The Best River Cruises in Germany
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No river cruise sticks exclusively to Germany, but Germany is certainly at the epicentre of river cruising, with more choices here than anywhere else. Here’s how you can enjoy its five magnificent waterways.
Danube River
No cruise is confined just to the Danube River in Germany since, though it rises in Germany’s south, it quickly flows into Austria and beyond. But you’ll want to pick a cruise that makes stops along the German Danube’s short length, since it has some impressive attractions, including two of the most beautiful river ports in all Europe in baroque Passau and medieval Regensburg, whose architectural highlights are its ancient bridge and fabulous cathedral. APT’s 13-day ‘Blue Danube Discovery’ between Budapest and Prague supplies walking tours of both towns, making it a great pick.
Main River
The Main River joins the Rhine at Mainz and connects by canal to the Danube, making it the crucial link on the popular Amsterdam-Budapest route. However, some cruises have more focus on this intimate river’s tranquil countryside and historic towns. Avalon Waterway’s 12-day ‘Central European Experience’ from Paris to Prague has a big focus on the Main and Main-Danube Canal. Highlights are the over-the-top baroque masterpiece of the bishop’s palace in Würzburg, the pretty medieval village of Bamberg, and Nuremberg, whose delightful old town contrasts with its dark WWII history.
Moselle River
Another tributary of the Rhine, the Moselle rises in France and flows through western Germany. Many cruises sail right past its confluence with the Rhine at Koblenz but, if you don’t want to miss out on this petite pleasure, choose a cruise that makes a detour onto its waters. Uniworld’s 13-day ‘Legendary Rhine & Moselle’ itinerary between Amsterdam and Basel spends three days exploring the Moselle, with shore excursions to Luxembourg, historic cathedral town Trier and Bernkastel, where you can try some of the region’s fabled white wines.
Rhine River
You have more cruise variety on the Rhine than any other river. Every company offers itineraries on the busy Amsterdam-Budapest route in combination with the Danube, but many stick to the Rhine itself, finishing at Basel in Switzerland. You’ll see all the highlights on Travelmarvel’s seven-night ‘Legends of the Rhine’ cruise, which is combined with a three-night stay in Paris. It includes stops at the vineyard-surrounded town of Rüdesheim, the magnificent Rhine Gorges and an exploration of the Black Forest, with its lush mountain scenery and irresistible cream cakes.
Elbe River
Surprisingly, the Elbe is one of Europe’s overlooked cruise rivers, despite flowing through a wonderful slice of Germany and the Czech Republic. It features dramatic sandstone gorges, scenery that has earned it the nickname ‘Saxon Switzerland’, and river-port cities such as baroque Dresden, Meissen (famous for its porcelain) and historic Wittenberg, where Martin Luther launched the Protestant Reformation. Viking River Cruises launched two new ships on the river in 2015 (Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla) and runs a 10-day ‘Elegant Elbe’ itinerary that also includes visits to Berlin and Prague.
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