12 unmissable sights along the Rhine River
Starting high up in the Swiss Alps and flowing through Germany to the Netherlands, the Rhine River travels through some of Europe’s best-loved landscapes, passing majestic hillside castles, pretty medieval towns and rolling vineyards.
As one of the longest rivers in Europe, with a length of 760 miles, the Rhine River passes through dozens of breathtaking destinations, each with its own distinct character and must-see marvels.
One of the best ways to experience them is on a Rhine River cruise. This December you can discover the many attractions on its banks on a special festive escape with Good Housekeeping.
You'll board the beautifully appointed A-ROSA Aqua for this all-inclusive sailing, travelling along the river from Cologne to Frankfurt via Rüdesheim and Mainz, with plenty of chances to explore atmospheric Christmas markets as you go.
As inviting as the cities and towns along the Rhine are in the run up to Christmas, they have plenty to offer at any time of year.
To inspire you to take a Rhine River cruise, we've rounded up 10 of the most incredible sights you can see along the Rhine River.
Black Forest, Germany
After crossing from Switzerland into Germany, the Rhine River winds its way through the magical Black Forest.
This region is a classic German landscape of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands and timber houses, and was the inspiration for so many of their legendary fairytales, as well as more modern versions - Neuschwanstein Castle, for example, inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
The Black Forest - or '"Schwarzwald" as it's known to the locals - offers ample opportunity for getting out and about and exploring Germany's rural beauty.
Hiking is particularly popular in the Black Forest Highlands. In fact the region is considered a premium hiking destination by the German Hiking Institute, thanks to its spectacular peaks and captivating gorges. It's the ideal destination for anyone who wants an active holiday on the banks of the Rhine.
Römerberg, Frankfurt
Frankfurt may be best known for its business activity, but it shows off its festive spirit in December with festive markets to rival its neighbours and a towering Christmas tree.
Each winter, the city hosts one of Germany's oldest and most charming Christmas markets, stretching from Römerberg and the historic Paulskirche all the way to the banks of the Main River.
Römerberg, at the heart of the medieval Altstadt (Old Town) is Frankfurt's most iconic square and has been witness to markets, fairs, festivals, tournaments, imperial elections and coronations since the 9th century.
The medieval buildings and beautifully restored half-timbered houses make the perfect backdrop to the city's Christmas market, which you can visit the market on Good Housekeeping's Rhine cruise in December. Indulge in a variety of local treats, with regional favourites like Bethmännchen, a marzipan pastry topped with almonds, and warm apple wine being especially tasty.
VISIT ROMERBERG WITH GH
Petite France, Strasbourg
Petite France in Strasbourg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town will transport you back in time to the Middle Ages. This enchanting area on the banks of the upper Rhine is exceptionally well-preserved, with historic half-timbered houses along winding alleys and pedestrianised streets.
Wide canals are lined with hanging baskets and quaint houses - once home to fishermen, tanners and other ancient trades – all criss-crossed by narrow lanes and footbridges. Here, you can step into a corner of the world where it feels like time has stood still.
Heidelberg Castle
The ruins of an impressive, ornate red-brick castle perched high above the river, Heidelberg Castle has inspired artists and writers for centuries, especially the Romantic-era painters. Famous British artist William Turner adored it, and included its partly crumbled battlements in several of his works.
The Ottheinrich’s Wing at Heidelberg Castle is one of the most beautiful examples of German Renaissance architecture, with stately sculptures of ancient heroes and Roman emperors decorating the facade.
Rhine Gorge
For nature lovers, the most unmissable stretch of the Rhine Valley is the Rhine Gorge, a stunning 40-mile stretch of rolling vineyards, dramatic cliffs and picturesque villages between Bingen am Rhein and Koblenz.
UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site thanks to its historical and cultural importance, as well as the different plants and wildlife that thrive in its fertile microclimate.
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
High up on a hill above Koblenz is this vast Prussian fortress complex, built to defend against French invaders, which can be reached by a cable car.
This is the second-largest preserved fortress in Europe, after the Château de Fougères in France. As you'd expect, there's plenty to explore, from an Army Memorial to an informative museum and a 12th-century castle.
On the way up, and once you reach the fortifications, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over Koblenz, the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, and the vivid greens of the surrounding landscapes.
Rüdesheim am Rhein
Rüdesheim am Rhein is a sleepy town known for its winemaking and for being the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO world heritage site. This region, with its many castles, palaces and picturesque wine villages, is known as the centre of Rhine Romanticism, an artistic movement inspired by the area's idyllic scenery.
The region once inspired poets and composers such as Brahms, who composed his 3rd symphony here.
Rüdesheim is also known for its winemaking, and is especially famous for its aromatic Riesling wines. On Good Housekeeping's December Rhine cruise, you may want stop off in one of the town's cafes to sip some delicious speciality Rüdesheimer Kaffee, an alcoholic coffee-based drink made with brandy and plenty of sugar.
Electoral Palace
Koblenz’ Electoral Palace is one the most significant palaces in French early Classicism style that you'll find in Germany. Its landscaped gardens, royal history dating back to the 1700s and location by the Rhine River make this attraction a must-visit.
Today, the palace hosts festive banquets, conferences and celebrations in its ornate rooms. There is a also an exquisite terraced garden facing the Rhine, where you'll see a fasinating 1854 sandstone sculpture by Johann Hartung depicting the allegorical figures Father Rhine and Mother Mosel, representing the two rivers that meet in the city.
Cologne Cathedral
Another World Heritage Site, Cologne’s Cathedral is one of the city’s most memorable and recognisable landmarks, thanks to its imposing Gothic architecture. It's the most-visited landmark in Germany and the the tallest twin-spired church in the world.
Standing in front of the Cathedral and looking up at its great spires has a dizzying effect. It's hard not to be wowed by this mighty building that's the result of centuries of work.
Step inside to see beautifully detailed stained glass windows and lofty arched ceilings, giving the building an inspirational atmosphere whether you’re religious or not. One of the highlights of any visit is seeing the shrine to the Three Wise Men, an ornate relic traditionally believed to contain the bones of the Three Kings.
Schloss Drachenburg
Unlike Heidelberg Castle, this palatial fortress has been carefully maintained and survived the last two centuries intact. You’ll see its fairytale turrets poking above the treetops as you sail north along the Rhine towards Bonn.
Built between 1882 and 1884, Drachenburg Castle is one of the most important castle buildings in Germany and a true icon of Rhine Romance. Visitors can wander through the historic landscape park in the castle grounds and take in stunning panoramic views of the Rhine and the surrounding Siebengebirge region.
Koblenz Christmas Market
The towns and cities along the Rhine are well-known for their inviting Christmas markets. There are many wonderful markets to choose from, but some really do stand out from the crowd. One such standout is the market in Koblenz, one of Germany's oldest cities, nestled on the banks of the Rhine and the Moselle.
Each year during Advent, the historic city is transformed into an atmospheric pre-Christmas paradise where the aroma of fresh roasted almonds, mulled wine and gingerbread wafts through the air.
A particularly impessive sight awaits at Jesuitenplatz, the Old Town's main square, named after its Jesuit monastery. Here you will find the city's largest Advent calendar, made up of colourfully lit dormer windows in the baroque town hall.
SEE KOBLENZ AT CHRISTMAS WITH GH
Dusseldorf Old Town
It might be full of historical buildings, but Düsseldorf Old Town is by no means sleepy – visit for a lively and vibrant atmosphere in the numerous bars. It’s the perfect place to sample a glass of Düsseldorf’s renowned Altbier (old beer), still brewed from an ancient, traditional recipe.
When you're not sampling the local brews, you can take in some historic attractions including St Lambertus Church, the Burgplatz, and the City Hall, or sample some local delicacies in one of the many excellent restuarants.
Want to experience the Rhine River this year? Join us on a fabulously festive Rhine River cruise to revel in the wonderful festive atmospheres in Frankfurt, Koblenz, Cologne, and Rüdesheim. You'll sail along the Rhine with all meals and drinks included on board the stylish A-ROSA AQUA, where you can also enjoy a well-equipped spa and fitness centre
You Might Also Like
