One of Europe’s great waterways, the Rhine River runs all the way from the Alpine mountain ranges of Switzerland to its vast delta on the North Sea. Forming a natural border between Germanic peoples and external influences since Roman times, the river has been an important symbol of German nationalism through history, spawning its own version of romanticism and even forming the basis for Richard Wagner's first opera, “Das Rheingold.” Of the cities it runs through, Cologne is the biggest, with more than a million inhabitants—and it boasts many attractions, among them river cruises that allow visitors to enjoy the views of the city while cruising the calm waters. Select tours from Frankfurt highlight a section of the Rhine Valley that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, punctuated by villages, vineyards, and castles. Downstream from Mainz in the Upper Rhine, you’ll spot naturally occurring river islands. In the Middle Rhine, Koblenz unites the joining of the Moselle River with a gorge that’s part of that UNESCO site; while a little futher down, the magnificent Burg Katz towers over the legendary Lorelei rock. The famed wines of the region are nowhere better than in Boppard, where the sweet eiswein (or icewine) is a local delicacy and can be tasted on a tour. For your best chance of seeing the Rhine in all of its splendor, book a tour or cruise, and ensure easy sailing through the Rhine.
With its spectacular scenery, vineyards, and castles—the best time to visit the Rhine River area is when the weather is mild and sunny. The spring is a beautiful time to go for a boat trip, stop off at beer gardens, and explore the scenery without the peak season summer crowds. Don’t miss Rhein in Flammen (Rhine in Flames)—a spectacular pyrotechnic festival, which consists of five separate events along the Rhine River between May and September.
The best way to admire the beauty of the Rhine River is on a river cruise. A variety of routes showcase different stretches of the Rhine—for example, from Frankfurt to Rudesheim and Lorelei; or from Cologne to Königswinter. To explore the local area on foot—a popular long-distance hiking path is the Rheinsteig Trail. You could also go for a bike ride down the Rhine Cycle Route, or enjoy a scenic train journey from Cologne to Koblenz.
When visiting the Rhine River area, if you see Halve Hahn on the menu, it translates as “half a chicken”—but don’t be fooled, the dish doesn’t actually contain any chicken. Instead, it’s more of a local “in-joke”, as the dish is actually vegetarian. You can expect a rye bread roll with Gouda cheese, mustard, pickles, and raw onion on the side.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +49 | Language(s) German | Attractions 43 | Tours 236 | Reviews 2,522 |
When most people think of the Rhine River, they think of the grand castles, vineyards, and picture-perfect towns that line its banks. Beauty aside, the Rhine is also one of Europe’s longest rivers and a trade route used to ship cargo across the continent.
...MoreThe standout Rhine River activity is a boat cruise along its most scenic section, Germany’s UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge (aka the Upper Middle Rhine Valley). If boating isn’t your thing, visit the Palatinate Forest to go hiking or cycling, or sightsee in cities such as Cologne or Mainz.
...MoreThe Rhine River flows through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. It is also known by a variety of names (depending on which country you’re in and which language you speak): It’s the Rhein in German, the Rijn in Dutch, and the Rhine in French and English.
...MoreYes. If you’re planning a long trip to Europe, the Rhine River and its surrounds are worth including on your itinerary. To get the most out of your time, plan your days and make your bookings in advance; getting around the Rhine’s sights requires some organization if you visit independently.
...MoreUsed as a shipping route since Roman times, the Rhine is steeped in history. For most visitors though, this history plays second fiddle to the river’s sights. Vineyards, castles, bridges, and palaces stud the meandering riverbanks, and taking a boat down the river offers a special, unique way to see such sights.
...MoreThe most popular activity is a cruise down the river, and there are vessels to suit most budgets and timelines. The Lower Rhine—roughly the section between Bonn in Germany and the border of the Netherlands—is also a great place to go fishing, rowing, or even water skiing.
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