The 8 Best Towns on the Rhine River

What Countries Does the Rhine River Flow Through?

Before we launch into the list of our favourite cities on the Rhine, let’s first address an important question: what countries does the Rhine River flow through?

The River Rhine flows from the Swiss Alps through six different countries in Europe: Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands. It acts as a border between several of these countries as well, running between Switzerland and Austria, Switzerland and Germany, and France and Germany.

Beginning as a stream that flows from the mountains in Switzerland, the Rhine eventually merges with the North Sea in Rotterdam after travelling for over 800 miles. This journey takes the river past dramatic cliff-top castles, terraced vineyards and the famous Lorelei Rock in Germany, said to be the home of a siren who would entrance sailors whose journey took them alongside the cliff.

Epic river cruises on the Rhine can include many of these countries, but if you’re planning a shorter holiday then you can be assured of some excellent excursions to different towns, no matter which part of the Rhine you’re exploring.

The 8 Best Towns on the Rhine River

With six different countries to choose from, the below list of the best towns and cities on the River Rhine is by no means an extensive overview of all the different places you can visit. We’ve just selected our favourite destinations for an excursion whilst cruising the Rhine River, focusing on France, Germany and The Netherlands.

• Cologne, Germany

  Cologne is one of the most popular cities in Germany, with a brilliant cultural offering that makes it an ideal place for an excursion if you’re cruising on the Rhine River. There are plenty of exceptional galleries housing artwork from across the centuries, but also museums dedicated to all kinds of collections which include spaces devoted to the history of chocolate and an unrivalled collection of Roman artefacts.

  One of the best ways to explore Cologne is to take part in a guided tour, which is a popular excursion on one of our River Rhine cruises. Marvel at the spectacular twin spires of the Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited landmarks in all of Germany, boasting spires that make it 157 metres tall. You can also explore the Old Town in Cologne, which boasts the Romanesque Church of Gross Saint Martin.

• Strasbourg, France

  As cities on the Rhine go, Strasbourg is one of the most famous. Another excellent historic European destination, Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany where the Rhine flows between the two countries. Famous for its preserved historic architecture and unique charm, it’s a lovely place for an excursion to admire the quaint but modern streets and enjoy the many ways in which French and German culture blend together around the city.

  If you’re only visiting for a day then you can get a taste of the region by taking a trip to the Alsatian Museum, which is housed in a classic mediaeval building. As you’re admiring the different architectural styles featured around the city, you might also spot another unique feature of Strasbourg; the city’s mascot is a stork and there are many who build their nests up on the roofs of houses and shops.

• Koblenz, Germany

  There are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy during cruises on the River Rhine, but Koblenz is a particularly pretty place to visit on an excursion and definitely one of the best towns on the Rhine River. Located on the Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, the city is situated at the point where the Rhine and the River Moselle converge, and is one of the oldest settlements in all of Germany.

  Once you’ve admired the two great rivers coming together, set off on foot to explore more of the city. Koblenz has a very charming Old Town, where you’ll find quiet squares overlooked by impressive historic buildings during the day, and a hub of the city’s nightlife once it grows dark.

  A sightseeing highlight of Koblenz is the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which you can reach by taking a cable car over the Rhine to where it overlooks the river from the top of a hill. Famed for being the second-largest preserved fortress in Europe, it’s a delight for history fans and visitors who want to admire some of the best views of the city from the vantage point 118 metres above the River Rhine.

• Heidelberg, Germany

  Heidelberg is a classic excursion destination on tours of Germany and river cruises on the Rhine. There are plenty of things to see and do around the city, which features a historic Old Town like many of the other places on this list and is also a great spot for fans of museums and art galleries.

  The main attraction in Heidelberg is the city’s castle, which overlooks the Neckar Valley and was inhabited by a long line of royals and began to gain a reputation for its splendour in the Renaissance. A tour of the castle is the best way to learn all the different stories of its past and get to see the incredible decor and architecture featured in its romantic design.

• Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany

  One of the best towns on the Rhine River for fans of wine is Rüdesheim am Rhein. Riesling varieties are the most famous from this region, and you should definitely sample at least one glass of the local bottles whether you’re visiting a nearby vineyard or just dining at a restaurant in town.

  Once you’ve whetted your appetite, a cultural highlight in Rüdesheim is Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. The museum houses around 350 exhibits of mechanical musical instruments from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Discover the impressive collection, from songbird music boxes to pianolas, and enjoy musical demonstrations on a tour and visit the museum shop where you can purchase souvenirs.

  To admire views of Rüdesheim, you can catch a ride on the Niederwalddenkmal cable car up to the Niederwald Monument which was built to honour the unification of Germany. Not only can you see the Rhine in all its glory, but you’ll be able to spot the town’s famous vineyards unfolding beneath you as well.

• Speyer, Germany

  If you’re looking for a place to soak up traditional German culture, then Speyer is one of the best stops for an excursion whilst cruising the Rhine River. It’s a city with plenty of history which is evident in the range of different architectural styles you see as you walk the streets. It’s also known for the range of entertainment hosted here throughout the year, from food festivals to musical performances.

  One of the most popular landmarks is the Speyer Cathedral, which began construction in the 11th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re looking for an attraction that’s a little different, the Technik Museum in Speyer houses a brilliant collection of vintage cars, aircraft and locomotives.

• Braubach, Germany

  In contrast to some of the larger places to visit in this guide, Braubach is a lovely small town located on the Middle Rhine that is a particularly good place for an outdoor excursion. Hiking opportunities are plentiful, or you could hire a bike and cycle alongside the river to soak up all the scenery.

  If sightseeing is more your cup of tea, Braubach is another of the best towns on the Rhine River for enjoying mediaeval architecture, from the half timber-framed houses and squares to the 14th-century Marksburg Castle. It’s an incredibly pretty town that is ideal if you just want a stroll in the sunshine and somewhere nice to enjoy a spot of lunch, accompanied by wine grown here in the Rhine Valley.

• Amsterdam, The Netherlands

  Our final recommendation for where to visit during a river cruise on the Rhine is Amsterdam, one of the most-loved cities in the Netherlands. Known for its network of canals, impressive bicycle population, and incredible cultural offering, it’s a fantastic place for an excursion if you want to enjoy exploring somewhere unique and modern.

  If you’re an art lover you can discover the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings in the world in Amsterdam, including the famous Sunflowers. You can also see a collection of 19th-century art by other artists including Bernard, Gauguin and Monet. There is a library and a shop at the Van Gogh Museum where you can purchase all kinds of souvenirs depicting the artists’ work.

  Amsterdam blends history with contemporary culture, so you can enjoy a wide range of different attractions, shopping opportunities and dining experiences. ‘The Venice of the North’ is also a very walkable city, so you’ll get a real feel for its atmosphere and energy as you explore.