check the site just prior to your trip to see if there are any changes.

Hi Heather, According to the website, it will be closed. It doesn't say weekends only or anything else. I would take that to mean closed, no tours, etc. If I was going to be in the area anyway, I'd go and see the castle, even from a distance. The castle and it's setting are well worth it in my opinion. I'd at least take the short walk from the parking lot to a vantage point overlooking the castle. http://www.worldisround.com/articles/338874/photo6.html Paul

Consider going to the other preserved, never destroyed castle in the area, the Marksburg. It's open 11-4 until March 16, 10-5 from March 17 on. I went there in 2004 and enjoyed it. The Marksburg is on the right bank of the Rhein, a short distance from Koblenz. It's easier to get to than Burg Eltz. During the K-D season (starting in April), a trolly meets the boats and takes you up to the castle. This time of year, you'll have to climb it yourself, but it's not as bad as it looks from the river.

After March 10, Reichsburg Castle in Cochem is open for tours from 9 to 5 daily. I'd rather tour Burg Eltz, but this is your best March bet on the Mosel. Reichsburg's view and the setting are spectacular. There's a little restaurant up there as well. http://www.burg-cochem.de/ Marksburg in Braubach on the Rhine is open for tours as well: http://www.marksburg.de

Thank you so much, you have been truly helpful!! Great tips! Related question: If you had to choose between 8 hours in Trier or 8 hours in Braubach (Marksburg)/ St.Goar (Burg Rheinfels), which would you choose?? (in late-March; only other planned stop in Germany is Heidelberg) Thank you again,

I would choose the Rhine. It took me about 2 hours to see everything I wanted to in Trier. In multiple trips to the Rhine gorge, I still haven't seen everything that interests me.

Hi Heather, I'd go with Marksburg and St.Goar. No question about it. Paul

If you're in Heidelberg you might want to check out the nearby Burg Gutenburg. I've not been in the castle, but they do an amazing birds of prey exhibition out in the courtyard. It's in German but they will try to help you out with a simplified English commentary.

I think a hurried half day in Trier works, the town is nice but the attraction is the extensive Roman ruins. A lot depends on how much exploring you want to do there, a quick look around or taking time to study it. IMO Rheinfels is great to explore for several hours. While guided tours give you a lot of information, just exploring on your own is nice too. Since Burg Eltz is closed, which works well with a Trier visit. I'd go with Marksburg/Rheinfels.

Thank you again, all! We've decided to hit the Rhine valley! Looking forward to it (both of us first time in Germany).