All destinations, cities & stops

This is the city of classical music. It’s Mozart and Strauss. It's street art on a sandy beach and fun in the countryside. It’s bohemia and bourgeoisie and the finest baroque. And of course Art Nouveau. It’s bad-tempered waiters in great coffee houses. It’s Sigmund Freud and Gustav Klimt and Adolf Loos and Friedensreich Hundertwasser and Sisi and many others. It is the Spanish Riding School, an event for horse lovers. And of course it is the city of Schmäh (jokes anyone?) and scandals, on which the Viennese feast like cows on fresh grass on the alpine pasture. Last but not least: Vienna is the city on the Danube. Although it was not always so. The Viennese Danube river front is an artificial structure which was only created in the 19th century. Before that, the Danube flowed past Vienna in many arms through floodplains and uninhabited areas. Today, the Riverside Mozart can also dock right in front of the city. And then it starts. Marvel, wonder and rejoice. Vienna is a dream.

What were the robber barons doing in the little rose garden? What makes Dürnstein unique? And anyway, what do you do as a river cruiser in the Wachau? Quite simple: enjoy, enjoy and enjoy again. The Wachau Valley is pastoral perfection. A synthesis of nature's arts: rugged mountains almost 3,000 feet / 900 meters high, terraces for winegrowing, and again, churches and castles from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque eras. No wonder unesco has placed its protective hands over this world heritage site. More than 18 miles / 30 kilometers you will sail, yet a single foot you won’t want to miss. The steep slopes keep out cold winds and radiate the heat of the sun again in the evening. Wine and fruit grow here as in the biblical stories of Adam and Eve. The best apricots come from this region. They find their way into chocolates, delicious dumplings, jam and noble brandy. Is your mouth watering? Good! Come aboard. We will spoil you with these delicacies.

In order to understand Krems and, above all, to admire it, one must look at its history: The city was a trading center in ancient times. It’s well-known weekly markets sold cloth, wool, skins, wrought iron, copper, tin, swords, millstones, poppies, pepper, saffron, nuts as well as spices. Above all, salt was also sold from here as far as Burgenland and Bohemia. In the tobacco factory in Krems, 75,000 Virginia cigars were still being produced annually in 1920. The town is considered one of the most ornate in Austria, and one of its special places is the Körnermarkt. Parts of the tobacco factory are now used for the university and the charming Kunsthalle, featuring modern and contemporary Austrian art.

It is no coincidence that many filmmakers have chosen Budapest as a backdrop. Take EVITA (1996), for example – most of the scenes were shot not in Buenos Aires, but in Budapest. Anyone walking through the city, in the shadow of the State Opera House or across elegant Szabadság tér (Freedom Square) in the V. district, sees and feels it immediately. Budapest impresses. It is a metropolis and a spa city. It is Paris, Florence and Vienna in one. Many buildings were copied here. In fact, the Palais Batthyány, is an exact copy of the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence. A must: the castle district. Pastel-colored houses, built by their owners to be close to the Royal Palace. Or the National Gallery. Or the Labyrinth: it also served as a prison. Its most famous inmate: Vlad Tepes from Transylvania, who went down in history and stories as Count Dracula. And another suggestion. It is best to simply drift through Budapest. Then you will always come across enchanting stores like the Madison Perfumery. It is housed in the rooms of a 19th-century pharmacy. Not only the fragrances are enchanting, but also the furniture and accessories in the back room, all of which are original.

Passau is first and foremost a university town. That is why it is young, vibrant and full of life. Then there are the three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz, which flow together in the city and give it a special character. Speaking of character, Passau has quite the amount of character thanks to the prevalence of Baroque and Gothic architecture including many beautiful churchs and cathedrals as well as the Veste Oberhaus, a fortress since the Middle Ages.

Little known, but well-worth a visit: Novi Sad was founded in the 17th century and quickly became known for trade and production. In addition, the city developed into a centre of Serbian culture – earning it the nickname “Serbian Athens”. Dunavska Street, with its pretty two- and three-storey buildings, is named after the Danube. Also worth seeing is “Freedom Square” with the town hall and St. Mary’s Church.

It is surrounded by a beautiful landscape but its name echoes a sad memory: Mauthausen was the place where the largest concentration camp on Austrian soil was located during the Second World War. Mauthausen was first mentioned in 1208 under the term “Muthusen”.

Small alleys and pretty squares, a thousand-year-old town wall and the Gothic Passauer Hof – Ybbs is a Danube town of postcard quality. Extremely beautiful and lovingly renovated. Strolling through the old town is a true pleasure and it is all too likely that you will pass the house at Herrengasse 23. As a 6-year-old, none other than, yes, the child prodigy Mozart stayed here. Today, the building houses a city museum. Ybbs is located in the Nibelungengau, perfect for hiking and cycling.

Until 1990, Vukovar was an elegant town. It was largely destroyed in the Yugoslav War. The landscape around it, featuring numerous wineries, makes Vukovar special. The archaeological excavation sites with the Vučedol Culture Museum are also worth seeing. The Vučedol culture dates back to 2200 BC. The excavations show the old settlement with two-room houses and storage pits, as well as clay models of chairs and tables.

The landmark of your Rhône cruise

It is the symbol of the city. The Pont Saint-Bénézet has spanned the Rhône since 1,840 and is internationally famous thanks to the song Sur le pont d'Avignon. If you cross it, you will find yourself in front of the Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most important medieval buildings in Europe. It was built, it must be said, out of sheer laziness: the Archbishop of Bordeaux did not bother to travel to Rome for his papal consecration. He had himself crowned in Lyon and built a palace in Avignon. A monument.

The pearl of your Rhône river cruise

This pearl of Provence is surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature parks in Europe. Today, Arles is the epitome of great art and testimony to a rich history, from its amphitheatre to its proud patrician houses. And what would Arles be without Van Gogh – a stroll through the city in the light of the artist is unforgettable.

A hidden gem on a Rhône river cruise

At night, stories seem to flutter from the walls of the houses. Narrow alleys. Cobblestones. This little town is a hidden gem. Indeed, a stroll through Viviers is like a journey back to the Middle Ages, for this former episcopal town was spared the destruction of war. In addition to the small shops, there are also great things to see. For example, the cathedral with its five tapestries, three of which were given to the bishop by Napoleon III. The viewpoint in the upper town is a highlight in every sense of the word. What a view over this enchanting place.

Alleys, canals and van Gogh around every corner. Amsterdam is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. The historic centre was built on five million spruce trunks. The experiences this city has to offer are limitless. Paintings by famous artists can be admired in the newly designed Museum Square. Rembrandt and Vermeer in the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh has his own museum dedicated to him – the audio tour is a real experience: a touching journey into the life of the artist, who cut off his ear in Arles in southern France after an argument with Gauguin. The Anne Frank House tells a different, but equally touching story. And if you stroll through Amsterdam’s old town, you will experience real contrasts – Chinatown, with the first Buddhist temple built in Europe and with the famous red-light district.

A walk through Bonn is a short journey through time in the old Federal Republic of Germany. There is the “Haus der Geschichte” or “House of History”, which reminds us of Ludwig Erhard, of “raisen bombers” and of the Germans’ incipient longing for Italy. There is the old town with the historic fortress belt, the Old Town Hall and the university, where Konrad Adenauer, Ludwig von Beethoven and Karl Marx studied. And there is Bad Godesberg, the once notorious diplomatic quarter. It is nothing short of a stroll between yesterday and today.

It is the seat of the European Union, the headquarters of NATO, the capital of Belgium and, above all, it is one thing: a top address for foodies and art lovers. The density of Michelin-starred restaurants, chocolate factories, museums and galleries is enormous, a fact that is somewhat lost amidst all the political and global political radiance of Brussels. The best thing to do is to let yourself drift from the Grand Place, the city’s main square – and then discover the famous statue of the little boy shown urinating, the city hall with its high tower and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. Don’t forget: try a waffle and chocolates in one of the many cafés.

Towns like Enkhuizen are a small but wonderful contrast to the metropolises of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. In the 17th century, the city was a member of the United East India Company (VOC) – and very wealthy. Much still reminds us of this history. In the harbour of Enkhuizen, historic sailing ships are moored, in its old town the villas bear witness to the former civic pride – and the Zuidermuseum (open air!) demonstrates in perfect fashion how contemporary design is shaped by the life and work of the once golden age. Stroll through the city with its canals, have a coffee in the harbour or a beer brewed here. Simply delicious.

Is this place still haunted? At the very least, it is downright mysterious. Footsteps echo in the dark walls, and creepy torture instruments lie resting in the “Executioner’s Cabinet”. Welcome to the “Grafenburg” or the “Count’s Castle”, built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace in Ghent. It is located in the middle of the city – and anyone who sets out on the journey with the audio guide will be amazed – and will laugh at the same time. The story is told by a Flemish comedian. And that is just one experience of many in Ghent, with its hundreds of medieval buildings, a city that is also highly modern. Young top chefs surprise visitors with unusual creations, young artists exhibit in galleries. And if you like antiques, Ghent is also the place to be. A sophisticated lighting concept transforms the city at night into a fairytale setting beyond compare.

This village in South Holland is so Instagrammable. And it is because of its numerous mills. To be precise, there are 19 of them – they make every photo an eye-catcher, but they were built to pump the water out of the polders and make the soil usable for agriculture. UNESCO has placed it on the World Heritage List. Entire books are filled with legends about the origin of the word “Kinderdijk”, which means children’s dike. One says that a child survived the devastating flood of 1421 and was washed up in a cradle on the dike. The small village of Kinderdijk has about 600 inhabitants.

Cologne, that’s the city’s “Tünnes and Schäl”, that’s gabled houses on the Rhine front, that’s the Old Market with cafés and streets through which the carnival passes in spring and the gay community moves in summer at Christopher Street Day. These are residents of the city who are known for their casual, humorous and friendly yet direct manner. These are temples of art like the MAKK or the Museum Ludwig with the most extensive Pop Art collection in Europe. And, of course, there’s the cathedral, the Gothic masterpiece, 157 metres high, with the world-famous altar of the Three Kings and the treasury and viewing platform, which you can reach via 509 steps. And Cologne, that’s “Kölsch”, a wonderfully drinkable beer that you drink out of small glasses, and which you can enjoy two, three or four at a time. Well then, cheers!

Rotterdam, yes, is a cool port city, trendy and hip and known for its art scene, a chic shopping city and, above all, it is famous for its modern architecture. And the contrasts: There are the historic buildings like the Witte Huis (from 1898) in Art Nouveau style, there are cube houses built on stilts (from 1984) and there are also the imposing skyscrapers. Architects like Renzo Piano and Norman Foster have designed the spectacular (and renovated the historic) in a modern way.

How it sings and laughs. Ah yes, the carnival. But Mainz also has its pleasantly sober sides. The imposing town hall made of natural stone is a statement. Large louvres keep the sun – and the sweat – off the officers. It was built in the 1970s by the world-famous architect Arne Jacobsen. And another exciting detail for architecture fans and those interested in the city’s history is also the new synagogue. Playful shapes, straight lines, green glazed ceramics on the façade. Highly modern – a visible sign of a Jewish community that looks back on a 1000-year history in Mainz. A highlight for river cruisers is also the Museum of Ancient Navigation. It is located in a listed locomotive hall and shows exciting models and constructions – from canoes to battleships. Now a stroll through the large weekly market, a chat with vintners who also sell there – and there it is again: the cheerfulness so prevalent in Mainz.

If the dream of a Dutch town were built in America, cute and charming and with historic facades, a small fine peaceful world, it would look like Middelburg. And it’s real. And really full of character. Here you stroll through the alleys, marvelling at the incredible number and beauty of the national monuments – there are said to be over 1000 of them – and hopefully not missing the information boards with the 3D code: Suddenly, the images of the village appear as they did centuries ago. You should enjoy a snack at the markets that can be found regularly in Middelburg. And enjoy the hours in this Dutch idyll.

Nijmegen is a bit of a surprise. Small, because the city is not big, with about 11,000 inhabitants. But it has exciting things to offer. For one thing, it is the oldest city in Holland; the Romans were already here 2000 years ago. On the other hand, it is young and lively due to its many students. The best thing to do is simply stroll through the alleys, stop at cosy squares and parks and visit one or two of the interesting museums there. For example, the MuZIEum, translated as MuSEEum Here you can experience the everyday life of blind people. Only feeling, smelling, hearing and tasting – that really is a new experience as a visitor to this museum! Speaking of taste: By the way, a must in Holland is a “Pannekoeken”. Here it is usually baked with apples. And so it’s off to one of the many cafés, into the action, and order a pancake straight away. And enjoy.

It developed from a Roman military camp and is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It has been a bishop’s seat since the 7th century. And it is not without reason that the cathedral dominates the city of Speyer and is considered the largest Romanesque church building par excellence. 134 metres long, 37 metres wide, protected by UNESCO. Right next door is the Episcopal Palace. In the Middle Ages, Speyer also had one of the most important Jewish communities of the time. The former Judenhof is now a museum. The fact that people in Speyer also enjoy life is evident in wine taverns, cosy pubs and, of course, at the “Brezelfest”, the largest festival on the Upper Rhine, which takes place every year in July. Anyone who sins here as a citizen of faith in the city can absolve himself of his guilt immediately afterwards at confession. After all, there are plenty of churches in Speyer.

UNESCO has long held this historical gem under its protection. Trier is the oldest city in Germany. It was already a recognised city in Roman times. Proud town houses are grouped around the market square, and the market court once met under the arcades. Trier’s landmark is the city gate Porta Nigra from the 2nd century. By the way, the amphitheatre and the remains of the Roman bathhouses are just as old. And just like Speyer, Trier once had a Jewish community, 300 Jews already lived in the city in the Middle Ages – many of them in the “Judengasse” right behind the cathedral. Today, a memorial with a bronze suitcase commemorates their deportation during the Second World War. Incidentally, the Christian presence in the city is not only evident in the cathedral: The Episcopal Seminary owns 34 hectares of land for vineyards, and the wine – mainly Riesling – is pressed and distributed by the Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier. I wonder if that’s one of the reasons the city is so popular among students?

Have you ever heard of the “Buddescheißer”? If you come to Wertheim, you definitely will. It is a mixture of marc and peach liqueur and a speciality from the wine town of Wertheim, one of the most beautiful towns in the north of Baden-Württemberg. Wertheim Castle towers high above the old town, majestically displaying its towers and battlements. It was built from 1180 onwards. Anyone standing up here and enjoying the magnificent view of the charming landscape of the Main and Tauber rivers (by the way, the two rivers flow together in Wertheim) should not be startled if he or she suddenly hears a loud, bleeting sound. Between spring and autumn, the castle’s guests include numerous goats that keep the steep green meadows on the huge castle grounds short. After this brief animal interlude, how about a dig in the old town? You have to have seen it!

Quelle surprise! The beauty of Chalon-sur-Saône begins right at Quai Gambetta, where the boat docks. Walk upstream and discover this pretty town, where Julius Caesar left his mark, and whose museum focuses on the invention of photography. In Chalon-sur-Saône, you can see pretty half-timbered houses and façades in an Art Nouveau style. The Théâtre Piccolo was modelled on the royal opera in Versailles.

With colourful old town houses and the old church of St. Vincent, with vineyards and meadows, Mâcon is a charming little town. If you walk through the city and come to Place aux Herbes, you should stop in front of the Maison de Bois wooden house. While looking at the façade, you will discover magical grotesques and mythical creatures. Incidentally, the French international footballer Antoine Griezmann was born in Mâcon.

Should you visit a city that is not so exciting or worth seeing? Certainly not. But a stop in Arnhem is still worthwhile. That’s because there are two exceptional museums very close by. One is the Holland Experience Museum. In a 44-hectare park, there are around 100 historic buildings from different eras. Their history is truly tangible. You’ll find yourself surrounded by various gardens with cultivated plants, medicinal plants, forgotten vegetables and much more. A place to marvel. And to relax at the same time. And you will be no less amazed by the collection of modern art in the Kröller-Müller Museum: Van Gogh, Renoir, Manet, Gris, Mondrian – simply world class. The museum is in the Hoge Veluwe National Park, through which you can cycle on (free) white bicycles.

OK. Another pearl of the Moselle. Cochem. Only 5,000 inhabitants and yet pleasantly lively. The best thing to do here is to stroll along the riverbank, take a walk up into the vineyards, sit on a bench, look down on Germany and think: It’s so beautiful here! Of course, there is also plenty to see in Cochem itself. Medieval streets and houses – and, above all, the castle. It dates from the year 1000 and, after French destruction, was bought as a ruin by the wealthy Berliner Louis Ravené and rebuilt as a private residence. Hidden doors lead to secret passages, deer antlers hang on the walls. In 1942, Ravené’s descendants were forced to sell it by the Nazis. Today, the castle belongs to the town of Cochem and can be visited on a guided tour (about 40 minutes).

So beautiful. So tranquil. Yes, the town of Tournus is almost idyllic. The old town is cosy, and you should definitely see the former abbey with the façade of the massive Saint Philibert church – the oldest preserved large Romanesque building in France. A variety of vault shapes makes it particularly exciting. Another exciting detail is also the Hôtel-Dieu – a former hospital with fully preserved historical furnishings and a hospital pharmacy from the 17th century.