The Rhine River

About the Rhine
Rhine River Ports
See historic castles along your Rhine River cruise

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the Rhine River

Along the Rhine River and nearby you can find these amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visits to some may be included in your river cruise itinerary, but some may require some creative travel planning by your River Cruise Artist in order to visit.  Learn more below about these UNESCO Sites and the history you can experience when you visit them. Let River Cruise Your Way take you away to the history around the Rhine River.

Cologne Cathedral

Although construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, this Gothic masterpiece was not completed until 1880. Apart from its exceptional intrinsic value and the artistic masterpieces it contains, Cologne Cathedral testifies to the enduring strength of European Christianity and is a remarkable point of reference as your Rhine River cruise sails into the city of Cologne. The skyline is highlighted by the towering spires of this architectural marvel. Enjoy this and many other Cologne historical sites during your time off your river cruise ship.

Castles of Augustusburg And Falkenlust At Brühl

Set in pristine garden landscape, the Augustusburg Castle was the exotic residence of the prince-archbishops of Cologne. The nearby and related Falkenlust hunting lodge, along with the Augustusburg Castle, are among the earliest examples of Rococo architecture in 18th century Germany. Just south of Cologne, perhaps your river cruise will offer an excursion to the nearby town of Brühl to explore these historical gems.

Upper Middle Rhine Valley

The 40-mile stretch of the Middle Rhine Valley is lined with castles, quaint historic towns and miles of vineyards. These elements graphically illustrate the long history of human interaction with the dramatic and serene natural landscape around the Rhine River. As you cruise through this part of the Rhine – typically during daylight – your cruise director will point out many of the sites that you pass.

Abbey and Altenmünster Of Lorsch

The Abbey of Lorsch is a former Imperial abbey in Lorsch, Germany, just east of Worms a popular port city along the Main River. It was perhaps the most notable monastery of the Carolingian Empire. Even in its current ruined state, the Abbey’s remains are among the most important pre-Romanesque–Carolingian style buildings in the country. Its magnificent entry is a rare architectural vestige of the Carolingian era. You will find sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts from the Carolingian period that continue to be in excellent condition.

Speyer Cathedral

The famous cathedral in Speyer, Germany, is a historic basilica with four spiers and two domes. It was founded by Conrad II in 1030 and remodeled at the end of the 11th century. It is one of the most important Romanesque monuments from the time of the Holy Roman Empire. The cathedral was the burial place of the German emperors for almost 300 years and is a popular site to visit for Rhine River cruisers that port at this historic town.

Maulbronn Monastery Complex

Originally founded in the early 12th century, the Cistercian Maulbronn Monastery is considered the most complete and best-preserved medieval monastic complex in this region. The complex is surrounded by fortified walls with its main buildings constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries. The monastery’s church, primarily in Transitional Gothic style, had a major influence in the spread of Gothic architecture over much of northern and central Europe. The water-management system at Maulbronn, with its elaborate network of drains, irrigation canals and reservoirs, is of particular historic interest. It is a bit of a drive from the Rhine River, but there may be a river cruise itinerary that includes an excursion to this historic treasure.

Strasbourg, Grande-Île And Neustadt

The Grande-Île is the historic center of Strasbourg, situated around the masterpiece cathedral. Strasbourg is a popular river cruise port for Rhine River cruisers that will get a taste of France after disembarkation in Germany. The Neustadt or new town draws the inspiration for its urban layout partially from the Haussmannian model, while adopting some architectural elements Germanic inspiration. This dual influence over the centuries has enabled the creation of an urban space that is specific to Strasbourg, where the perspectives created around the cathedral open to a unified landscape around the rivers and canals.

Your Rhine River Cruise Awaits!

Are you ready to start planning your Rhine River Cruise Vacation Your Way? A River Cruise Artist at River Cruise Your Way is ready to be your vacation concierge. Contact us today at 1-800-259-7612 or use the form below and let us know when it is most convenient to call you, we will confirm via e-mail, and then reach out at the agreed upon time and date.