The Rhine River, 4 Amazing Countries, and Perfect for Your First River Cruise
If you have never been on a river cruise but want to give it a try, the Rhine River is a great place to start. You’ll have a chance to see 4 incredible countries, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Let’s take a closer look at a few destinations on the Rhine River and you’ll see why it is a favorite for first time river cruisers.
The main reason travelers choose a river cruise is because of the authentic and enriching experiences and the amazing and often breathtaking, stops along the way. Smaller crowds, intimate excursions, and unique experiences in fairytale towns are to be had on a river cruise. With that in mind, the countries you’ll explore on the Rhine are historic, romantic, and truly awe-inspiring. Are they on your bucket list?
Switzerland
A pristine alpine wonderland, Switzerland is beautiful any time of year. It’s known for its snowy mountain caps in the winter and lush green hills in the summer. Whether you’re taking a scenic train ride through the Alps or traveling the Rhine by ship, Switzerland will have you wondering if you’ve walked straight into a fairytale.
Basel
Many river cruises on the Rhine start or end in Basel, a city known for its love of art and museums. The city has the highest concentration of museums in the country and is centered around a market square, making it perfectly easy to tour.
Basel is a fantastic representation of Switzerland as it’s situated right between France and Germany, two countries which have significantly influenced Swiss culture. Enjoy this melding of cultures as you dine alfresco at a cafe along the banks of the Rhine.
But why stop with Basel when there’s so much more of Switzerland to see. We’d recommend tacking on a trip to Lucerne or Zurich.
Lucerne
Lucerne is the ideal pitstop on your trek through Switzerland. Wandering through its majestic streets and medieval old town, you’ll encounter a city dotted with beautiful bridges, cafes and mouth-watering chocolate shops that will satisfy your sweet tooth. A summer evening in Lucerne will make you never want to leave. Let’s book a boat ride on Lake Lucerne while we’re at it!
Zurich
The banking capital and economic hub of Switzerland, Zurich combines pre-medieval roots with modern-day business and entertainment. In addition to its world-class shopping venues, there is plenty of sight-seeing to do. From the Hauptbahnhof—Switzerland’s largest railway station—you can catch a train and be on a crisp, glistening mountain peak in a matter of minutes. You can also explore the city’s incredible rivers and magnificent lake. Whether its fine dining or hiking trails up Uetliberg, the perfect adventure is waiting for you in Zurich.
France
Wine and France go together, and if you haven’t had a bowl of freshly made French onion soup, you’re seriously missing out. Whether you’re stopping at a bakery in the morning for a fresh croissant and cafe au lait, a light lunch of a croque monsieur or a full 3-course French dinner, you will not be disappointed.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the capital city of the Alsace region and a charming city for a day trip. We’d recommend the Cave des Hospices for a wine tour and light beverage during the afternoon. If wine tasting isn’t your idea of a relaxing afternoon, there is no shortage of other soothing activities in Strasbourg. The Parc de l’Orangerie, Parc de la Citadelle and the botanical gardens are all equally serene places for an afternoon walk or bike ride.
Christmas markets in Strasbourg are so popular you can find them any time of year. Make your way to the southwest corner of the Grande Île to Un Noël en Alsace to browse Christmas decor. And if you happen to be in Strasbourg during the holiday season, we recommend a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine) to keep you warm along the way.
Germany
Traveling to Germany usually takes tourists to Berlin, Munich, and other metropolitan areas. On a river cruise, however, you’ll experience a whole new side of the country; one that is more traditional and inviting. Cruising down the Rhine, you’ll see cultural hubs as well as quaint cities you may not otherwise experience. Rüdesheim and Cologne both offer a variety of entertainment including local musicians and museums, providing for a well-rounded German experience.
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim is a charming little city on the Rhine known for its production of Reisling wine. The first thing you’ll notice here is the beautiful combination of history and modern winemaking. Cobblestone streets and medieval-style castles lie just outside the vineyards and tasting rooms of Rüdesheim.
During the stop in Rüdesheim, try Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, a gondola ride, or a wine tasting hike through the vineyards. Our favorite way to spend time here is to take the cable car over the vineyards, up to the Niederwald monument and then stop at the local shops on the way back to the ship.
Cologne
A 2,000-year-old city, Cologne is best known for its colorful rows of houses and its famous Christmas markets. In contrast to the small-town charm of Rüdesheim, Cologne is a much larger city and cultural hub of this area in Germany. Where Rüdesheim is medieval and rustic, Cologne is more Gothic and modern. Visible from the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral is a must-see landmark. Its two towers are still some of the largest peaks in the city. Take a Holy City walking tour, cathedral visit, Kölsch Beer tasting, or maybe take a bike tour.
The Netherlands
What better way to end the cruise than right in the heart of the Netherlands, Amsterdam?
Amsterdam
A city known for its carefree way of life, Amsterdam offers an incredible array of cultural experiences. The people in the Netherlands are truly some of the kindest and friendly people in Europe. Described as modest, direct, and very prompt, don’t be surprised by how welcomed you feel in this city.
Cruising one of the world’s most elaborate canal systems will show you much of the beauty this city has to offer. If you prefer to observe the canals by land, you can opt for a tour through the bohemian neighborhood of Jordaan, which boasts trendy cafes, eateries, and shops. After grabbing a coffee, head to one of the many historical landmarks in this part of town. The Anne Frank House is located just outside Jordaan and across from the historical Westerkerk Cathedral where Rembrandt was buried in 1669. Take an extra day and visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum, or the Van Gogh museum.
One of the most pleasant surprises of a trip to Amsterdam is the food. If you’re craving something with a pinch of salt, we would recommend Bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), kibbeling (deep-fried fish) or snert (split pea soup). After dinner, enjoy a variety of different sweets including Dutch licorice, poffertjes (puffy pancakes) or stroopwafels (remember to eat them hot and gooey).
These are just a few of the amazing destinations on a Rhine River cruise and we haven’t even talked about the castles, 40 of them! Which country is calling your name?
Sample Rhine Itineraries:
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Cities on the Rhine
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