Rick Steves Says This German Riverboat Tour Is A Scenic Journey That Never Gets Old

Germany has plenty of storybook fortresses that tower over small towns and villages filled with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, you'd think you've been transported back in time. Travel legend Rick Steves has seen his fair share of Europe and says that a German riverboat tour through the Rhine River Gorge is a scenic journey that never gets old.

In a Rick Steves blog post, he fondly speaks of his many years spent slowly gliding along the Rhine River while glancing admirably at the castles and villages that hug the river's bends. "After 30 years of cruising the Rhine gorge on nostalgic old riverboats, I still get a thrill." Taking a riverboat cruise may quite possibly be the best way to take in the scenic beauty of Germany, since getting a unique perspective from the water provides epic panoramic views you just can't get from land.

Although the Rhine River stretches 750-miles north from Switzerland to Holland, the most scenic portion of it is the 36-mile stretch between Mainz and Koblenz, which is filled with visual gems ranging from castles to vineyards. The whole 36-miles of the Rhine River Gorge can be completed in one day. Rick mentions that "The whole section can be done by boat (about 5 hours downstream, 8 hours up). With limited time, focus on the most scenic hour — from St. Goar to Bacharach."

Some of Germany's must-see castles can be viewed as you make your way through the Rhine River Gorge. The most notable along the river is the Marksburg Castle, covered in stucco and slate stone, while in St. Goar, you'll find the ruins of Rheinfels Castle, which ruled over the Rhine for over 500 years. Rheinstein Castle, located near Bingen, has a medieval 13th-century charm that will still evokes a sense of storybook wonderment as you pass by.

Seeing beautiful European castles is a surefire way to feel like you've been transported into the pages of a storybook. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rhine River Gorge was a main transportation hub and the 40 castles that line the route were key players in collecting tolls from ships, as well as protecting the lands for over 1,000 years. A trip through this scenic and historic part of Germany's famous waterways is a journey through a real-life history book that unfolds before your eyes.

The stunning landscape along the Rhine River is just one of the reasons why riverboat tours are popular among tourists in Germany. Visitors can let someone else plan the logistics, making this activity a great way to sit back, relax, and cruise right past the gorgeous villages and castles that line the route. Many tours offer half-day or full-day tour options starting from around $175 and even make a stop to allow cruisers to jump off and enjoy a meal before continuing their cruise.

No matter your travel style, there is a riverboat cruise along the Rhine that is sure to tick off all your needs and wants. Wintery riverboat tours are immensely popular for New Years Eve, as well as Christmas Day, while September and October are the perfect time to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves on the trees that line the river. You'll also find that tours during this time of year are a fraction of the cost compared to summer crowds.

Depending on how much time (and money) you have to enjoy time on the Rhine, travelers can book tours that range from luxurious multi-day trips, to affordable day trips that typically set off from major tourist hub cities. For those that love to visit the European Christmas markets, there are riverboat tours that offer hop-on, hop-off options so that you can explore at your own pace.

Much like any tour or excursion, you'll want to make sure you book well in advance to secure a spot on board based on the time of year. Rhine Riverboat Tours can be organized and booked on sites like Adventure Life, which offer expert advisors, so all you need to worry about is showing up, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery.