Featured image: Salzburg’s wonderful Christmas Market, the Christkindlemarkt / Photo by mapman from Shutterstock

Four of my most memorable river cruise experiences 

by Carolyn Ray

It’s almost midnight on my first Christmas markets river cruise. Before I drift off to sleep, I slide open the glass door of my room but see only darkness. With a shock, I realize that we’ve moved into a lock, and that we’re dropping down, down, down. The lock’s concrete wall is so close I can touch it, reminding me of the precision and discipline required for river cruising on the Danube River. 

On my journey with Avalon Waterways along the Danube River, our ship, the Illumination, will pass through 18 locks, many of them at night. Originating in Germany, the Danube is the second longest river in Europe, flowing southeast for 2,850 km (1,770 mi), passing through or bordering Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine. 

Often, our 443-foot ship shares the space with another river cruise that’s just inches away. The Captain of our ship is Nikola Novosel, who has spent years on the river. As someone who grew up on boats, I have deep respect for the women and men who guide these ships.  

Before I came on my first river cruise, I had images of riverboats gliding smoothly through the water swirling in my head. After all, it’s not the ocean, where rough seas, tides and hurricanes can cause disruption. But as the week progresses, I learn that every day brings a new adventure and requires an on-the-spot ability to adapt. 

One day, a car drives into the canal, causing a backlog of river boats that are forced to wait several hours until it is removed. Another time, a lock is under repair and can only take one ship at a time. When unexpected changes occur, the crew has to adapt quickly and find an alternate way to continue our journey along the Danube River, knowing that we may lose our coveted docking time. Surprisingly, on my nine-day river cruise with Avalon, there are only minor changes, a testament to the crew’s experience and creativity. This is living in the moment to the fullest! 

My first Christmas markets river cruise 

Avalon’s eastbound trip begins in Passau, Germany and winds its way along the Danube River, with stops in Germany and Austria, including Nuremberg, Regensburg, Melk and Vienna. The reverse voyage is also available, starting in Vienna. There’s an optional side trip to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and filming location for the Sound of Music. 

The guests are mostly couples and families, many on their first trip outside North America.  On this particular cruise, there are several solo women. Tomas, our cruise director, tells me that usually there are more, and he makes every effort to help them connect, even to the point of arranging a special table just for solo women.    

The first night, we are welcomed by the crew, many of whom are from Romania, Hungary and Serbia. They’re all friendly and speak English. Elena Zamfir, the Romanian hotel manager, welcomes us as ‘family’ and Austrian Michael Ferstl, Executive Chef, explains how they purchase fresh food from local markets along the way. For example, one night there are local snails smothered in butter, another evening I sip local peach schnapps. There are snacks, desserts, coffee, tea, and water available in the lounge and the Sky Deck at all hours.  

There is fresh water available to fill up my steel water bottle, and towels and sheets are not replaced unless necessary.

Every room has its own emergency button, not to mention the many buttons in the hallways and shared spaces. Hand sanitizer is everywhere, and on most buses we are asked to wear masks. Returning from excursions, hot towels, tea and yummy treats are provided.  They seem to have thought of everything. 

Four of the most memorable experiences from my Christmas Markets River Cruise  

1. Prague’s Old Town Market and Prague Castle

My Avalon experience begins in Prague two days before boarding the boat in Passau.  Tomas hosts an orientation session the first evening and on the following morning there is an optional tour of Prague Castle and the Old Town Christmas Market. I’ve spent a week in Prague already, so I know the market well, but Wencelas, the Avalon guide, knows a surprising array of miscellaneous information about Prague. 

For example, while visiting Prague Castle, he tells us that The Rolling Stones financed its new lighting system, and that Mick Jagger celebrated his 60th birthday in Prague.  As with so many places in Europe, Prague Cathedral ran out of money because it took over 600 years to finish, so there are 14 statues on the façade, with some empty spots that were never filled in. It’s the third church on the site and is a functioning church, yet less than 10 people regularly visit for church services on a daily basis. Sunday services generate about 100 people. 

Prague’s Christmas market is centuries old, with crafts, food and music. It’s so heartwarming to see friends and family gathering – it’s as much a social event as anything. Set under the fairy-tale spires of the stunning Church of Our Lady before Týn. Prague’s Old Town Christmas Market is where friends and family gather, enjoying hot mulled wine, trdelník chimney cakes and sausages. There is a bird’s eye view of the whole market from the top of the Prague Astronomical Clock, and an elevator for those who don’t want to take the stairs.   

2. Charming Christmas Markets in Germany  

On the first morning, I wake up docked in Nuremberg and join a guided tour of Nuremberg Castle and walk down to Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt. This Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany is a mix of food and handicrafts. In addition to the handmade angel ornaments, toys and nutcrackers, Nuremberg is famous for its gold foil ornaments modelled after the Christkind, a young local woman dressed like an angel with golden wings and a crown. I have my first taste of blueberry wine and the famous Nuremberg Lebkuchen gingerbread. 

The next morning, we pass through more locks and spend the day in Regensburg, the oldest medieval city north of the Alps. It’s a short walk from the river to the town, which has a medieval Christkindlmarkt surrounded by more than 1,000 historical buildings featuring Roman, Gothic, and Romanesque architectural styles. The best views are from the Stone Bridge, a 12th century bridge across the Danube, which is known as ‘the 8th wonder of the world’ and on this beautiful day I don’t want to leave (It was modelled after the Charles Bridge in Prague.)

Regensburg is incredibly scenic. Although there are small markets around the town, its Christkindlmarkt on Neupfarrplatz is the main and most popular Christmas Market in Regensburg. I wish I could have stayed longer to appreciate all the small markets around the city and handicrafts.  I couldn’t resist a new woolen hat, in addition to one that I bought in Prague. Hats seem to be my latest addiction, along with scarves, which I also pick up along the way.  

3. Austria’s musical heritage in Salzburg 

We arrive in Passau the next morning, where a full day of music awaits. As a music lover, I couldn’t wait to visit Salzburg, the home of Mozart and “The Sound of Music.” Visiting Mirabell Palace, where ‘Do-Re-Mi” was filmed, I couldn’t resist singing on the steps! Just outside Salzburg, in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, is the Silent Night Memorial, where this classic song was written and played for the fist time. 

Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart, so be prepared for an overabundance of Mozart chocolates, figurines and other memorabilia. Constance Mozart is also featured with cookies and treats in small heart-shaped boxes. There are Mozart candles, pretzels, ornaments, books and even Mozart ducks.  The Mozart Residence on Makartplatz and the Mozart Birthplace on the Getreidegasse are now museums.

Silent Night was originally written and performed as “Stille Nacht!” in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, just outside Salzburg. A young Catholic priest, Joseph Mohr, composed the lyrics in 1816. On Christmas Eve 1818, Mohr brought the lyrics to schoolteacher and organist Franz Gruber and asked him to put it to music as a way to bring comfort and peace to the villagers. Travelling folk singers carried the song across Europe and the first performance of the song in the US was in 1839.

Two men, a priest and a guitar player sang the song in its original format – all six verses. Not even understanding the words, I could feel the peace and stillness in that small church.  Silent Night has become one of the most beloved Christmas carols of all time and has been translated into 300 languages. It has been declared a UNESCO cultural intangible asset.

The charming Salzburg Christkindlmarkt at the Dom and Residenzplatz is one of the world’s oldest Advent markets, mentioned in history as early as the 15th century. Of all the markets, I thought this was the most beautiful, in a historic square surrounded by the Cathedral. Not only are there ornaments, there are pretzels in every shape and colour, so I had to sample a few!  

Having seen more cathedrals than I ever imagined, I can honestly say that the Baroque Salzburg Cathedral is among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. It was seriously damaged in 1944 during WW2, when a single bomb crashed through the central dome but rebuilt and still contains Mozart’s baptismal font. 

Just a short funicular ride away up the hill is Hohensalzburg Fortress, built in 1077, which offers stunning views and hosts concerts. There are three museums at the Fortress, including the Fortress Museum, which shows historical exhibits, the Marionette Museum and the Museum of the Rainer Regiment  Open year round, the Fortress can be reached on foot or by Fortress Funicular, which is located in the Festungsgasse.  A return trip for seniors is € 3.70.   

Vienna has several Christmas markets around the city, but the best-known include Rathaus Christkindlmarket, Schönbrunn Palace and Stephansplatz Christmas at Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s). St. Stephen’s is a place to people watch, sip mulled wine and shop. Built in 1200 after the first church burned down, its coloured turqouise tiles are gorgeous and the steep roof is designed to keep the snow off. I was fortunate enough to see a Christmas concert in the church. 

The largest Vienna Christmas market is the family-friendly Rathaus Christkindlmarkt at Vienna’s elegant City Hall, which offers gluhwein punch, ice skating, and a ferris wheel. Most of the markets close by 10 pm and are family affairs.

Our last evening on board the ship is wonderful, with the staff saying goodbye and a delicious dinner, everything from salmon to lobster tail. I feel like a princess on the river. The next morning, I reluctantly leave the ship, and return to every day life. I hop on the subway and am joined by my daughter. After Vienna, we take the train to Budapest, another magical city, for more adventures in the off season.

My tips on Christmas Markets River Cruises

Admittedly, I never imagined I would enjoy a river cruise so much, but after experiencing this Christmas Markets cruise with Avalon, I would happily go on another one. You can learn more about Avalon’s river cruises here. 

If you are considering this experience, my advice is to look for deals, and book early, particularly if you want a room to yourself.

Indulge in the food and beverages which are all unique to each village and connect you to their history and culture.

The shopping is so delightful, if you see something that appeals to you, don’t judge it – buy it. While I loved the glass ornaments, it just wasn’t practical for me to buy them, so I looked for wood and tinfoil ornaments I could pack without fear of breakage. There are handicrafts of all kinds, from hats to gloves, scarves, woollen sweathers, all made locally. Lastly, don’t pack too much. You’ll want room in your carry on! Read more tips for first-time cruisers here.

Disclaimer: On this Christmas Markets cruise, I was a guest of Avalon Waterways, which did not review this article before publication.

More on Europe