Rhine or Danube River Cruise – Which to Choose?

A Rhine or Danube river cruise? Which should you choose? Both are great options if you’re considering river cruises in Europe. They sail along scenic routes, passing dramatic hilltop castles and through awe-inspiring landscapes, and both offer excursions around captivating cities and charming towns. Attractions are nearby too, meaning quick access from your ship to the best sightseeing spots. You can easily discover each river’s highlights on a week-long cruise.

So which river cruise is best for you? Read on to find out more about Rhine river facts and Danube river cities.

Rhine Or Danube River Cruise? Scenery

When choosing between a Rhine or Danube river cruise, it’s good to know that you’ll sail through spectacular scenery on both.

On a Rhine river cruise, a significant stretch of the landscape is dominated by fairy-tale castles and sloping vineyards. And there’s another stunning section, the Rhine Gorge, when sheer valleys soar over 300 metres high. However, be mindful that the Rhine is also a busy industrial river, so working vessels and barges share the waterway too.

On a Danube river cruise, the scenery is a little greener as the river passes the foothills of the Bavarian Forest, the idyllic wine-making Wachau Valley and through the stunningly beautiful Iron Gates Gorge. The outlook a Danube River cruise feels more rural too, with fewer cargo boats and barges passing by.

Rhine Or Danube River Cruise? Castles

Whether you choose a Rhine river cruise or one on the Danube, castles of all description will be a sightseeing highlight. Some are intact, others are ruins, but each one is fascinating. On a 65km-stretch of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley (today a UNESCO World Heritage Site), there are over 40 castles and fortresses dotted along the landscape, with the 13th-century Marksburg Castle being a popular favourite.

Castles also crown rocky outcrops along the Danube river. The ruin at Dürnstein is famous for its royal prisoner, Richard the Lionheart, whereas the enormous honey-coloured castle at Melk is now a glorious Benedictine abbey.

Whether you choose a Rhine river cruise or one on the Danube, castles of all description will be a sightseeing highlight. Some are intact, others are ruins, but each one is fascinating.

On a 65km-stretch of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley (today a UNESCO World Heritage Site), there are over 40 castles and fortresses dotted along the landscape, with the 13th-century Marksburg Castle being a popular favourite.

Rhine Or Danube River Cruise? Extensions

As with most river cruises in Europe, leisurely eight-day itineraries are popular, as are winter five-day trips when Rhine Yuletide markets entice Christmas shoppers.

There may also be the opportunity to extend a cruise. If you start or end your Rhine journey in Switzerland, why not explore more of the country by train, enjoying a scenic trip on the legendary Glacier Express? Alternatively, after a Danube river cruise, stay a few more nights in beautiful Budapest.

Rhine Or Danube River Cruise? Cities

With both rivers cutting through the heart of Europe, it’s no surprise that major cities surround both the Rhine and Danube.

Rhine river cities include arty Amsterdam and historic Cologne, the latter famed for its twin-spired cathedral. Strasbourg, the photogenic capital of Alsace, is also nearby.

Four capital cities – Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Belgrade – sit along the Danube River.
This makes a Danube River cruise a great choice for city-break fans, especially as some itineraries also involve a day trip inland to Salzburg. Once home to Mozart, Strauss and Beethoven, Vienna is a huge draw for music lovers and classical performances take place regularly in the city.

Rhine Or Danube River Cruise – Which To Choose?

Choose a Rhine river cruise if you’ve fallen in love with the Romantic era and want to witness first-hand the land of fairy tales.

Choose a Danube river cruise if you’re eager to waltz back in time and immerse yourself in the art and architecture of cultural capitals.

Or if you can’t decide, then why not join one of our 14-night journeys which cover both?

If you’d like to discuss your ideal river cruise with us or would like us to answer any of your questions related to river cruising, please call (0800 471 4754) or send us an email.