The best cruise routes in Germany

A cruise is a special form of travel. After all, it allows you to see many places in a short time and still have a firm base. In addition, a cruise is a very decelerating form of travel. Boat trips in Germany are a perfect opportunity to get to know your home country better and discover natural beauties and interesting cities. Of course, there are many routes from Germany and cruises to Germany. But this Destinia guide introduces you to the best river cruises in Germany. Ship ahoy!

A river cruise through the southwest of Germany

In the southwest of Germany, four rivers invite you to a river cruise in Germany: Saar, Moselle, Rhine and Neckar. The great thing is that all rivers can be connected on a single river cruise. On the way you can look forward to castles, chateaus, vineyards and lively towns. One route, for example, leads from Saarbrücken via the historic city of Trier and Bernkastel to Mainz and on to the cities of Heidelberg and Stuttgart. On the way you will pass wonderful half-timbered buildings, steep vineyards and idyllic natural landscapes. The city of Heidelberg with its imposing castle and picturesque old town is just as much a highlight as Ludwigsburg near Stuttgart with its baroque-era residential palace.

On the Rhine through the picturesque Middle Rhine Valley

The Rhine is considered the longest river within Germany, covering 865 km within the country on its journey. One of the most beautiful river cruises starts and ends in Cologne. The metropolis on the Rhine is the starting point for a trip via Mainz, Speyer, Koblenz and back to Cologne. On the way you will also make a detour to Strasbourg, France, which is part of Alsace. You will drive through the picturesque Middle Rhine Valley, which was not without reason named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the highlights of the cruise is the Loreley Rock. But also the German Corner near Koblenz, where the Moselle flows into the Rhine, is a real highlight of this trip. In addition, you will pass many castles and chateaus on the way and can marvel at time-honored towns. These include wonderful sacred buildings such as the world-famous Cologne Cathedral, the historic Imperial Cathedral in Speyer or the Cathedral in Strasbourg.

Discover the East of Germany by river

This route starts in Potsdam and takes you on the Elbe-Havel Canal via Magdeburg to Lutherstadt Wittenberg. The ship then continues to the porcelain city of Meissen, where visitors can learn about the art of porcelain making. Via the spa town of Bad Schandau, the journey finally takes us to the Golden City of Prague in the Czech Republic. There, sights such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle or the city center with the City Hall and the Astronomical Clock await visitors. Through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains with their bizarre rock formations, the tour then continues through the Elbe Valley to Dresden. The beautiful city on the Elbe has many highlights to offer with the Semper Opera House, the rebuilt Frauenkirche and the Dresden Zwinger.

On the Danube towards Hungary

The Danube is the longest river that flows through Germany and counts as a lifeline for the south of the country. As part of a river cruise, the Danube is only navigable from Passau, so most Danube cruises start in Passau. Among the classic routes is the one from Passau via Vienna to Budapest and Bratislava. On this cruise, you’ll travel through four countries and discover Danube cities in Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. On this entertaining route, you will dive deep into the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, encountering imposing castles, magnificent opera houses and monumental churches. Scenically, the Wachau around Dürnstein is the highlight of the route for many guests. Here the Danube flows through idyllic vineyards and apricot plantations.

On the way on the Main

A river cruise on the Main River gives you the opportunity to discover southeastern Germany from the ship. One popular route starts in the central Franconian city of Nuremberg. Nuremberg is not only known for gingerbread and bratwurst, but also has a lot to offer culturally. From there it goes to Kelheim, where a visit to the Liberation Hall is not to be missed. Via the cathedral city of Regensburg, the journey continues to Straubing in Lower Bavaria and, after a stop in Bach on the Danube, back to the port of departure in Nuremberg.

Discover the center of Germany from Frankfurt am Main

If you want to try out whether a river cruise is the right form of travel, this short river cruise is the perfect choice. From the Hessian financial metropolis of Frankfurt am Main, a beautiful river cruise leads first to Mannheim. From there, the tour continues into Alsace to Kehl and Strasbourg, respectively. The next stop is in Mainz. Mainz is not only known for the carnival, but has other highlights to offer with the Mainz Cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum. Afterwards, we will return to Frankfurt am Main.

On the Rhine and the Scheldt to Belgium and the Netherlands

This short route starts and ends in Düsseldorf. Along the way, you’ll stop in Antwerp, Amsterdam and Düsseldorf and get to know the border region in western Germany from a whole new perspective. In Antwerp, you will learn a lot about the history of the diamond trade and, of course, have the opportunity to buy the precious stones. With Amsterdam, you will stop in one of the most diverse metropolises in Europe. Marvel at the canals, admire the great artist’s works at the Van Gogh Museum or enjoy the city’s many gardens and parks on a bike ride. On the way back, you will have the opportunity to get to know the media and cultural city of Düsseldorf.

Island hopping on the Baltic Sea

What could be more natural than to also discover the wonderful island world on the German coast on a cruise? On this cruise you will experience the highlights of the Baltic Sea between Potsdam and Stralsund. Especially in summer, this cruise is a real insider tip. Look forward to the islands of Usedom, Rügen or Hiddensee with their wonderful spa architecture. Dock at historic piers or experience the marvels of technology at the Niederfinow ship lift. Of course, the nature experiences are not neglected. Finally, the ship also passes through the National Park “Lower Oder Valley”. And a flying visit will take you to Szczecin, Poland.