Metternich Castle

Very much an up hill experience, many steps. Well worth the climb to the top of thr keep. Thr iron spiral staircase is poorly lit and the hand rail is rusty. The stairs are a head strike hazard in the dark entrance. WC is up to the task. Well worth the 2.50 Euro each. The parking cost more......

A place to visit Nice place ,with children also. Light hike to the castle, restaurant on the top, great view.

Nice place to visit, with children also. Light hike to the castle, restaurant on the top, great view.

OK, the castle is a big flop. It really is just a ruin, BUT if you consider the entire experience, you might really want to give it a go. Hear me out... You park at the bottom of the mountain in the lovely, free parking areas and enter the most beautiful, little village you've ever seen. Seriously! Story book material! Walk through the narrow cobblestone streets towards the back (east) and up the mountain. There are two ways, make your choice and take the other on the way back. Warning! It is very, very steep, but it's worth it. Just take your time and know it really isn't very far at all. The walk will not take long. Slowly make your way up the mountain and by all means, do NOT forget to look up and around you. You're surrounded by woods and views of all kinds. Take your time looking at the funky rock formations of the remains of what once was greatness and remind yourself, that all good things come to an end. Hehehe...I like to think how it used to be THAT long ago. You do have to pay a small fee which I find a little discouraging because as I mentioned, it really is just a ruin. There is very little to see. However, the views are rather spectacular though typical for the region and I really like the cafe up there. Take a break on the many benches along the way and by all means take a silly picture of the ancient pillory and be glad that's no longer a form of punishment. The restaurant is top in our opinion. The prices are very fair, the views are FAB, it's ideal for kids of all ages and my favorite about the place is the Paulaner from the tap! OMG! I can't find that anywhere. There is indoor and outdoor seating which is ideal because the weather isn't always the best in this region. It's far from posh, but so are we. (Insert cheeky emoji of your choice.) Now, when you're ready to descend the mountain, go out the gated exit behind the cafe and walk around towards the front on the mountain and back towards the village, as you make your way down. This way you can enjoy the lovely views on the other side of the mountain. Again, it isn't long at all. Even at a slow pace, it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes. Don't forget to take the other road through the village. (There are only two roads.) Enjoy the few shops there including an edelstein shop and perhaps the tiniest thrift shop you've ever been in.

It was a beautiful walk up to the ruins with a very old building (now a hotel) on the way up. Fantastic views of the mountains and the river Mosel. It has a nice restaurant on the ruins. There wasn't much historical information.

Beautiful castle ruins in an even more beautiful town of Belstein. The hike up to the castle is moderate. Small entrance fee. There is a nice cafe at the top with the most incredible views of the Moselle river😍

Great view and a nice hike up the vineyards. Do take that route rather than the path from the town.

Oh holy cow, getting to this place is AWFUL. I kept thinking about the first residents and how they had to drag water to the castle and how the middle ages must've sucked. Have cash! After the first 10 minute climb through the city, and then the 2nd 10 minute climb to the entrance, don't find out then you don't have money! Don't worry though, it's just another 10 minutes up from there! The tower is really the only thing left, the rest of the castle was razed by the French some time before. The tower is fully accessible, through a twisty staircase that feels like it's constantly closing in. The top has amazing views of the entire area and is worth the climb. And there's only one thing better than that, and it's getting down to solid ground!