I had extremely high expectations of this castle, and have been to quite a few during my time in Germany. I came here today (cool/rainy August Monday afternoon) with my husband and three kids who are nearly 6, 4, and 2 years of age. I knew there was a shuttle and that it left from Endertplatz at times listed on a chart on the castle's website but didn't know exactly where to park or what the castle would like. I didn't expect much walking so I brought a baby carrier for the toddler, and didn't bring a stroller (and that's what I recommend visitors do, now that I've been through the castle). We parked in a lot near the tourist information, I believe Offentlicher Parkplatz, and we paid for the maximum of two hours (hoping but not believing we would be back in time, which we were not). Not sure where else we should have parked; there was a lot closer to the river that was up to 5 hours but was full. There is a lot very close to the actual castle, but it is for employees only. The shuttle came about 5 minutes earlier than the chart stated, and when we walked up there was already a rather long line. You have to pay cash as you enter the boat (a shame, I think it would be much more convenient buying online or at the Tourist Information shop next door). The shuttle was about 10 minutes of driving through the city of Cochem up to the castle, and then there is a 5-10 minute walk up paved paths to the castle. There was a long line to enter the castle in front of a closed gate, and we didn't realize immediately that they were people who had already purchased tickets for the tour and were waiting for the tour to stop. We cut past the line and went into the Kasse/ticket desk (also the gift shop and the entry to the restaurant, which is self-seating but NOT self service, and has absolutely wonderful food) and purchased tickets. We bought a family ticket though now I realize I probably could have gotten away with just two adults and saved a few euros. The English speaking tour starts every 60 minutes on the half hour, so we did the 2:30 tour after having lunch. You CANNOT enter the castle without a ticket!!!!!! There is almost nothing to see otherwise, other than the path up to the castle and a small viewing platform. If you don't plan on taking the tour, do not bother coming here, though one could argue the restaurant itself was worth the trip alone. I'll leave a separate review for that. The tour was about 40 minutes and the guide spoke wonderful English and was kind. It goes through quite fast and leaves very little room for taking photos, and only goes through one level of the castle showing decorated rooms, and not up into higher levels of any towers. Once done, they escort you out of the gate. It felt a little brusque and left me feeling unsatisfied, though the tour was interesting and enjoyable. Perhaps I felt this way because we drove almost 2 hours to get there. It was very reminiscent of Eltz castle, which is also only accessible via tour and had very little to see otherwise. My kids did fine on the tour, and weren't bored as it moved quite quickly. The tour is mostly inside, so not too much sun exposure. There were large, clean bathrooms right at the front gate of the castle before you start approaching the viewing platform and the gift shop. I definitely recommend this castle but perhaps only if you're passing through the area and/or have time to eat and explore the town, which was quite charming and beautiful.