Viking Rivers Cruises – NEW! Christmas on the Rhine & Main (Germany, France, Switzerland) 11 Days

Nuremberg, Germany
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The second-largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is filled with traditional half-timbered houses and Gothic churches with intricate spires. Although nearly destroyed during World War II, the remaining medieval city walls stretch some three miles and feature original gateways and 80 original watchtowers. Nuremberg is well known historically for its metal and toy craftsmanship. But it is infamous for its role in World War II, first as the site of Zeppelin Field’s Nazi rallies and later as the site of the war crimes trials at the Palace of Justice that captured the attention of a generation.

Nuremberg, Germany
The medieval city of Nuremberg hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Its streets are lined with wooden huts, offering a variety of homemade treats, including lebkuchen or gingerbread. Specially selected dealers showcase Christkindlesmarkt souvenirs, from cookie cutters to decorative mugs. The air is filled with the scent of grilled Bratwurst; the Nuremberg Bratwurst has been a longstanding culinary tradition of the city for more than 700 years.

Shore Excursions – Christmas in Nuremberg
Duration: 4 hours      
Immerse yourself in Nuremberg’s intriguing past and get into the yuletide spirit at the Christkindmarket. In the Old Town, admire the half-timbered houses as you stroll the cobblestone streets of the historic walled city. Pass landmarks, such as the 11th-century Imperial Castle, which towers above the medieval city center. See one of the oldest churches in Nuremberg, St. Sebaldus Church, then stop to see the famous Toy Museum and learn about the city’s 600-year-old tradition. Stop to explore the Christkindlmarket on your own and savor culinary delicacies, including grilled sausages, typically accompanied by sauerkraut and a serving of mustard. A staple of the city for more than 700 years, its grilled aroma wafts through the market, along with glühwein and spiced gingerbread. The fragrant treat comes in various shapes, including large, frosted hearts, making for a sweet souvenir.

Bamberg, Germany
During the holidays, Bamberg is transformed into a winter wonderland, when the city’s Advent market takes centerstage. Maximiliansplatz, in the heart of the pedestrian district, features a large Franconian half-timber nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. At Bamberg im Sand, the Elisabeth Church plays host to an array of artists showcasing traditional arts and crafts, including a blacksmith who provides a demonstration of his creations for visitors.

Shore Excursions – Bamberg Walking Tour & Festive Market
Duration: 4 hours   
Immerse yourself in festive cheer during a visit to Bamberg, the burial place of emperors and home of smoked beer. Join your local guide and head to the medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the magnificent 11th-century cathedral with its four imposing towers. The church was rebuilt in late Romanesque and early Gothic styles during the 13th century; this is where both Emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II are buried. In Maximiliansplatz, enjoy free time to follow your own whims as you browse the stalls of the Christmas market. Perhaps sample some of the town’s distinctive rauchbier, or smoke-flavored beer, as you shop for festive treats. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season and visitors flock to enjoy its Franconian traditions.

Würzburg, Germany
In the heart of Würzburg’s Old Town with a backdrop of the historic Falkenhaus and Gothic Marienkapelle, the Advent Market showcases a range of mouthwatering traditional food and sweets that are customary in Bavaria for the festive season. The scent of spices fills the air with stalls providing tasty treats, including Christmas cookies and roasted almonds. Local artisans can be seen in action, creating decorative pieces for the holiday season, from glass, straw, pewter and pottery to wooden toys.

Shore Excursions – Würzburg Residence & Christmas Market
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes  
Tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s most ornate palaces, and visit the town’s Christmas market. Drive to the former residence of the Würzburg prince-bishop, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; built in 1719, it took 25 years to complete. Admire the overhead ceiling with its stunning, 6,400-square-foot “Four Continents” fresco painted by Venetian artist Giovanni Tiepolo. View a series of elegant rooms, the colonnaded chapel and the baroque and English-style gardens lined with ornate statues. Afterward, enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town of Würzburg, and see the Romanesque Cathedral, the Neumünster church, the market square and Town Hall, and the oldest wine bar in town. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market where you can sample delicious Franconian treats or a traditional aromatic glühwein as you browse the stalls for yuletide offerings.

Marktheidenfeld, Germany
In Marktheidenfeld, the Christmas season centers around the Marktplatz, or market square. Located in the heart of the old town and set against a picturesque backdrop of half-timbered homes and a medieval bridge over the Main River, it exudes charm and tradition. Live music and performances entertain visitors as they stroll past wooden stalls packed with handcrafted nutcrackers, elaborate music boxes, glühwein (mulled wine) and other traditional German delicacies. The highlight of the market is the arrival of the Christ Child, who greets the children and hands out presents.

Shore Excursions – Marktheidenfeld & Lohr am Main
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes      
Discover the charms of Marktheidenfeld and the “fairy-tale” beauty of Lohr am Main. Board your motor coach for a scenic drive along the Main River to Lohr am Main, the legendary “birthplace” of the real-life inspiration for the German fairy-tale character Snow White. Take a guided walk around town, strolling along its riverside promenades and gazing out at its idyllic vineyards. Cap your visit with free time to explore more on your own. Afterward, board your coach and return to Marktheidenfeld. Here, set off on foot through the streets of Marktheidenfeld, admiring its half-timbered houses, narrow streets and the mix of era-spanning architectural styles on display at St. Laurentius church. Stop to view the striking blue facade of the Franck-Haus, the former mansion of a wealthy 18th-century wine merchant. After, return to your awaiting ship.

Scenic Sailing: Main River, Spessart
Journey along one of Germany’s most important waterways today, passing landscapes that embody the country’s scenic beauty and storybook charm. You will sail by quaint riverside villages, undulating farm country and the sylvan forests of the Spessart woodlands. Along the way, you just may lose yourself in the dreamy canvases of half-timbered houses, historic castles and splendid palaces. This is the Germany once ruled by dukes and brought to magical life by the imagination of the Brothers Grimm, who grew up in the town of Hanau and wove fantastic tales from these banks.

Frankfurt, Germany
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest and largest holiday markets in Germany, dating back to 1391. Extending across several squares around the historic city center, its stalls offer a variety of goods, such as wooden toys, handicrafts, candles, ornaments and more. The sounds of Christmas carols and church bells fill the air, as does the delicious aroma of glühwein (mulled wine), roasted chestnuts, grilled sausages and gingerbread. The market also features a giant Christmas tree, illuminated by thousands of lights, ribbons and bells.

Shore Excursions – Festive Frankfurt by Foot
Duration: 2 hours      
Explore Frankfurt’s highlights and contrasting architecture, then visit its historic Christmas market. From your ship, follow your guide on foot along the Main River to Römerberg, the city’s main square. Here, immerse in the holiday atmosphere of its Christmas market. Browse stalls full of elaborate and creative decorations set amid the picturesque backdrop of the old town. Continue through the restored medieval district, which suffered heavy bombing during World War II. Learn about its time as one of the Holy Roman Empire’s most important towns and as a site of coronations. Stop at the colorful Kleinmarkthalle, pass St. Paul’s Church and see the Goethe Haus, a writer’s house museum and birthplace of poet and author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Then, enjoy free time to further explore the Christmas market at your leisure, before returning to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Highlights of Heidelberg at Christmas
Duration: 9 hours   
Discover Heidelberg, a town so steeped in charm that it stood at the center of the German Romantic movement. Join your guide for a drive to Heidelberg, then ascend to the majestic Heidelberg Castle, a treasure trove of Renaissance-era buildings. Built during the early 13th century, it was once the residence of the Palatinate monarchy. Descend into the Old Town for a walking tour to the turreted Heidelberg University. Along the way, pass a festive Christmas market, its vendors filling the Market Square with holiday cheer. See the school’s tower, where unruly boys were incarcerated for misdeeds, and the Red Ox tavern, where they boasted to their mates about their imprisonment. Share a special lunch with a group of modern-day students and hear their views on attending Germany’s oldest university. After, enjoy free time to browse the Christmas market, before returning to your ship.

Karlsruhe, Germany
Blending tradition and modernity, Karlsruhe is one of southwest Germany’s cultural gems. Founded as the Grand Duchy of Baden during the early-18th century, the city is home to the majestic Karlsruhe Palace, from which the city’s streets span forming a distinctive circular layout. Innovation is ingrained in the city’s DNA; it was the chosen destination to establish the world-renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in 2009. Numerous museums, theaters and galleries are popular sights to explore, as well as the peaceful green spaces that offer a serene escape from city life.

Shore Excursions – Festive Karlsruhe
Duration: 4 hours    
Discover Karlsruhe, admiring views over the Upper Rhine Valley, the botanical gardens and festive Christmas market. Travel to Turmberg (“Tower Hill”), gazing out over the city and the valley below. Continue to Karlsruhe, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and its botanical gardens, an oasis in the city center. Follow your guide on foot, admiring the grand architecture, manicured grounds and exotic flora. Pass the elegant palace, as well as the Federal Constitutional Court building, en route to Market Square. Here, enjoy free time to explore its Christmas market, browsing stalls full of seasonal decorations and local treats or taking a ride on the giant Ferris wheel. You will also see the city’s landmark pyramid; this memorial sits atop the former crypt of the Concordia Church, the final resting place of the city’s founder, Karl Wilhelm. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is said to be the capital of Christmas in France, with the city’s cathedral square taking center stage as it is transformed into a winter wonderland. The city’s Christkindelsmärik is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Hundreds of stalls are brimming with colorful wares, fine food and mulled wine, bringing festive cheer in abundance. Alsatian specialties feature an array of hearty classics, from bretzels (soft, bread-like pretzels) to bredele (star-shaped spiced cookies), and knacks (sausages) to pain d’epices (gingerbread).

Shore Excursions – Festive Strasbourg with Canal Cruise
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes    
Enjoy a boat ride through picturesque Petite France and discover France’s oldest Christmas market. Drive through the Alsatian capital’s German Imperial District and the European Quarter, home to the European Union and the Council of Europe. Pass remarkable Renaissance architecture en route to the city center, where you will board a boat for a scenic journey through charming Petite France. Surrounded by the Ill River and crisscrossed by charming canals, the former tanner’s district is home to the Old Customs House and the bridges with their defensive towers. After disembarking in the old town, walk to Cathedral Square and view the magnificently restored Strasbourg Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals. Cap your tour on Grande Île and enjoy free time at its holiday market, admiring its gigantic Christmas tree or savoring a hot cup of vin chaud (“mulled wine”).

Breisach, Germany
In the heart of Breisach’s old town with a backdrop of the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s cathedral, the Weinachtsmarkt is a highlight of the season. Steaming aromatic glühwein served in decorated mugs, alongside tasty yuletide treats, is sold from festive wooden huts and taverns, keeping visitors warm as they browse market stalls for gifts and handicrafts. The nearby Black Forest provides a fairy-tale atmosphere; its towering, snow-covered spruce trees resemble a winter wonderland.

Shore Excursions – German Traditions & the Black Forest
Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes     
Admire the dense, lofty fir forests of Germany’s Schwarzwald, the fabled Black Forest. Embark with your guide on a scenic drive through a mythical land of cuckoo clocks, glassblowing and timeless fairy tales. Your panoramic route will take you through wine-producing villages, each of them cradled among the soft, undulating hills, bucolic woodlands and prolific vineyards of southwestern Germany. Your journey culminates in a winding ascent up to the beautiful Hofgut Sternen hotel, a loyal keeper of Black Forest traditions. Upon arrival, you may choose to take an invigorating forest stroll, attend a cuckoo clock demonstration, watch a glassblower at work, or learn to make the region’s decadent Black Forest Cake. Afterward, savor a sausage roll next to a roaring bonfire, before returning to your ship.

Basel, Switzerland
A delightful blend of old and new, Basel is Switzerland’s best-kept secret. During the holiday season, the medieval Old Town is transformed into a magical yuletide affair. Cobblestone streets are lined with wooden chalet-style huts selling all manner of festive treats and gifts. Visitors to the Christmas market can enjoy a warming cup of aromatic glühwein in a decorated boot-shaped mug. Hand-carved tree decorations, cheerfully painted ceramics and delicious food are sold from stalls throughout the city.

Shore Excursions – Basel Walking Tour & Festive Markets
Duration: 2 hours      
Discover Basel’s inviting cluster of medieval buildings and festive markets during a walking tour. Meet your guide and set off on foot for a tour of this fascinating city where three nations converge: Switzerland, France and Germany. Visit Marktplatz, or Market Square, surrounded by guild halls of late Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles. Admire the ornate spires of the Rathaus, or Town Hall, and stroll to the Münsterplatz, where the thin towers of the 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral overlook the wooden chalets of the festive market. Take time to browse the stalls, and perhaps sample a local delicacy, such as a freshly prepared röstis, a fried, grated potato patty served with a helping of apple sauce; a fragrant fondue; or a grittibänz—a delicious, sweetened brioche shaped like a gingerbread man.

Basel, Switzerland
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.