Like the Moselle River in Germany's southwest, the Main River meanders for close to 250 miles as it makes its way across south central Germany, from Mainz, birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg (the inventor of the modern printing press) to medieval Bamberg, built on several hills just like Rome, and one of the very few places in Germany not destroyed by Allied bombings in World War II. It is so breathtakingly beautiful, that the entire town is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Main meets the northern end of the Main-Danube Canal at Bamberg where it begins its 106 mile-long journey south where it joins the Danube River. Now, why is this so important you ask? Well, this canal permits river cruise travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea, a 2200 mile journey that, until its completion in 1992, had been dreamed about since the time of Charlemagne!
Though short in length the Main is long on diversity.
As you travel along the Main you'll slowly realize that this is the Germany of your imagination, replete with medieval villages, old-world villages, and ancient castles lining the banks of this peaceful, meandering river.
Frankfurt. This great city is the financial and transportation hub of Germany. Oh, and just to correct a common misperception, the Frankfurt name was in existence long before the common usage of either hot dog or frankfurter. In German the word furt means ford, so Frankfurt is literally “Ford of the Franks,” a West German tribe that settled in this part of Germany and not “home of the frankfurter!”
Miltenberg and Wertheim. Picturesque and historic Bavarian villages with their old towns that feature traditional half-timbered frame houses.
Wurzburg. This majestic, gem of a city has the impressive and imposing UNESCO World Heritage listed Residence Palace, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and one of the largest and most beautiful palaces in Germany. Wine lovers, in addition to its baroque Residence Palace, the city of Wurzburg sits in the middle of Franconia, a major wine producing region, so there will be a number of opportunities to sample the local wines such as their famous reislings and pinot noir varieties.
Bamberg. Please don't think, though, that wine is all you'll drink in Germany. Most of us think “beer” when we think of Germany and almost 1300 distinct breweries in Germany would agree with you. About half of all the breweries in Germany are located near Bamberg — so not only is the entire town a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is one brewery for every 100 inhabitants! I know where I am retiring to! Hmmmm... I think I'll start with the Spezial Brewery's famous Rauchbier Märzen...
Running mostly south and somewhat to the east from Bamberg, the canal cuts through Bavaria across Germany's western watershed going through 16 locks until it connects up with the Danube River at Kelheim, Germany. But, before going through the last lock opening out into the sweeping, Blue Danube, you'll visit historic Nuremberg.
Nuremberg. While the canal passes by dozens of small towns and villages, the only real port along the way is the city of Nuremberg. This is one of the few stops on a river cruise where a river ship does not dock in the center of town; you'll actually be about 3 miles from the city. But, don't worry... most companies provide free shuttle service, or you can take a private taxi which is relatively inexpensive. Nuremberg was a classic medieval city with a fortress on a hill surrounded by defensive walls. But, unfortunately, during World War II over 90% of the medieval city center, along with most of the modern city, was destroyed by allied bombing. Luckily for us, the city was almost entirely rebuilt and much of the medieval center was restored to its original appearance. Among Nuremberg's more famous sites such as the Imperial Castle and Old Town Hall is the court where the Nuremberg Trials were held after World War II, and the infamous Zeppelin field which was used by the Third Reich to hold rallies.
The Premier Team all agree that one of our favorite times of the year to visit Nuremberg is during the last part of November or the first few weeks in December when the Christmas Holiday Markets are in full swing all over Europe. Nuremberg’s is the oldest and largest market in Germany and nothing, I mean nothing, beats strolling from stall to stall while drinking a glass of hot gluhwein (pronounced glue-vine, it is a delicious mulled, spiced wine; be sure to try the many different flavors) and eating a meter long (Yes, a meter!) bratwurst or munching on a huge pretzel!
You cannot go wrong sailing down the Main and the Main-Danube Canal.
This is the quintessential river cruise experience. It has it all — history, culture, wine and beer, ancient, modern, and medieval cities and villages, and the Canal itself, a masterpiece of modern engineering that would make even the Romans proud. Hopefully, you'll add this cruise to your short "bucket list!" We have 7 to 14 day (and longer) itineraries available on all of the major premium and luxury river cruise lines such as AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld, and Viking.
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