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Breisach River Cruises

About Breisach

Breisach lies on the Rhine River in the Upper Rhine Valley and is situated between the cities of Strasbourg in Germany and Basel in Switzerland and is a popular port of call on many voyages which explore the highlights to be found along Germany’s most famous river. The town was built on a hill which served as the seat of an ancient Celtic prince, and which was situated in the middle of the Rhine until it was straightened by 19th century engineer Johann Gottfried Tulla. It was formerly founded as a city in the 11th or 12th century, although archaeological evidence suggests that it was settled earlier than this. In the 16th century, Breisach was a strategic stronghold of the Holy Roman Empire and during the Second World War, the majority of it was destroyed by allied artillery, as it lay at the point where the allies crossed the Rhine.

Exploring Breisach

For river cruisers, Breisach marks the entrance to the celebrated Black Forest area of Germany and a voyage to the town offers the chance to experience some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, including dramatic mountains, lush forests and rolling meadows.

The main attraction in the town itself is the beautiful St Stephan’s Cathedral, or ‘Stephansmunster’, which dates back to the 13th century. It’s built in the Romanesque style and is well-known for its carved gothic altar and a series of works by the celebrated German painter and engraver Martin Schongauer.

The Museum of Municipal History is another popular attraction for those who want to learn more about the history of the region, with an impressive range of exhibits which date from the present day all the way back to the Stone Age.

Breisach is also home to the Geldermann Privatsektkellerei, one of Europe’s largest wine cellars, so if viticulture is your thing, be sure to take the time to pay a visit to this wonderful attraction, as there are guided tours are available and you’ll be able to taste a glass for yourself too. If you truly want to make wine the focus of your time in Breisach, the Geldermann winery is another popular choice, with guided tours and Champagne tastings all part of the experience.

Breisach tips

With the Black Forest region on your itinerary, you’ll certainly want to make sure that you have your camera at the ready to capture your own memories of the fabulous scenery. If stocking up on a bottle or two to take back home is a holiday habit, then Breisach is a great place to do it, with vintages available at both the wineries and a number of local shops.

Breisach Itineraries

Berlin

The Majestic Rhine & Berlin: Basel - Berlin

2 sailing dates June 2023 to August 2023
9 Nights From Basel , Switzerland to , Berlin
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Breisach

Zurich - Lucerne & The Majestic Rhine

2 sailing dates June 2023 to August 2023
10 Nights From Zurich, to Frankfurt
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Basel

Berlin & The Majestic Rhine: Berlin - Basel

2 sailing dates July 2023 to September 2023
9 Nights From Berlin, to Switzerland , Basel
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2279pp
Strasbourg

The Majestic Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich

2 sailing dates July 2023 to September 2023
10 Nights From Frankfurt, to Zurich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2489pp
Strasbourg

Jewels of the Rhine & Copenhagen

4 sailing dates August 2023 to September 2023
10 Nights From Copenhagen, Denmark, to Switzerland , Basel
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Lucerne

Zurich - Lucerne & Jewels of the Rhine

20 sailing dates June 2023 to October 2024
10 Nights From Zurich, to Amsterdam
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2519pp
Basel

Christmas Time on the Rhine: Frankfurt - Basel

1 sailing date November 2023
4 Nights From Frankfurt, to Switzerland , Basel

Flash Sale | Receive a FREE Premium drinks package PLUS NEW reduced prices - save up to £2,200 per couple. Book and pay in full to receive these price

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £1599pp
Basel

Christmas Markets on the Rhine from Amsterdam

1 sailing date December 2023
7 Nights From Amsterdam, to Switzerland , Basel
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Zurich

Jewels of the Rhine - Amsterdam to Basel

4 sailing dates June 2023 to October 2024
9 Nights From Amsterdam, to Zurich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2649pp
Heidelberg

Jewels of the Rhine - Zurich to Amsterdam

16 sailing dates June 2023 to October 2024
12 Nights From Zurich, to Amsterdam
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2999pp
Koblenz

Amsterdam & Jewels of the Rhine - Amsterdam

3 sailing dates June 2023 to August 2024
12 Nights From Amsterdam, to Zurich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3939pp
Basel

Discover the Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

2 sailing dates July 2023 to August 2023
14 Nights From Frankfurt, to Switzerland , Basel
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2949pp
Breisach

Discover the Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

2 sailing dates June 2023 to August 2023
14 Nights From Basel , Switzerland to , Frankfurt
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2949pp
Breisach

Charming Castles & Vineyards from Basel

5 sailing dates July 2023 to September 2024
7 Nights From Basel , Switzerland to Germany , Mainz

Second Guest Sails FREE!* (prices already include discount and are per person)

Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £2199pp
Bernkastel

Charming Castles & Vineyards from Frankfurt

5 sailing dates August 2023 to October 2024
7 Nights From Frankfurt, to Switzerland , Basel

Second Guest Sails FREE!* (prices already include discount and are per person)

Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £2199pp
Breisach

Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets from Basel

1 sailing date December 2023
7 Nights From Basel , Switzerland to , Amsterdam
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Cochem

Romantic Rhine & Moselle - Amsterdam to Basel

12 sailing dates June 2023 to September 2024
14 Nights From Amsterdam, to Switzerland , Basel

Second Guest Sails FREE!* (prices already include discount and are per person)

Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £3099pp
Amsterdam

Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Switzerland

6 sailing dates June 2023 to August 2024
18 Nights From Zurich, to Amsterdam
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4679pp
Koln

The Rhine and the Glacier Express from Geneva

1 sailing date June 2023
11 Nights From Geneva, Switzerland, to Amsterdam
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Strasbourg

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

3 sailing dates December 2023 to December 2024
7 Nights From Basel , Switzerland to , Amsterdam

Flash Sale | Receive a FREE Premium drinks package PLUS NEW reduced prices - save up to £2,200 per couple. Book and pay in full to receive these price

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £1949pp

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