The longest waterway in Germany, the Rhine River, has long been one of Europe’s most important. It formed the border between Germany and France, and served as a significant trading route for centuries.

Today, passengers who embark on cruises along this majestic river can view prehistoric fortifications and medieval castles from the deck of their “floating hotel.” In fact, one of the most relaxing ways to see many sights in Germany—as well as several other European destinations—is on a river cruise.

River cruises take place on small ships that can navigate shallow rivers. They typically hold no more than 200 passengers, with open seating at mealtimes (no formal dinners!), complimentary coffee all day long, and local wines served at dinner. River cruises are overseen by a cruise director, and staff on board the ships are usually English speaking Included excursions at various ports of call along the riverbanks feature guided walking tours, as well as visits to local museums, cathedrals and castles. One of the most convenient features of a river cruise, like ocean cruising, is that passengers see so many sights, and stop at many ports of call, but only have to unpack suitcases once.

Rhine Gorge

While there is plenty of spectacular scenery along Germany’s Rhine River, perhaps the most dramatic is the Rhine Gorge, between Koblenz and Rudesheim. The gorge is impressive, with cliffs rising more than 400 feet from the river. Also here, you’ll find the legendary rock of Lorelei, a 433-foot-high slate cliff near the town of St. Goarshausen. According to German legend, a beautiful young maiden, distraught over an unfaithful lover, threw herself off the cliff. Her hypnotizing singing voice, heard long after her death, lured barge captains into the rocks, to their own doom. The echoes that can be heard in the gorge today are said to be her voice, as well.

Also along the Rhine Gorge, you’ll find an inordinate number of castles. Nearly every mile is dotted with medieval fortresses (you won’t be able to put down your camera!). In fact, along one 40-mile stretch, there are over more than 40 castles and fortresses from the Middle Ages. This region was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

Of course the Rhine is not the only major waterway in Germany. River cruises also make their way down the Main River, which meets the Rhine at the college town of Mainz. Another popular stretch is the Main-Danube Canal, a man-made waterway featuring 16 locks that connects the Main River with the Danube River. This 100-mile canal was completed in 1992. And finally, the Danube River originates in the Black Forest and flows past such German cities as medieval Regensburg before crossing the Austria border.

Christmas Markets

From just after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, Christmas Markets are held in cities and towns not throughout Germany, but in several European countries—from France to Austria, and from Sweden to Hungary. Special November and December river-cruise itineraries showcase these seasonal celebrations that have been taking place in Europe for nearly four centuries.

Typically, the outdoor events are set up in a town’s main square, and each market is unique, reflecting the local region’s character. Under strings of twinkling white lights, vendors sell handcrafted goods in their open-air stalls. Visitors can shop for hand-carved cuckoo clocks, wooden toys, colorful nutcrackers, glass ornaments and woolen mittens—you’ll find something for everyone on your holiday gift list.

The atmosphere at the Christmas Markets (Christkindlmarkts in German) is festive and fun. Visitors and locals alike gather to savor the seasonal specialties, such as Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Glühwein (hot, mulled wine). There is typically live music or piped-in Christmas carols to help set the upbeat tone.

Special Christmastime river cruises, as well as spring “tulip time” itineraries that originate in Amsterdam and sail into Germany along the Rhine River, give travelers so many options for seeing the country’s sights. No matter what time of year you cruise, you can relax on board your small ship, and enjoy all the glorious vistas—rolling vineyards, quaint towns, medieval castles and awe-inspiring churches—on a river cruise in Germany.