My latest Time to Travel video is to castles from the Ramstein area. I’ve visited all of these castles as day trips during different seasons. Castles are a must on my travel list for Germany. I’ve visited many more & hope to share them all. You can watch the video on USO Ramstein’s Facebook page.
Google Map with pins for locations of castles & parking.
Burg Eltz
Burg Eltz is a medieval castle still inhabited by one of the original families. Take the wonderful tour, offered in English, to learn all about the inner workings & history of the castle. Since the family still lives here, make sure to check the website for open season to visit. There is a paid parking lot - from there you can hike or take a paid shuttle.
Drive time from Ramstein: about 2 hours
Parking lots 5€
Can walk or take shuttle 2€
Entry ticket 10€
Cannot take photos inside castle - Can take photos of the exterior & courtyard - No drones allowed
English tour - very informative - used to have 3 separate castles/3 families at one time - currently 1 family lives in the castle
Seasonal opening - check website - Open from 1 April - 1 November
Amenities: parking lot, tours, Café, restaurant, toilets, gift shop
Website: https://www.burg-eltz.de/en/
Burg Lichtenburg
Burg Lichenberg is a castle ruin with beautiful grounds - which are free to enter. I went during lockdown of winter 2020 to hike and all services were shut down so I haven't used any of them.
Drive time from Ramstein: about 25 minutes
Parking lot: free & located on grounds
Amenities include tours, café, restaurant, hostel, toilets, playground & parking lot.
Website: https://burglichtenberg.pfaelzerbergland.de/burg-lichtenberg/fuehrungen/
Hostel Booking: https://www.diejugendherbergen.de/jugendherbergen/thallichtenberg/
BURG RHEINSTEIN
Burg Rheinstein is located on the Rhine River & offers picturesque views. There is parking at road level. To get to the castle you'll have to hike up a steep cobble stone path.
The castle is self tour at your own pace. After my tour I had lunch in their restaurant & had their house Riesling produced from their vineyard. I recommend taking home a bottle from the gift shop if you're a riesling fan.
Drive time from Ramstein: about 1 hour
Parking lot: free & located on grounds
Amenities include Amenities: parking lot, self tour, restaurant, toilets, gift shop
Website: https://www.burg-rheinstein.de/en/
IG: @burgrheinstein
REICHSBURG COCHEM
I’ve visited Cochem a few times during lockdown to walk & take photos. I finally made it this Fall. I made a day of it & toured the castle, rode the sky ride & wandered the town.
There is no parking at the castle. I used the city parking lot behind the train station. I had no problem parking my big SUV. Spaces are plentiful and 5€ all day. It’s not a bad walk into town & I stop at the tourist center to pick up maps, ask questions & use the restroom. There are closer lots in town, but you’ll need to get there early & they are more expensive & paid by hour. You can take a bus to the castle or walk up. I decided to walk up looking for some photo opportunities.
Drive time from Ramstein: about 1 hour & 50 minutes
Amenities: tours, restaurant, toilets, gift shop
Website: https://reichsburg-cochem.de/?lang=en