Grand Castles in Germany, Victory Cruise Lines and More

Cruises along Germany's famed rivers often feature grand castles, and each of these photogenic sights has a fascinating story to tell.

To see photos of these attractions, click the castle name below.

Castles are common along the Rhine River -- a stretch known as the Upper Middle Rhine is home to more than 40 fortifications. Many Rhine itineraries include an excursion to the city of Heidelberg, where the red sandstone Heidelberg Castle looms over the old town center. Once a grand Renaissance palace, the castle was destroyed during the Nine Years' War of the late 17th century. Some rebuilding was done (though never completed), and the edifice was later damaged by lightning strikes in 1764. The ruins caught the attention of 19th-century poets and artists and soon came to symbolize German Romanticism. Click here for Rhine River cruises that visit Heidelberg.

On the Mosel River, travelers can explore Cochem Castle, or Reichsburg, in Cochem. In 1294, King Adolf of Nassau pawned the castle and about 50 surrounding villages on royal land to the archbishop of Trier in order to finance his coronation as German emperor. Neither the king nor his heir could come up with the funds to reclaim the castle, and it remained with the Trier archbishops until 1794. The original structure fell to ruin, but in 1868, Berlin businessman Louis Ravené bought the site and rebuilt the castle around its Gothic foundations. Click here for Mosel River cruises that visit Cochem.

Climb up to the Imperial Castle for splendid views of Nuremberg, featured on Danube River sailings. It was one of the most important castles of the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages. One of its oldest remaining parts is the double chapel -- two chapels with the same floor plans, one sitting atop the other. They are connected by an opening in the middle that allowed the congregation in either chapel to hear the service in the other one. Click here for Danube River cruises that visit Nuremberg.

Danube River itineraries that include a stay in Munich also can provide an opportunity to visit the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps. Neuschwanstein was built on its spectacular mountain perch from 1869 to 1886 by Ludwig II, sometimes called "Mad King Ludwig." After losing sovereignty in his kingdom, Ludwig withdrew into his own world of myths and legends and built elaborate royal residences where he could feel like a true king. Neuschwanstein is the most famous, and among its highlights is the Byzantine-style throne room with frescoes and cobalt blue columns and a grotto built to resemble a natural cave. Click here for itineraries that include a visit to Neuschwanstein.
 

Victory Cruise Lines operates small-ship sailings on the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway and along Canada's coast.

From the thundering grandeur of Niagara Falls to the tranquil beauty of Mackinac Island, Victory Cruise Lines' itineraries reveal captivating destinations. On the intimate 190-passenger Victory I and Victory II vessels, guests cruise to unforgettable cities and towns that larger ships can't reach.

You'll stay in a well-appointed stateroom and enjoy elevated gourmet dishes inspired by regional cuisine. The staff is friendly and attentive, and engaging lecturers, referred to as Lakelorians, share insights on the history, ecology and culture of the places you visit.

Cruise fares cover all onboard meals, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, a pre-cruise hotel night and a shore excursion in every port.

To see all sailings with Victory Cruise Lines, click here.