Top 5 European Countries to Visit on a River Cruise

Posted on 02/03/2023

Photo Credit: Emerald Cruises

Europe is home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and vibrant cities, and one of the best ways to experience the countryside and the cities all in one trip without spending hours on buses or trains is by river cruise. Here are some of the best countries to visit by river cruise in Europe:

Germany

A river cruise through Germany takes you through charming towns, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes along the Rhine and Main rivers. Don't miss the chance to visit cities like Frankfurt, Heidelberg, and Koblenz along the way. Some of the most popular sites and stops for river cruisers visiting Germany are:

The castles of the Rhine River, such as Burg Rheinstein and Marksburg Castle
The charming wine-growing town of Rüdesheim
The historical city of Mainz, the birthplace of the printing press
The UNESCO-listed town of Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers
The medieval town of Trier, with its Roman monuments such as the Porta Nigra
The charming university town of Heidelberg
The historic city of Regensburg, with its well-preserved old town

Boppard, Germany Photo Credit: (CPRO) EuroTravel

France

A river cruise along the Seine River in France is an opportunity to explore the charming town of Rouen, the charming village of Giverny, and of course, the city of lights, Paris. Or explore Burgundy and Provence and immerse yourself in the history and daily life along the Rhone River. Some of the most popular sites and stops for river cruisers visiting France are:

Paris - One of the most iconic cities in the world, Paris is a must-visit on any river cruise in France. You can see the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and other famous landmarks.
Chartres Cathedral - A magnificent cathedral located just outside of Paris, Chartres Cathedral is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in the world.
Normandy - A region of France famous for its rolling hills, beautiful coastline, and historic landmarks, Normandy is a must-visit on any river cruise.
Rouen - A charming medieval town with a rich history, Rouen is famous for its Gothic Cathedral and its association with Joan of Arc.
Monet's Garden - The famous artist Claude Monet lived and painted in Giverny for many years, and his beautiful garden is now open to the public.
Burgundy - A region known for its wine and rolling hills, Burgundy is a beautiful place to visit on a river cruise in France.
Reims - A city famous for its Champagne production, Reims is home to many beautiful cathedrals and historic landmarks.
Avignon - a city famous for its Papal Palace and its association with the popes.
Arles - a city famous for its association with the artist Vincent van Gogh, who painted many of his famous works here.

Paris, France Photo Credit: (CPRO) Anastasia Collection

The Netherlands

A river cruise in the Netherlands offers a chance to explore its famous tulip fields, windmills, and charming cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Some of the most popular sites and stops for river cruisers visiting The Netherlands are:

Keukenhof Gardens - A world-famous tulip garden in Lisse.
Windmills - Dutch windmills are a hallmark of the country's history, and you can see many of them along the river.
Delft - A historic city known for its pottery and blue-and-white porcelain.
Gouda - A city famous for its cheese and beautiful Gothic architecture.
Zaanse Schans - A preserved windmill village that showcases Dutch life and culture.
Amsterdam - The capital city and a hub of Dutch culture, history, and art.
The Green Heart - A large park area in the middle of the country, known for its scenic beauty and wildlife.
The Hague - A city known for its international courts, political institutions, and beaches.
Utrecht - A city known for its history, architecture, and nightlife.
Rotterdam - The second largest city in the Netherlands, known for its modern architecture and harbour.

Utrecht, Netherlands Photo Credit: CPRO David Leveque

Austria

A river cruise through Austria takes you through the stunning countryside and quaint towns along the Danube River and the grand cities of Vienna and Salzburg. Some of the most popular sites and stops for river cruisers visiting Austria are:

Vienna: Known for its stunning architecture, museums, and classical music scene.
Salzburg: The birthplace of Mozart and home to impressive baroque architecture, beautiful gardens, and well-preserved medieval buildings.
Linz: A charming city known for its art, music, and architecture, including the St. Martin’s Church, a Gothic building with intricate frescoes and stained glass windows.
Dürnstein: A picturesque town with a fairy-tale castle, a charming village center, and a vineyard-studded landscape.
Melk: A beautiful baroque town with a stunning abbey and a picturesque old town.
Bratislava: A historic city straddling two countries, Slovakia and Austria, with a well-preserved old town, medieval castle, and beautiful cathedrals.
Schloss Schönbrunn: An extravagant palace that was once the summer residence of the Habsburg royalty.
Eisriesenwelt: A massive ice cave that is one of the largest in the world, offering a fascinating and unique natural attraction.

Durnstein Village, Austria Photo Credit: (CPRO)Thurtell

Czech Republic

A river cruise through the Czech Republic takes you along the Vltava River and offers a chance to visit the enchanting city of Prague, the stunning Baroque town of Český Krumlov, and the charming medieval town of České Budějovice. Some of the most popular sites and stops for river cruisers visiting Czech Republic are:

Charles Bridge: This iconic bridge is one of the oldest in Europe and offers breathtaking views of the city of Prague.
Prague Castle: This historic castle complex is home to a number of museums and is a popular tourist destination in the city.
St. Vitus Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral is one of the largest in Europe and is a symbol of the Czech Republic.
Old Town Square: This charming square is surrounded by historic buildings and is a hub of activity in the heart of Prague.
The Jewish Quarter: This historic neighborhood is home to a number of synagogues and is a reminder of the rich Jewish history of Prague.
Karlštejn Castle: This Gothic castle was built in the 14th century and is a popular tourist destination outside of Prague.
Konopiště Castle: This stunning castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a popular tourist destination.
Štěchovice Dam: This dam is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic Photo Credit: (CPRO) Greg Snell

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