Best River Cruise In Bavaria: A Relaxing Journey

Germany is a country rich in waterways and heritage, and a river cruise is a perfect way to experience both. One of the most famous and scenic rivers in the world, the Rhine, showcases some of Germany's most noted areas of natural beauty along the Rhine Valley. The Main is possibly the Rhine's most well-known tributary and lies entirely in Germany, making it a great way to explore the country's history. The Moselle, another Rhine tributary, is perfect for wine lovers, as it goes through one of the country's celebrated wine-growing regions. The Elbe is one of Europe's major rivers and is a great way to see what Eastern Germany has to offer, including the beautiful region of Saxony and the historic capital, Berlin. So, which is the best river cruise in Bavaria?

Rhine River cruises

Destinations and Attractions

The Rhine River winds its way through Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands, offering a diverse range of experiences. When cruising the Rhine in Bavaria, you'll encounter:

• Cologne: A city tour will reveal architectural treasures, including one of the world's largest and most beautiful cathedrals, the Dom.
• Koblenz: Where the Rhine meets the Moselle River, you can explore the 700-year-old Marksburg Castle.
• Rüdesheim: This charming village is known for its wine-growing region, Rheingau.
• Heidelberg: Home to the oldest university in Germany.
• Breisach: The gateway to the majestic Black Forest region.
• Strasbourg: The official seat of the European Parliament, offering a mix of German and French influences.

Cruise Options

The Rhine offers a variety of cruise options, from shorter trips focusing on specific regions to longer itineraries that cover more ground.

• The Enchanting Rhine: This 7-day cruise takes you from Zurich to Amsterdam or vice versa, through historic old towns and big cities in Germany and Switzerland, as well as Strasbourg, France.
• Castles along the Rhine: An 8-day cruise from Basel to Amsterdam or Amsterdam to Basel, exploring Alsace's culinary and winemaking heritage, as well as historic castles and cities like Cologne and Strasbourg.
• Rhine Holiday Markets: An 8-day festive cruise during the holiday season, visiting charming Christmas markets in Switzerland, France, and Germany, including Basel, Strasbourg, and Cologne.
• The Valley of the Romantic Rhine, the Moselle, and the Main: A 7-day cruise from Strasbourg to Frankfurt, exploring enchanting cities like Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Cochem, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, and Mannheim.

When to Go

The best time to cruise the Rhine River in terms of weather is during the spring and early fall, especially the months of April, May, September, and October. These months offer pleasant temperatures and more stable river levels. However, cruises during the Christmas season, with a focus on exploring traditional Christmas markets, are also a popular option.

Cruise Lines

Several cruise lines offer Rhine River cruises, each with its unique features and amenities:

• Viking River Cruises: Ideal for first-time river cruisers, offering informative port talks and a wide variety of itineraries and destinations.
• Avalon Waterways: Perfect for active travelers, with kayaking, hiking, and cycling tours, as well as a focus on healthy cuisine.
• Scenic: All-inclusive fares covering premium drinks, specialty dining, butler service, and gratuities.
• AmaWaterways: Renowned for their culinary experiences, with food and wine-themed sailings and the cozy Chef's Table restaurant.
• European Waterways: Intimate and unique sailing experiences on less-visited waterways, with a casual houseboat atmosphere and modern interiors.

Moselle River cruises

The Moselle River winds through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, offering a serene journey through enchanting landscapes, picturesque medieval castles, and lush vineyard-covered hills. With a history that predates the Romans, the Moselle has much to uncover. Here is a guide to Moselle River cruises, highlighting why this is one of the best river cruises in Bavaria.

The Moselle River, with its romantic meanders, forms a natural boundary between Luxembourg and Germany and weaves through breathtaking vistas of sloping vineyards. The river flows past fairy-tale-like villages, such as Bernkastel-Kues, with its charming half-timbered houses and medieval market square. The river also passes through Luxembourg City, with its elegant architecture, and the ancient city of Trier, Germany's oldest, with its Roman ruins and impressive amphitheatre.

A Rich Wine History

The Moselle region is renowned for its wine, particularly Riesling, and is a haven for wine enthusiasts. The wine-making traditions here date back 2,000 years, with the region producing some of the world's most loved wines. Along the river, you will find numerous small wine villages, such as Piesport and Zell, which offer charming spots for wine-tasting and local cuisine. The town of Bernkastel, often called the wine capital of the Moselle River Valley, stores wine from over 5,000 vineyards in its cellars.

Historic Castles and Towns

The Moselle River also takes you past historic castles, such as the Millennium-old Reichsburg Castle, perched above the town of Cochem, and the Ehrenfels castle ruins, overlooking the Rhine. The river passes through Koblenz, one of Germany's most beautiful and historic towns, where you can explore the Basilica of St. Castor and the 12th-century Liebfrauenkirche. The river also flows through Frankfurt, a culturally rich city offering plenty of excitement.

When to Go

The Moselle River can be enjoyed year-round, but certain times of the year are particularly special. Spring, from April to June, is ideal as the vineyards awaken and the countryside blooms. Summer brings the warmest weather, but it is also the peak tourist season. Autumn, from September to October, is enchanting as the vineyards transform into a sea of gold and red, and the region's wine festivals are in full swing. Winter along the Moselle is magical, with Christmas markets in the towns providing a festive atmosphere. For the best overall experience, late spring or early autumn is recommended.

Main River cruises

The Main River, a major tributary of the Rhine, is a great option for those who have already explored Europe's bigger rivers and are looking for something different. At 330 miles long, the Main flows through the valleys of the German Highlands and beautiful Bavaria in Central Germany, before joining the Rhine near Mainz.

The Main is possibly the Rhine's most well-known tributary and is a great way to explore Germany's history. It offers an authentic taste of old Europe and a voyage through the Bavarian heartland, with the chance to explore memorable towns and cities.

A typical Main River cruise itinerary will include the following highlights:

• Frankfurt: Germany's financial capital and a city where old and new sit side by side. Here, you can scale the Main Tower for a panoramic view, visit the historic city hall, and explore the beautiful botanical gardens.
• Wurzburg: An ancient city and the wine capital of Franconia in Northern Bavaria. Wurzburg is famous for its magnificent Baroque Bishop's Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the 13th-century Marienberg Fortress, which offers lovely views over the city and its surrounding vineyards.
• Wertheim: A pretty medieval village located near the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. Wertheim is known for its 12th-century castle and its medieval market square, set in the beautiful Oldenwald Nature Reserve.
• Bamberg: A UNESCO-listed ancient town dating back to 902 AD, with an imposing hilltop castle, an 11th-century cathedral, and a glorious baroque palace, the New Residence.
• Miltenberg: A picturesque Bavarian village boasting stunning medieval and Renaissance houses, with a Gothic Merchant Hall as its highlight.

The Main River cruises usually combine time on the Main with cruising other rivers, such as the Rhine and Moselle. The best time for Main River cruises is during the warmer months of June, July, and August, or in September when the temperatures are pleasant.

Danube River cruises

The Danube River, known as the "River of Kings", is the second-longest river in Europe, flowing through ten countries, including Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. A cruise on the Danube is a great way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of Central and Eastern Europe. The river offers a unique perspective on some of the continent's most culturally rich cities, such as Vienna, Budapest, and Passau.

For those seeking a shorter cruise, there are options for 1 to 2-night boat trips, such as from Deggendorf to Passau. This scenic route takes passengers through picturesque vineyards, pretty wine-growing villages, exciting castles, and interesting towns. Another option is the 5-hour boat ride from Passau to Linz, which offers a glimpse of the charming town of Passau and scenic views along the way.

When planning a Danube River cruise, it's important to consider the time of year. The fall months, from September to October, are considered the optimal period due to mild weather and fewer tourists. Spring can be chilly, and summer tends to be busy with tourists. December is a unique time to visit, as it offers the chance to experience the charming Christmas markets along the Danube.

Elbe River cruises

The Elbe River is a symbol of unity, along which East Germany became free. The river begins in the north of the Czech Republic and flows for about 670 miles in a north-westerly direction through north-central Germany, emptying into the North Sea.

There are only three companies operating cruises on the Elbe River: Viking River Cruises, CroisiEurope, and Grand Circle. Itineraries are available from March through December, depending on the company.

Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises offers a 10-day cruise tour from Berlin to Prague (or the reverse) that highlights the wonders of East Germany, Saxon Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. The trip includes an overnight stay in both Berlin and Prague, with the 8-day river cruise taking place between Mělník in the Czech Republic and Madgeburg in Germany. Viking's Elbe ships feature deluxe accommodations and streamlined Scandinavian interiors, with customised hulls and engines built specially to navigate the historic river.

CroisiEurope

CroisiEurope is the only company that offers a good cruise experience on the Elbe, according to River Cruise Advisor. In 2016, the company introduced the MS Elbe Princesse, a paddlewheeler specifically designed to cruise the river.

Grand Circle

Grand Circle offers two packages with reverse itineraries. The Essence of the Elbe cruise is available from late March through mid-November, with three nights in Berlin and two in Prague, and an 8-day river cruise between Madgeburg and Dresden. The Christmas Markets Along the Elbe cruise is a seasonal offering available in late November through mid-December, with three nights in both Berlin and Dresden.

Frequently asked questions