Main River Discovery Frankfurt - Forchheim

Welcome to Goethe’s birthplace! Here’s another historical fact while we’re at it: this is where the first German national assembly met in 1848. Today, the metropolis on the Main is home to the headquarters of major banks and is also one of Germany’s most important centres of business and commerce. Frankfurt is also known for its many futuristic-looking high-rises. 

Aschaffenburg offers its visitors a wide range of experiences and sights. From historic buildings to idyllic nature parks, there is something for everyone to discover here. An absolute highlight is Johannisburg Castle - an imposing Renaissance palace. From its towers, you enjoy a breathtaking view over the old town and the River Main.

With its well-preserved city wall, narrow alleyways, richly decorated half-timbered houses and picturesque market square, Wertheim is quaint and relatively authentic. The ruined castle, perched on a hill, is one of the largest of its kind in Germany. In his 1862 account of the Main region, Karl Baedeker describes Wertheim as the high point of the entire trip. You can put this claim to the test yourself during your Rhine cruise.

Würzburg is a city in Bavaria in southern Germany. It is located on the River Main and is famous for its lavish baroque architecture and Franconian wine. The Residence Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is highly recommended. It is a well known example of Baroque architecture with its acclaimed staircase, impressive frescos and imperial hall. Other impressive sites in Würzburg include the towering fortress of Festung Marienberg, the Alt Mainbrücke old bridge, which offers ideal views of the Marienberg, Dom St. Kilian cathedral and the many churches of Würzburg including the Romanesque Neumünster. Many of these sites have their own museums for visitors to learn of the history or view unique collections. Other museums of interest are the Mineralogical Museum, exhibiting the world of minerals and stones, and the Botanical Gardens, with various greenhouses and outdoor areas to enjoy. Wine lovers will find an abundance of wineries in Würzburg, offering cellar tours and wine tasting as well as traditional Bavarian cuisines and hospitality. Enjoy wine soup, Gerupfter (cheese spread) and Sauerbraten (braised beef in wine) in a friendly traditional wine tavern.

Würzburg is the home of one of Germany’s oldest universities. Situated right on the Main river, the city is dominated by the Marienberg fortress. Previously used to house bishops, the fortress has two museums in it today. The Würzburg Residence is one of the most important buildings of its kind from the late baroque period, and the Mirror Cabinet – a room inside – is considered the best example of a rococo interior. 

In the 19th century, this one-time free imperial city became a major industrial location on the River Main. Nowadays, it is clear that Schweinfurt also has a well-developed cultural side, with its collection of museums and galleries. It is also well known among scientists as the home of the world-famous Leopoldina, Germany’s National Academy of Sciences, which counts several Nobel laureates among its members.

Bamberg is a German town located over a landscape of seven hills and the confluence of Regnitz and Main rivers. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre with Old Town home to structures dating back to the 11th century. An iconic landmark to visit in Bamberg is the town hall Altes Rathaus, located on an island in the Regnitz and covered in murals. Bamberg Cathedral, with its four towers and numerous stone carvings, is a striking example of Romanesque architecture. Head to the Market Gardeners District and visit the historical houses where centuries ago the town gardeners would grow and export produce such as onions, seeds and liquorice. In the town centre and heart of Little Venice, the rivers and arched bridges connecting the island city are reminiscent of Venice, with a lively atmosphere and modern shops set in historical surroundings. After a day shopping, head to one of the many Brewery pubs for some popular German beer. Bamberg is famous for its beer and is where its name originated from, with the town being populated by nine traditional breweries.

Bamberg’s unmistakeable cityscape is an architectural masterpiece that took 1,000 years to create. Overlooked by its unique cathedral, Bamberg is a work of art in and of itself, with a wealth of listed buildings that bring together the Gothic and bourgeois baroque styles. This old Franconian seat of bishops and emperors dazzles visitors with its splendid cathedral, its churches and monasteries, its bridges, alleyways and squares, and its half-timbered houses and baroque facades.

The Ijsselmeer is an inland lake that was created by diking the Wadden Sea and the Zuiderzee bay. This is where you’ll find the lovely little town of Hoorn – make sure you explore it during your cruise along the northern Rhine.

The Ijsselmeer is an inland lake that was created by diking the Wadden Sea and the Zuiderzee bay. This is where you’ll find the lovely little town of Hoorn – make sure you explore it during your cruise along the northern Rhine.