Booked through Viator splurge at $625 per person but we were staying in Cologne and appreciated being picked up at our hotel. We paid viator for entrance to castle and guided tour. Viator didn't pay local operator or local operator didn't pay castle for tour just in fee. Could not get service on our mobile phones to contact Viator. Castle people were great and tour was best we have ever had. But we can't book through Viator ever again. I've been to 47 countries and this has never happened to me. 1 star rating for Viator. 10 star rating for castle and tour and management who didn't make us pay twice.

I think this is a museum at least every German should visit, it shows in no uncertain terms how they treated thousands of people. The delema they got their selves into by letting a tyrant take over the country, and how their lives might be now if they weren't rescued by Britain and they allied forces. Then they might not treat us like third class citizens when we visit the country.

The castle was well worth the trip, extraordinary! The transport van was extremely comfortable and we learned a lot from our guide Ross. He was responsive and friendly, not to mention well informed. The trip to Linz was a bit questionable as the city near the castle was just as enchanting. It would have been nice to enjoy a quick snack and local drink (beer) during the course of the afternoon. All in all, a very fun trip and the castle is a must see when staying in Cologne.