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Hessen Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Hessen Cruises & boat tours

Frankfurt: River Main Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary

1. Frankfurt: River Main Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary

The 50- or 100-minutes boat trips depart from Eiserner Steg. The boat leaves every hour. You have can choose between either 50/100 minutes downstream or 50/100 minutes upstream. Sailing towards Griesheim, see the urban areas of Frankfurt towards the Western harbor. Here you have a wonderful view of the skyscrapers of Frankfurts Financial Center or you can enjoy the museums along the embankment, for example the Städel. The ship will turn around before the Griesheim lock. At 12h00 the tour will take you upstream. Sail past the beautiful embankments of the river main towards the Eastern harbor of the city. You can see the district Sachsenhausen and its museum embankment. You will have the chance to get off at "Gerbermühle", a historic landmark to Frankfurt's poet Goethe. All tours are accompanied by commentaries in English and German.

Rhine Valley Castles: 1.5-Hour Boat Tour from Rüdesheim

2. Rhine Valley Castles: 1.5-Hour Boat Tour from Rüdesheim

Experience a castle tour in the Middle Rhine Valley, where fine wines from ruby red Pinot Noir to shimmering golden Riesling are grown. Discover one of Europe’s oldest trade routes along former toll castles and robber barons' nests, where Victor Hugo, Goethe, and Heinrich Heine are onboard in spirit. Explore beloved places of the Middle Rhine Valley that inspired the poets who created Rhine Romanticism. This section of the Rhine, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, is home to more castles than anywhere else. Admire Rheinstein Castle, Reichenstein Castle (Trechtingshausen), the ruins of Ehrenfels Castle, and the fabled Mouse Tower of Binger Loch. See the Nahe river flow into the Rhine and marvel at Klopp Castle before continuing on to the Niederwald Monument with the Germania and the Niederwald Temple in Osteinpark. Let the myth of the Rhine Romanticism enchant you. Admire the red wine region of Assmannhausen with its famous Pinot Noir vineyards as well as the flourishing town of Bingen with the beautiful Rhine park of the 2008 horticultural show and Rüdesheim with the famous Drosselgasse.

1-Hour Panorama Boat Cruise Through Frankfurt am Main

3. 1-Hour Panorama Boat Cruise Through Frankfurt am Main

Hop on a boat tour along Frankfurt’s River Main and discover the bustling metropolis, departing at least 6 times each day. Take an hour to explore the riverine side of Germany's financial capital and experience stunning views from the water. Enjoy the best views of Germany’s most imposing skyline on board the new KD boat, the MS Palladium. Discover the impressive financial city of Frankfurt and get some insight into the history and traditions behind this dynamic city. On this unique tour along the River Main, you'll learn the history behind all of Frankfurt’s major attractions. The MS Palladium is also handicapped-accessible, making it possible for every person to experience Frankfurt by water.

Rhine Valley: Half Day Tour from Frankfurt

4. Rhine Valley: Half Day Tour from Frankfurt

Enjoy a bus trip to the Upper Middle Rhein Valley, one of the most famous cultural landscapes in Germany. Your tour guide will show you a beautiful part of the river valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get to know the perfect panorama of steep vineyards, mighty medieval castles, and small, historical wine villages. A boat trip on one of the traditional Rhine steamer ships is also on the agenda. Your tour guide will tell you about the fascinating history of the valley through the centuries. During a wine tasting, learn more about the age-old tradition of wine growing, dating back to the ancient Romans. Don't expect an expert wine sampling, but rather a casual introduction to this tradition. The Rheingau is one of the best wine areas in Central Europe. A light dinner will then be served in a lovely restaurant right at the river promenade. And then it'll be time to return to Frankfurt, full of wonderful impressions of this scenic area.

From Rüdesheim: 1.5-Hour Boat Cruise with Wine Tasting

5. From Rüdesheim: 1.5-Hour Boat Cruise with Wine Tasting

Embark on a journey with famous names of history onboard a Rhine ship and enjoy a cruise along one of Europe’s oldest trade routes, passing by former toll castles and robber baron nests. Victor Hugo, Goethe, and Heinrich Heine are onboard with you in spirit as your guides to the most beautiful places, through which the Middle Rhine Valley becomes the source of the Rhine Romanticism. This section of the Rhine is home to more castles than anywhere else. Admire Rheinstein Castle, Reichenstein Castle (Trechtingshausen), the ruins of Ehrenfels Castle, and the fabled Mouse Tower of Binger Loch. See the Nahe river flow into the Rhine and marvel at Klopp Castle before continuing on to the Niederwald Monument with the Germania and the Niederwald Temple in Osteinpark. Explore the village of Assmannhausen, which is known for its red wine, as well as the flourishing town of Bingen and the world-famous Rüdesheim. Along the way, taste four wines under the expert guidance of a Rüdesheim winemaker, enjoy fresh pretzels, and take a souvenir glass home with you.

Heidelberg and Rhine Combination Tour from Frankfurt

6. Heidelberg and Rhine Combination Tour from Frankfurt

Explore romantic Heidelberg and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley on a delightful combination of a city tour and river cruise. Admire some of Germany's most charming sights, from the medieval castles in one of the country's most beautiful cities to a ride on a classic steamer. Your day starts with a ride south from Frankfurt to the picturesque city on the river Neckar. Tour the famous Heidelberg Castle for a look at the long courtyard, the mighty terrace, and one of the largest wine barrels in the world, and then take a walk in the city's medieval town center to marvel at the Old Bridge, Karl's Gate, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the House of the Knights, as well as the oldest university in Germany. Next, the tour takes you into the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its remarkable scenery and medieval structures. Admire the mighty castles, villages, and charming little vineyards, and then board a Rhine steamer for a voyage downriver from Kaub to the town of Assmannshausen. Once you're back ashore, stop to sample the local wine in a local tavern and enjoy a delicious dinner in a restaurant by the riverbank before the time comes for your return to Frankfurt.

From Rüdesheim: 2-hour Christmas Boat Tour on the Rhine

7. From Rüdesheim: 2-hour Christmas Boat Tour on the Rhine

Take part in a romantic tour by boat down the Rhine. The old castles on the hills, covered in snow, make for a magical view, which you can enjoy from your comfortable seat in the warm cabin of your boat. Listen to the stories and customs of ancient times as you cruise down the Rhine. Hear the fairytales, myths, and legends of the Rhine. Learn about the many architectural monuments and cities along its banks, and hear about German Christmas traditions past and present for a lovely day on the river. Enjoy drinks and snacks on board as you watch the fairytale landscape drift past. End your wonderful trip with a visit the world-famous Rüdesheim Christmas Market, where you can try glühwein and cookies while enjoying Christmas spectacles from all around the world.

Rüdesheim am Rhein: Christmas Boat Cruise on the Rhine

8. Rüdesheim am Rhein: Christmas Boat Cruise on the Rhine

Experience a romantic cruise on the Rhine River. Cruise past medieval castles and snow-capped ruins covered as you admire the view from your heated and cozy ship. Listen to festive Christmas music as the boat cruises and snack on freshly-baked waffles and local coffee from the onboard restaurant. Finish the day with a visit to the world-famous Rüdesheimer Weihnachtsmarkt der Nationen, where you can taste mulled wine and cookies while admiring the traditions of other countries.

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What people are saying about Hessen

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 472 reviews

A very enjoyable trip up and down the river, with the lovely sunny weather it made for a very relaxing 2 hours. Plenty of room on the boat, good food and friendly crew. Great views of the Frankfurt skyline with good commentary in English and German. We'll worth taking this trip.

Everything was absolutely perfect, we managed to get on the 100 Minute boat ride an hour earlier, was absolutely wonderful Service. Highly recommended keep up the excellent work and a happy healthy new year to you all.

Fun, quick tour that gives you a good overview of the city and is very reasonably priced. A must for a first time visitor to Frankfurt.

It was amazing...the explanation was in english so we have the opportunity to know all about Frankfurt

Nice tour, you should definitely do the 100 min tour, not just the 50 min tour.