4 Amazing Cities in Germany You Can Visit on a River Cruise
Take a river cruise through the heart of Germany and explore the iconic cities along the Main and the Rhine rivers, discovering their rich medieval history along the way.
A river cruise through the heart of Germany can offer many varied delights but most of all it gives you the chance to take a trip back in time, with visits to some of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe. Cruising the Main and the Danube River takes you to historic destinations like Wurzburg, Rothenberg and Nuremberg, with spectacular scenery and architecture at every stop.
Here are some of the highlights of our Medieval Germany River Cruise:
Mainz
More than simply the start of the cruise, Mainz has been an important city in the Rhineland region for centuries and you can get your first real taste of what is to come with a visit to the Martinsdom cathedral. Built in the 12th Century, it has a fascinating blend of styles because it has been added to so many times over the years but is still a striking example of Romanesque architecture. Mainz is also home to the Gutenberg Museum, located in a 17th Century building and hosting two Gutenberg Bibles dating back to the 15th Century.
Würzburg
After a couple of stops in smaller towns and villages, Würzburg is a major Bavarian city and has the eye-catching Residenz, a Baroque palace completed in 1744 for the Prince-Bishops with the intention of rivalling the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. Despite being heavily bombed during the Second World War, it has been restored to its former glory and the ornate interiors and beautiful gardens are essential items for any itinerary.
Bamberg
A town so delightful and historic that a large part of it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bamberg has lots of medieval sights to offer. The Old Town features on the tour, along with the Old Town Hall, a gorgeous building from the 18th Century which sits on an island in the centre of a 15th Century bridge. Another highlight is the stunning Cathedral, which holds the tombs of Emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II within its walls.
Nuremberg
The famous war trials that took place here after the Second World War might be what most people think of when they hear the name Nuremberg, but the city itself is full of medieval history and Gothic architecture, making it the perfect grand finale for your cruise.
The beautiful Nuremberg Castle sits on a sandstone ridge above the city, a series of medieval buildings which played a hugely important role in the Holy Roman Empire. Amongst the other treats on offer are a working clock dating from 1506 in the Church of Our Lady, and the bustling Hauptmarkt square with an impressively intricate fountain. Simply strolling the picturesque, cobbled streets for a reminder of all of the magical sights you’ve enjoyed on your German river cruise.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
