In such beautiful landscapes so rich in culture and history, it is easy to lose focus on which sites to see given an allotted amount of time so here are 16 sights you will not want to miss while traveling along the Rhine, Moselle, and Main Rivers.
- Basel
Located at the apex where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet, Basel, Switzerland is the first point of contact on the navigable portion of the Rhine River. With world-famous choirs, museums, and theaters, Basel is one of the most important cultural centers in Central Europe. - Breisach
Continuing along the waterway on the French-German border, Breisach is nestled at the foot of Kaisertuhl Mountain and is the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. The fairytale castles and countryside of the region are as delightful to the eyes as the Black Forest cherry cake is to the taste. - Strasbourg
Another mesmerizing border town, Strasbourg, France, is influenced by the culture of both Germany and France. It’s also the capital of the Alsace region known for its delectable wines. Admire the cobblestone streets, medieval architecture and winding canals of La Petite France in the heart of Strasbourg’s Old Town. - Speyer
Farther along the River Rhine sits Speyer, Germany, an old imperial city boasting a Romanesque cathedral with six imposing towers and the finest and largest crypt in Germany. Four Holy Roman Emperors and four German Kings are buried in the impressive Royal Vault. - Mainz
Mainz, Germany is situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River. The Old Town has many interesting shops, tea rooms, and restaurants, and a fountain on the Schillerplatz is decorated with scenes of the famous carnival held here every year. Johannes Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here, so it’s fitting that a visit here would leave and indelible impression. - Rüdesheim
The pretty little town of Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum with its collection of self-playing instruments is the quirky highlight of the quaint riverside village. - Metz
One of the first outposts on the Moselle River is Metz, France. Here, the Palais du Gouverneur has a colorful, Disneyesque flair and is a fitting welcome to the fairytale land. - Remich
The river continues on to Remich in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a quaint town nestled among rolling, vineyard covered hills. Continue reading
