River trips · GERMANY

Rhine and Spree River Cruises: The 15 Best in Germany

31 sailings  ·  boarding from $13 a head

Berlin from the Spree, Cologne and Düsseldorf from the Rhine, and the falls at Schaffhausen. These 15 German river trips are compared on route, length and price.

Berlin: Boat Tour Along the River Spree - Starting at Friedrichstrasse 140
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Berlin: Boat Tour Along the River Spree

1.Boat Tour Along the River Spree

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 11,252 reviews · 2h 15m · from $34Our pick

Spend 135 minutes on a round-trip cruise from Friedrichstrasse, passing the Federal Chancellery, Bellevue Palace, Victory Column, Berlin Central Station, Charlottenburg Palace, and several canals. German commentary plays onboard, while handheld audio guides are available in 11 additional languages. Bring wired headphones if you have them.

“Yeah the 2.25 hours was really relaxing, so glad we chose this than the 1 hour option offered by other providers. Weather was brilliant so we were quite lucky”

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Berlin: 3.25-Hour Spree & Landwehrkanal Boat Tour - The Spree gives you Berlin’s big picture
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Berlin: 3.25-Hour Spree & Landwehrkanal Boat Tour

2.3.25-Hour Spree & Landwehrkanal Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,311 reviews · 3h 15m · from $38

Start at Jannowitzbrücke near Alexanderplatz for a 195-minute cruise along Berlin’s Spree and Landwehr Canal. You’ll pass more than 40 bridges, Museum Island, Potsdamer Platz, the German Museum of Technology, and the government district. English and German audio commentary is available, though bring headphones with a standard audio jack.

“Amazing tour around Berlin. Out guide Martin were lively, funny and entertaining during The whole tour. We really recommend this trip..”

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Cologne: Top Sights Rhine River Cruise - Skyline Tour - Pier 10 and the first look at Cologne Cathedral
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Cologne: Top Sights Rhine River Cruise – Skyline Tour

3.Top Sights Rhine River Cruise – Skyline Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,030 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $28

Board the MS Rheinperle or MS Rheinland near Cologne’s Musical Dome for a 90-minute Rhine cruise. You’ll pass the Cathedral, Old Town, Rheinauhafen’s crane houses, five bridges, and Rodenkirchen, then continue north toward Zoobrücke. Recorded commentary is offered in English and German on selected departures.

“The tour was enjoyable! With a good selection of refreshments on board. We really enjoyed it and the scenery is great. Only downside is the boat gets busy so we could not really hear the guide. However, there was a stag party next to us. Not complaining though it was great!”

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Düsseldorf: City Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine - What You See During the One-Hour Route
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Düsseldorf: City Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine

4.City Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 2,954 reviews · 1 hour · from $23

Board at the Rheinuferpromenade for a one-hour round trip along Düsseldorf’s Rhine waterfront. You’ll see the Old Town, city ruins, Medienhafen, and other riverside sights from a comfortable boat, with English and German announcements by loudspeaker. Snacks, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks are available onboard.

“Nice wee cruise did 1 hour sat upstairs with a beer”

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Neuhausen am Rheinfall: Rhine Falls Boat Tour - The guide adds meaning to the scenery
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Neuhausen am Rheinfall: Rhine Falls Boat Tour

5.Rhine Falls Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,854 reviews · 30 min · from $13Best value

Cruise from Schlössli Wörth along the Rhine toward the German border, hearing stories about the river, beavers, and local history from a German and English-speaking guide. The boat then returns to Rhine Falls for several close approaches. Guides such as Alexander, Rafael, and Stéphane have been praised for lively commentary and careful boat handling.

“Hassle free, skip the line EXCELLENT moments of pure joy. We could add option to choose the yellow boat for summiting the central island”

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Berlin: Spree Boat Tour to Müggelsee - The Spree route and the pleasure of going slowly
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Berlin: Spree Boat Tour to Müggelsee

6.Spree Boat Tour to Müggelsee

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,973 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $25

Leave Treptow Harbor by boat and follow the Spree through Berlin’s green southeastern districts to Köpenick and Müggelsee. You’ll pass Köpenick Palace, see the Captain of Köpenick statue, and view Müggelturm. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, drinks and snacks for purchase, and commentary that may be primarily in German.

“This was a very beautiful trip. Very calm, good service on board and an astonish view all the time.”

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Rhine Valley Trip from Frankfurt including Rhine River Cruise - Assmannshausen, lunch, and the first taste of local food
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Rhine Valley Trip from Frankfurt including Rhine River Cruise

7.Rhine Valley Trip from Frankfurt including Rhine River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,179 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $167

Travel from Frankfurt into the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Valley with an English-speaking guide, then cruise past castles, vineyards, villages, and Loreley Rock. The $167 tour includes transport, a meal, and a small wine tasting. Guides such as Michael, Willy, Charles, and Mish have earned praise for clear commentary and good humor.

“Our Guide Willey was knowledgeable, entertaining and a good driver. Cruse was interesting and did get to experience the loghts along the river as trip was at the end of Nov. lunch and wine tasting were uninspired. Fall or spring would be recommended but nor winter”

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Berlin: East Side Gallery Spree Cruise in a Solar Catamaran - Finding the boat at Jannowitzbrücke
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Berlin: East Side Gallery Spree Cruise in a Solar Catamaran

8.East Side Gallery Spree Cruise in a Solar Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,086 reviews · 2 hours · from $28

Spend two hours on a quiet solar-powered catamaran cruising east from Jannowitzbrücke. You’ll see the East Side Gallery from the water, pass Oberbaumbrücke, Kater Blau, Treptow harbor, and Insel der Jugend. A German host provides an English audio guide. Food and drinks are sold on board, but seats are not reserved.

“Brilliant tour, well worth the money and more. Great service and reasonable priced drinks served to you from the bar! Highly recommend for a summer trip!”

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Koblenz:Rhine Valley boat tour along the castles and palaces - Starting at Koblenz’s riverfront
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Koblenz:Rhine Valley boat tour along the castles and palaces

9.Koblenz:Rhine Valley boat tour along the castles and palaces

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,084 reviews · 2 hours · from $22

Cruise the Upper Middle Rhine Valley aboard La Paloma, starting in Koblenz and sailing past Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, German Corner, Stolzenfels, Lahneck, and Marksburg Castle. The two-hour round trip includes German and English commentary, indoor and outdoor seating, onboard food and drinks, and wheelchair access with advance notice.

“This was a super fun boat ride. It was easy to find the dock and the boat departed on time. They serve drinks and food onboard, and the wait staff spoke excellent English. The speaker narration about the sites we passed was given in German and English. All in all, it was a great trip.”

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Cochem: Panoramic Cruise on the Moselle River - Reichsburg Castle from its best angle
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Cochem: Panoramic Cruise on the Moselle River

10.Cochem: Panoramic Cruise on the Moselle River

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,004 reviews · 1 hour · from $16

Spend one relaxed hour aboard a KD boat on the Moselle River, viewing Cochem’s timbered houses, vineyards, and Reichsburg Castle from the water. Audio commentary in German and English points out local sights and town history. You can also buy drinks, wine, snacks, and desserts onboard.

“Excellent staff and service. Lovely cruise with beautiful scenery”

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Berlin Combo Package: City Tour & Spree Boat Tour - Starting on Kurfürstendamm and seeing Berlin’s western side
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Berlin Combo Package: City Tour & Spree Boat Tour

11.Berlin Combo Package: City Tour & Spree Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 996 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $64

Use a 24 or 48-hour City Circle bus ticket to reach Berlin highlights from Kurfürstendamm to Alexanderplatz and the East Side Gallery, then take a one-hour Spree cruise. Audio commentary comes in 20 languages, buses run every 15 to 20 minutes, and the route includes stops near major sights, neighborhoods, and boat piers.

“Super helpful staff, went out of their way to make it great. Amazing tour!”

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Cologne: 2-Hour Evening Cruise on the Rhine River - Choosing between the open deck and indoor windows
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Cologne: 2-Hour Evening Cruise on the Rhine River

12.2-Hour Evening Cruise on the Rhine River

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 797 reviews · 2 hours · from $34

Spend two hours on the Rhine as Cologne’s lights come on. You’ll pass the cathedral, St. Kunibert, Groß St. Martin, St. Maria Lyskirchen, and major bridges, with open-deck or window seating, live lounge music, and a bar serving drinks and snacks. There is no spoken commentary, so come for the views and easy evening mood.

“It would be great if we could get information about the buildings, bridges, canals, and rivers we see along the way. The DJ was very good, he knows a lot of musics trends. But it would have been even nicer if he had interacted verbally with us as passengers. The water in the toilet was empty, so I couldn't wash my hands. 😉 Overall, our experience was very good. Thank you.”

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Cologne: 1-hour Rhine Cruise in Cologne - Finding Pier 10 near the Musical Dome
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Cologne: 1-hour Rhine Cruise in Cologne

13.1-hour Rhine Cruise in Cologne

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 677 reviews · 1 hour · from $22

Board a spacious Kölntourist boat at Pier 10 near the Musical Dome for a one-hour Rhine cruise past Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, Rheinauhafen, five bridges, and Rodenkirchen. Day trips include German and English commentary. Evening sailings after 5:45 PM switch to chilled lounge music and sunset views, with drinks and snacks sold onboard.

“Very well organised and on time. Service on the boat was friendly and fast and tasty. Dock was easy to find and everything was very straightforward. Would definitely go again 👍”

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Cologne: Rhine River Winter Cruise with Festive Music - Boarding at Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
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Cologne: Rhine River Winter Cruise with Festive Music

14.Rhine River Winter Cruise with Festive Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 676 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $28

Cruise Cologne’s Rhine for 1.5 hours aboard a warm panorama boat with views of Cologne Cathedral, Groß St. Martin, and the crane houses of Rheinau Harbour. A live singer and electric piano provide festive entertainment, while you can buy Glühwein, hot chocolate, coffee, snacks, and other drinks at your table.

“Fantastic river cruise. Great vibe, reasonably priced drinks. Very Christmassy. Brilliant value for money. Recommend to anyone visiting Cologne. Super easy to find the meeting point.”

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Berlin: Laughing Spree Comedy Show on a Boat - Arriving at the Floating Lounge
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Berlin: Laughing Spree Comedy Show on a Boat

15.Laughing Spree Comedy Show on a Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 670 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $15Top rated

Spend 2.5 hours at Berlin’s Laughing Spree, an English-language stand-up show aboard the stationary Floating Lounge at Eastern Comfort Hostelboat. Hosts such as Chris, Patrick, or Jana guide a changing open-mic lineup, with a free welcome shot, bar access, sunset deck time, and views toward the East Side Gallery.

“Fantastic acts, and great atmosphere. will definitely come back!”

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Newly added: Rhine and Spree River Cruises

★ 4.2From Alken: Moselle Valley Sightseeing CruiseFrom $1713 reviews
★ 3.8Full-Day Mosel Valley Tour with River CruiseFrom $1533 reviews
★ 4.1Cochem: KD Panoramic Evening Cruise on the Moselle RiverFrom $3076 reviews
★ 3.9Cochem, Moselle: Boat – Beilstein, meal, wine and liqueur tastingFrom $10449 reviews
★ 3.4Winter Spree Cruise with Mulled Wine and Christmas StollenFrom $3715 reviews
★ 4.7Bonn: Sunset Boat Tour on the RhineFrom $3011 reviews
★ 4.5Bonn: Evening Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine RiverFrom $3078 reviews
★ 4.3Sightseeing Boat Tour on the Spree for FamiliesFrom $3764 reviews
★ 4.9Audrey Ahoi! Spree cruise with drag queen (HOL)From $337 reviews
★ 4.7From Bonn: Christmassy Advent Cruise on the RhineFrom $2219 reviews

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