If an intimate trip through old Europe and being surrounded by natural valleys and beautiful foliage sounds ideal, then this is the European waterway for you. Elbe River cruises take voyagers across multiple countries, delivering an ever-changing scenery that doesn’t compare to any other river in Europe. 

Explore European history with each Elbe River cruise itinerary

The Elbe River is an important part of European history. It functioned as a border for several empires over the years, including the Romans and the Carolingians, under King Charlemagne. Remnants still exist of those early days when Europeans settled the Elbe. Along the Elbe’s route, you’ll find small villages, ruins, carefully preserved architecture, and museums that carry on that history.

Another popular historical location seen by cruises on the Elbe River, the Dresden Elbe Valley was once designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The designation was removed back in 2009, when the modern Waldschlösschen Bridge was built as a crossing for the Elbe. While it’s unfortunate that the UNESCO credit has been removed, it’s still incredibly interesting to check out the area, along with the German city of Dresden. The city acknowledges and protects its old buildings and historical artifacts, ensuring that -- regardless of official protection -- you’ll have some great, well-preserved history to find in Elbe River Germany. 

Uniworld's River Duchess Elbe River cruise ship

Begin your journey in the culturally rich Czech Republic

The Elbe River -- and many of our Elbe River cruises -- finds its start in the Czech Republic. There, you’ll have the chance to explore Czech culture -- with its incredible food and ways of life. 

The Elbe, being a very well connected river in the vast European river network, also connects with the Vltava River, a tributary. Because of this, many Elbe cruise itineraries manage to visit the city of Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. These Czech Republic cruises that visit Prague are always entertaining -- the city is filled with medieval architecture mixed with modern, exciting culture. If your Elbe River cruise visits Prague, you’re surely in for a treat.

Viking Elbe River cruise itinerary visits Magdeburg, Germany

Other great destinations highlighted by Elbe River cruise itineraries

Our itineraries, led by cruising greats Uniworld Cruises, Viking Cruises, and Scenic Cruises, all take you to the best locations along and near the Elbe River. You’ll get to stop in Hamburg, Germany -- home to the Elbe Philharmonic Orchestra. The city is Germany’s second largest, and -- convenient for river cruisers -- Elbe River Hamburg is one of the best areas in town. Here, you’ll find the Port of Hamburg, one of Europe’s most well-known river cruise ports. In addition, you’ll see the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, a towering building home to the eponymous orchestra. The Warehouse District is sure to impress, again located right on the Elbe River. 

Many Elbe cruise itineraries also visit Berlin and Wittenberg in Germany. Berlin is a massive city with lots to do, from museums to art to nightlife. Wittenberg is a smaller, historic city, and a university town tied to the Protestant Reformation. Regardless of your interest, German river cruises on the Elbe offer a unique experience that’s sure to entertain.

Learn more about our Elbe River cruises

​To learn more about our current Elbe River cruise itineraries being offered, contact a member of our team today. Our European river cruise experts are available Monday through Friday to answer any of your Elbe cruising questions and help you plan your dream vacation.