A voyage through old Europe, gliding down the Rhine is like sailing through an impressionist painting.

Beginning in the Swiss Alps and flowing through Liechtenstein, France, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands before emptying into the North Sea, a river cruise along the Rhine allows guests to breathe in the best of Western Europe.

With there being plenty of time to explore different areas while the ship is docked, it only makes sense that you look at different ways to immerse yourself into the unique, surrounding landscape. Spending a few hours wandering along a walking trail is one of the best ways to take in the views and feel energised by the clean, mountain air.

Here are 5 of our favourites:

Erpeler Ley Loop from Unkel

Suitable for all skill levels | 3 hours | 10km

Erpeler Ley Loop from Unkel
Pic by @peggilie

Klettersteing Boppard – Vierseenblock Loop from B9

Suitable for experienced walkers | 2 hours | 5.6km

Klettersteing Boppard
Pic by @derandibart

Lahnblock-Liege – Eingang Ruppertsklamm Loop from Oberlahnstein

Suitable for experienced walkers | 1 hour | 3km

Lahnblock-Liege
Pic by @kunztstueckchen

Burg Rheinstein – Morgenbachtal Loop from Trechtingshausen Morgenbachtal

Suitable for all skill levels | 2 hours | 6km

Burg Rheinstein
Pic by @druide_schamane

Obstlehrgarten Kettig – Obstbaume Loop from Kettig

Suitable for all skill levels | 2.5 hours | 8.5km

Obstlehrgarten-Kettig
Pic by @kl_photographie

If you’re interested in experiencing the best of the Rhine from the river and ashore, be sure to check out Avalon Waterway’s Rhine River Cruises!