Burg Eltz

Burg Eltz is about a 70 minute drive NW of Mainz.  I'd strongly recommend a tour of the castle.  Some advice: 

1.  It's not that easy to find, so use a GPS to guide you.

2.  You park at the top of the hill (paying 2 Euro).  You can walk to the bottom (2 km walk) or ride the bus (another 2-Euro per person).  

3.  If you have knee or hip trouble, this is NOT the tour for you.  Also, forget the baby-buggy routine.  

4.  Don't go on an exceptionally hot day.  Bring a bottle of water along on just awn average day.

5.  11-Euro per person entry fee.  Kids, less.

6.  I'd advise about 3.5 hours for the whole thing.  They have two places to eat within the castle, and liquid refreshment is possible.

7.  Lot of history in the tour (done in English or German).  This part is exceptionally good.

8.  There is a second parking lot (maybe 3 km out away from the castle.....free, but you'd have to walk in.  

9.  Advise to do the deal on Mon-Fri....weekends are hectic and you might be waiting for an hour just to enter.  Covid-19 rules are in effect. 

10.  Strongly recommend taking the mini-bus ride back to the top at the end (2-Euro each person, each way).

11.  Finally, for dinner at conclusion of the day, recommend the Alte Remise Boulodrome, about 10 minutes north of the castle.  Great Med food menu, and strongly noted by the locals for quality food.  Make a reservation for Saturdays.  

Note: This is way out in the middle of nowhere, and easily out of connectivity range on some occasions.  Also for kids, it's one of the few things I'd recommend for 8 to 10 year old kids because it gives you the whole presentation of castle life and the landscape.