Northern Rhine: Regions and Cities
Take a river cruise along the northern part of the Rhine to discover the picturesque waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium. North of Cologne, the river showcases a blend of the modern and the historic. Here, futuristic cities such as Rotterdam sit alongside some of Europe’s oldest towns. Medieval canals wind past modern skyscrapers and vast port facilities, providing a stark contrast to old windmills. The northern Rhine is characterised by blooming tulip fields and bridges of all kinds.
On board the A-ROSA fleet, you will experience the most beautiful destinations that the northern Rhine has to offer. Cities such as Amsterdam, Düsseldorf and Antwerp await you, as do many other treasures both large and small.
Did you know that Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and Antwerp is known as the ‘City of Diamonds’? Of course you did. However, you’ll gain real insider knowledge in Gouda, a city with more to offer than just cheese. Or Dordrecht, where you can travel back to the Middle Ages. Crossing the IJsselmeer may not be on your list yet, but it's an unforgettable experience.
Take in the most beautiful scenery and broaden your cultural horizons in the stunning cities along the northern Rhine.
River Cruises on the Northern Rhine
HIGHLIGHTS ON THE NORTHERN RHINE
Amsterdam
Few European cities are as diverse as Amsterdam, with its multicultural charm, relaxed atmosphere, historic canal district and the highest concentration of museums in the world. Don’t miss the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum, which was restored to its former glory several years ago following a decade-long renovation project. Follow the locals’ example and explore by bike, or take a trip along the canals and discover Amsterdam from the water.
Rotterdam
Long before you reach Rotterdam – Europe’s largest port city – you’ll see its fantastic skyline, featuring the Euromast tower and the Erasmusbrug bridge. You won’t be surprised to learn that this is a centre of contemporary architecture, home to the famous cube houses with their Kijk-Kubus (‘show cube’) and the Witte Huis (the ‘White House’), which was the first skyscraper in Europe. The home of the continent’s biggest sea port is a thriving metropolis that doesn’t scrimp on modern buildings or international flair. Over the past 20 years, a number of impressive new skyscrapers have sprung up – and there’s no sign of this trend stopping yet.
IJsselmeer
There’s a lot to discover between the Frisian Wadden Sea and the open North Sea: small harbours, endless white sandy beaches and water as far as the eye can see. The IJsselmeer is the largest lake in the Netherlands. Its shore is a great place for mudflat walking – and with a little luck, you’ll even find oysters washed up at low tide. On land, you can explore towns full of fascinating history, inspiring art and entertaining cultural attractions.
Antwerp
This city is traditionally considered the largest diamond trading centre in the world. As well as being home to four diamond bourses and around 1,600 diamond companies, it also has a diamond museum, where you can learn all about how these precious stones are processed, from sourcing to finishing. The old harbour area is a fantastic place to take a stroll. It is now a trendy, modern district, with lofts, theatres and night clubs occupying converted warehouse buildings, and luxury yachts from all corners of the world moored at the quay.
Ghent
This old university town buzzes with energy. Rich in cultural attractions, it also boasts a varied nightlife, with imposing architectural monuments serving as a backdrop. During the ‘Gentse Feesten’ – a ten-day festival of street performance, music and culture that takes place in the city centre every July – these magnificent buildings really come into their own, illuminated by light installations It is a truly spectacular sight.
Brussels
The Belgian capital offers its visitors a wealth of contrasts. That’s partly due to it having long been a city of immigrants – from other EU countries as well as from Morocco, Turkey and central Africa. Over the years, these newcomers have all brought their ideas and customs with them, creating a real melting pot of cultures. But the city itself is also full of contrasts: splendid historical buildings stand alongside new constructions, the traditional lower town differs from the elegant upper town, and great museums meet experimental crossover projects at abandoned factory premises. Cities don’t get much more exciting than this.
Nijmegen
Did you know that Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands? You only need to cross the Waalburg arch bridge into the centre to understand why the 160,000 inhabitants are so proud of their city: the Waalkade wharf and the silhouette of the city-centre buildings combine to form a truly impressive sight. In this Hanseatic city, tradition and modernity go hand in hand.
Düsseldorf
Whether you’re strolling along one of Germany’s leading luxury shopping streets, the ‘Kö’, enjoying an Altbier fresh from the tap in one of the old town’s more than 300 pubs or discovering one of the city’s many green spaces, such as the Hofgarten, on foot, Düsseldorf has almost everything you could wish for.
Most of the city’s population seems to frequent the Uerige – the archetypical Düsseldorf brewery – even though the name of the establishment comes from a local word for ‘grumpy’. The Köbesse – as waiting staff are known here – are rather unfriendly, in keeping with tradition. Nevertheless, it’s always full.
Cologne
It’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you.