One of the most underrated ways to travel is with a European river cruise, but a key question comes up: should you take the Rhine or Danube? The choice is tough, as both routes take you through bustling cities and towns, gorgeous natural scenery and historic sites – but each option is also vastly different. Join us as we take a look at a Rhine vs Danube river cruise, and help you decide which to choose. Either way, you’re in for a European trip of a lifetime!
1. What is a river cruise?
Plainly speaking, a river cruise is a boat cruise through inland waterways on board ships that are much smaller than those you’ll find on sea cruise lines. But really, it’s so much more than that. River cruising is an exciting, beautiful form of travel that offers you the best of both: all the luxury and convenience of cruise travel, with the excitement and diversity of inland exploration.
The beauty of river cruising is its unmatched convenience. Explore scenic cities, enjoy curated guided walks, or unwind onboard – all while unpacking just once. From biking along riverbanks to immersive cultural experiences, you’ll enjoy both exploration and relaxation. A river cruise lets you discover each destination at your own pace, with everything you need right at your fingertips.
2. Rhine vs Danube river cruise?
When it comes to choosing where to go, one of the most common debates is whether you should choose a Rhine vs Danube river cruise. While we think you can’t go wrong with either choice, each route has its own personality.
Generally, if you’re after quaint medieval villages, ancient castles and rolling vineyards, then a Rhine river cruise will be up your street, passing through historical cities like Strasbourg and Mainz, soaking up castle views along the Rhine Gorge, and sipping Riesling in wine country.
If capital cities, architecture and music are more your thing then head down the Danube, where you’ll stop along Budapest’s Heroes’ Square, indulge in an opera performance in Vienna, and uncover Bratislava’s Cold War history.
Don’t assume that these are just summer vacations – both rivers are also prime locations to explore Europe’s Christmas Markets, with traditional markets in ports throughout each trip. Stop by Cologne, Mainz, and Strasbourg on the Rhine, or Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, Regensburg, and Passau on the Danube. You’ll have the chance to see how different countries celebrate Christmas, picking up traditional crafts and treats along the way.
Of course, there’s much more nuance to both of these magical, diverse regions – let’s dive in.
3. Rhine River Cruise
Where is the Rhine River? The Rhine River flows through Europe beginning at Tomasee, a lake in Graubünden, Switzerland. The river is the border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Austria, and Germany and France.
How long is the Rhine River? The Rhine is Europe’s third-longest river (after the Danube), clocking in at 800 miles (1,287km) long.
What countries does the Rhine River flow through? The Rhine River flows through six European countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
What you’ll see on the Rhine River
Generally when it comes to a Rhine vs Danube river cruise, those who are after views of fairytale castles will go for the Rhine. Cruising down from the Netherlands through Germany, France and Switzerland, most castles are clustered along the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge (aka Upper Middle Rhine Valley) between the German towns of Koblenz and Rüdesheim. On a 65km-stretch of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley (one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites), you’ll find over 40 castles and fortresses nestled in the landscape – the 13th-century Marksburg Castle is one of the most famous.
The ancient castles are spectacular, but that’s certainly not all there is to a Rhine River cruise.
Cities along the Rhine river include modern, cultural capitals like Cologne and Amsterdam, as well as historic gems like Strasbourg and Mainz. You’ll get the chance to explore traditional German beer halls in Cologne, walk through the Black Forest, see Amsterdam’s iconic windmills, and uncover the story of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation of WWII along the way.
Wine lovers will be spoiled for choice on a Rhine River cruise; the river flows through some of Germany’s most famous wine regions such as the Moselle Valley and the Rheingau. It’s the prime place to sample one of the region’s most famous wines, Riesling, as well as discover other lesser-known (but still delicious) German wines.
4. Danube River Cruise
Where is the Danube River? The Danube River flows from the Black Forest Mountains, Germany, to the Black Sea via the Danube Delta, passing through or bordering ten countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
How long is the Danube River? The Danube River is the second longest in Europe (after the Volga in Russia), flowing for around 1,770 miles (2,850 km).
What countries does the Danube River flow through? The Danube River flows from the Black Forest mountains in western German to the Black Sea, passing through Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary along the way. Four capital cities sit along the Danube River: Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Belgrade.
What you’ll see on the Danube River
A Danube river cruise is exactly what you might be needing if you travel best with history, music and a glass of wine – but that’s not to say it’s without its castle views.
On the Danube you’ll start at Budapest, exploring both sides of the city (historic Buda and lively Pest). Visit one of its most famous sites as you head up Castle Hill past Matthias Church, stepping inside Fisherman’s Bastion for unparalleled views over the Danube and its iconic Parliament.
A river cruise along the Danube is a great choice for city explorers, stopping off at Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Passau. You’ll have the chance to stop by Budapest’s thermal baths, hike up to Bratislava Castle, and step into the world of The Sound of Music through Salzburg. In Vienna, get a taste of sachertorte and Viennese coffee before you have the chance to witness talented musicians and singers bring the works of Mozart to life, in a historic concert hall in the composer’s hometown.
Architecture buffs will have more than enough to see along the Danube, from Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, Budapest’s Dohány Street Synagogue, Passau’s grand Baroque streets and the quaint Medieval houses of Linz.
Though its riverside cities draw many people to a Danube River cruise, you’ll also sail past gorgeous rural views as you travel past the lush Bavarian Forest and Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vineyards and medieval castles.
No matter which river cruise you choose, you’ll unlock the best of Europe from the water.