Rhine Christmas Market River Cruises on AmaWaterways
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Last week I wrote about Danube Christmas Markets cruises. As promised, today we are going to learn about Rhine Christmas Markets cruises.
One of the hottest trends in European River Cruises is the 2021 Christmas Markets cruises on AmaWaterways.
If you love Christmas and want to celebrate the magic of this special holiday season in Europe, there is no better place than on a river cruise.
We have been on 6 river cruises during the Christmas market season and they are fabulous! There are two main routes that offer the best experiences to celebrate the season where most of our Christmas traditions originated.
The two rivers to visit the most Christmas Markets are the Rhine and the Upper Danube.
So, let’s explore the Rhine routes together and learn about Christmas Markets.
A quick piece of advice—they are selling briskly—my guess is folks are tired of not traveling form the pandemic and November and December of 2021 seems likely to be a time that travel can resume safely.
What are Christmas Markets?
In Europe, many squares are used for various street markets. At Christmas time, these squares are transformed into one unique blaze of color, goods and foods from small vendors.
It is a social gathering where hot mulled wine, beer and street food and all seem to get along as they browse the various vendors.
Christmas markets date back to 1300 or so and started in Germany, Austria and the eastern portion of France. The season usually starts about November 25 and lasts until 23 or 24 December, roughly following the Advent 4 week season.
Even for a person like me who does not really like shopping, this is so much fun that everyone should try this at least once. Unlike American Malls, this is not combat shopping and crowds of hassled folks; this is a gathering of folks socializing with food and drink, music, and buying gifts at a much gentler pace.
Seeing the decorations alone is worth the trip but many booths have handmade items that are unique and priceless. Most sell only on cash, so make sure you have enough local currency to get your purchases.
And, as we have learned though our own mistakes, if you see something you like, buy it or you will often miss out. Most markets open around 10:00 AM and close around 9:00 PM but it varies a lot and it is not uncommon for booths to close down for short periods to take a break or get something to eat or an owner to take a day off and not open their booth.
As long as you dress warmly, these markets offer a cultural experience second to none—it is an adventure not to be missed!
The Rhine Route Overview
This route is the second most popular river cruise in all Europe.
The 820 mile Rhine actually passes through 6 countries, but most folks consider it a German River, since so much of its banks are on German soil. The middle Rhine and especially the Rhine River Gorge, has the greatest concentration of scenic banks and castles in all Europe. It never gets old!
The main route usually starts in Amsterdam and continues to Basel Switzerland on the Rhine, (or from Basel to Amsterdam on the next 7 day cruise), using both the lower Rhine and the upper Rhine. The upper Rhine is defined as from Koblenz, Germany to its source in Lake Constance, Switzerland--remember it flows north into the Baltic Sea.
This cruise begins with legendary canals and the colorful surroundings of Amsterdam, past the majestic Cologne Cathedral and on to the Black Forest region of Germany and the Alsace region of France. The best stretch is the Rhine River Gorge with its’ 40 castle dominating the hillsides—unmatched anywhere in the world.
Port of call include Cologne, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach and Basel
Many folks start their trip with a stay in Amsterdam in a pre-cruise for a couple of nights, then enjoy the cruise and stay a couple of extra nights in Lucerne and Zurich, Switzerland.
If you sail this route, you will usually get to visit 4 countries (the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland), see awesome castles in the Rhine River Gorge, wine-sloped terraces and even quaint villages--it is a great voyage!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
This ringed city of canals is unique to say the least. A land of bikes, canals and a free-wheeling culture, we have visited Amsterdam several times and escorted folks there. This is a city of 165 ringed canals, a population of 750.000 (it has as many bikes as people) and always full of tourists.
It is the capital of the Netherlands, with two world class art museums. It is a major port, once the wealthiest city in the world and residents and visitors live with a tolerant atmosphere.
This is one place you will not find Christmas Markets.
Cologne, Germany
The huge Cologne Cathedral, with its twin pointed towers, is the best known landmark in Cologne. Construction of the cathedral begin in 1248 and took the next 600 years to complete.
Next door to the Cathedral Romano-Germanic Museum which has artifacts from the old Roman town, including part of an old Roman villa.
Hohenzollern Bridge--This is one of the 7 bridges that cross the Rhine in Cologne. About 1200 trains pass over this bridge daily in route to the main train station.
The old town square is also another good site to visit.
It is famous for its many Christmas markets—we have visited several times and love the hustle and bustle of the season. Our favorite is area around the old town square. Please enjoy these pictures:
Rüdesheim, Germany
The town of Rüdesheim is a charming wine village.
It is famous for the great white wines grown in the region, along with a special coffee drink, aptly named Rüdesheimer coffee (Flambé Asbach brandy, sugar cube, coffee garnished with whipped cream).
A lively lane, the Drosselgasse, is lined with taverns and wine-cellars.
The Christmas Markets are small here but a lot of fun.
Ludwigshafen, Germany
You won’t really visit anything in Ludwigshafen because it is the gateway to two great tours—Heidelberg and Speyer.
Heidelberg is a historic university town. Top sights in Heidelberg, include a visit the red-walled Castle ruins, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th century wine cask. There are beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below.
The old town area is a great area to explore. This especially true during the Christmas Markets. Here are some great pictures of the wonderful Christmas Markets, which was even more fun when it snowed during one of our visits!
Speyer is a German town famous for its large Romanesque Cathedral. It is the largest in Europe. Speyer is part of the historic pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela.
This once walled city had 68 towers guarding it. The most important tower still remains and at 188 feet, is one of the tallest defensive watch towers in all of Germany.
The Christmas Market area is near the Cathedral and we were especially impressed with the food booths.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg’s old town is a wonderful stop but especially so for Christmas. After several visits to Strasbourg, it still beckons us back. Our first visit was on Bastille Day (14 July) and the floodlights on the Cathedral were breathtaking.
There are several main attractions. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame is massive and the Cathedral square always has lots of life.
Wander down to Petite France—the home of tanners, fishermen and other artisans—the half-timbered areas are just stunning.
Try some food here—the blend of German and French food results in dishes you won’t soon forget.
The Christmas decorations in Strasbourg are excellent in the old town area. The narrow lanes just add to the ambiance.
Breisach, Germany
Breisach is another gateway city—there are another two great options here—Freiburg, Germany and Riquewihr, France.
Freiburg, Germany (the official name is Freiburg-im-Breisgau) is a blend of old and new.
This city among other claims to fame is said to the sunniest city in all of Germany. Located on the southern edge of the Black Forest, and near the Rhine River, it was a good trade location and rich burghers and the mercantile guilds were the original political force in the city.
It is a university town (started in the 1400s), once was a walled city but its number one sight is the Freiburger Münster (Freiburg Cathedral) (started in the 1300s). The cathedral was completed in 1513.
We have visited several times and especially like the 3 Christmas Markets area here.
Riquewihr is a constant splash of colors, half-timbered buildings and wine shops jumbled together that just is so charming you will not know where to look next.
This medieval walled city still has most of its walls. There is a watch tower that today houses a museum about the defensive structures of the city, the people who manned the defensive structures and the weapons they used.
Don’t forget to shop, enjoy the food or a snack and sample the white wines this region is so famous for and brought wealth to this village.
This may be the most charming Christmas village you will ever see—maybe this picture will convince you we’re right!
Basel, Switzerland
Basel is the 3rd largest city in Switzerland. The historic old town area, on the left bank of the Rhine, was once an old Roman citadel on the high ground. The Munsterplaz (cathedral square) hosts the large church and some wonderful Christmas Markets.
A short walk from this square leads to the other good Christmas Markets of Markplaz (Market Square).
My Final Thoughts
Christmas on the Rhine—awesome!
What an experience—the Rhine River is awesome and deserves to be sailed by you—it is the best way to see this area of Europe. This river will give you views and experiences you will never forget.
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HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 48 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
