river-cruises
The River Main meanders gently through the heartlands of Germany. It is navigable by way of 34 locks and dams that replace 19th century chain-shipping where the towing power of men and horses was needed to travel upstream. The landscape, as the Main winds through Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg and Hesse, is one of beautiful dense forests, valleys with rolling vineyards, ancient hilltop castles and quaint rustic villages with traditional half-timbered houses. In its path, the dynamic city of Frankfurt with its futuristic skyline contrasts with the medieval architecture of historic Bamberg. A cruise on the beautiful River Main promises the quintessential German experience.
Things to know
- Along the Main many of Germany’s greatest historical treasures were destroyed in World War II
- At 326 miles long the Main is the longest river entirely in Germany
- Flowing from east to west it is a tributary of the River Rhine, which it joins in Mainz
- Picturesque landscape, medieval villages with timber-framed houses are set against the backdrop of rolling hills.
- Opened in 1992, the Main-Danube Canal connects the River Main with the River Danube
- The River Main is part of a 1,367-mile long waterway connecting the North and Black seas
Key Ports of Call
Bamberg
Built by archbishops on seven hills and known as the ‘Franconian Rome’, the Bavarian town of Bamberg is simply magical. Dominated by its imperial cathedral, the Unesco-listed old town comprises three historical centres with an extraordinary ensemble of well-preserved medieval and baroque architecture. From its fabulous, fresco-covered town hall built on stakes in the River Regnitz, to the local beer from Bamberg’s many breweries, this is a charming German town that never disappoints.
Miltenberg
Between Wurzburger and Mainz, the two gateways marking its borders, Miltenberg - with its crooked cobblestone streets and charming half-timbered houses, is the quintessential Brothers Grimm fairytale town. It’s the perfect place to simply wander discovering romantic alleyways and quirky squares with charming old buildings housing cafes, speciality shops, traditional taverns and wine cellars.
Würzberg
Bursting with baroque splendour and countless historical buildings, the city of Würzberg straddles the Main River. The Marienberg fortress perches high on a hill looking toward the opposite bank where the Würzberg Residenz ranks among the most important palaces in Europe. Würzberg’s bridges are a key feature of the cityscape and the famous Alte Mainbrücke is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of local Franconian wine from vineyards just outside the city.