but Storm Boris continues to disrupt European cruise travel which killed 24 people and devastated towns and villages in Central and Eastern Europe has forced at least two cruise cancellations and a large number of itinerary changes Angela Smith, Head of Marketing, Australia & New Zealand, for AmaWaterways, told Cruise Passenger  that higher than average water conditions are impacting access to certain docking locations along the upper Danube River between Budapest our experienced operations team has been adjusting itineraries using alternative docking facilities,” Smith said “High water conditions tend to arrive and disappear very quickly; therefore it is essential that guests (or their travel advisors) ensure contact information is within the online “Cruise Check-In” as well as having ‘push notifications’ activated within the AmaWaterways ‘myAmaCruise’ app should we need to advise of any last-minute changes to docking locations.” Viking posted the following note on its website: a small section of the Danube River near Budapest and the mid-river region of the Elbe River are experiencing high water levels these conditions may affect select itineraries Our Switzerland-based nautical team is continually monitoring the situation and will make any necessary adjustments to accommodate the conditions “Guests and their Travel Advisors will continue to be notified directly if we think that their itinerary might be impacted,” Viking said Scenic Group told Travel Market Report that the ongoing flooding “will require modification of ship itineraries and schedules frequently and on short notice.” “Where possible we will reschedule our fleet of Scenic Space-Ships and Emerald Cruises Star-Ships to allow us to enact ship swaps we are restricted with the current rising water levels specifically around the upper Danube River areas of Vienna and Budapest,” a spokesperson said Avalon Waterways told Open Jaw it has cancelled two future Danube cruises and is making major changes to two existing trips there are two Avalon Danube cruises that have been disrupted causing significant itinerary changes and two future cruises that will be cancelled options and refunds with guests – and travel advisors – directly." “We are not always able to provide specific details in advance,”  a Uniworld cspokesperson told Cruise Passenger “but guests can be assured that the operations team is working diligently to provide them with alternatives that meet Uniworld’s strict standards for quality and service.” “We are actively monitoring the situation and communicating any program adjustments with impacted Uniworld guests and their Travel Advisors,” Uniworld said in a statement The Danube River has peaked at a 10-year high in a heavily fortified Budapest with its water reaching the steps of parliament Jim Byers is a freelance travel writer based in Toronto He was formerly travel editor at the Toronto Star and now writes for a variety of publications in Canada and around the world Global News and other television and radio networks You must be logged in to post a comment AmaWaterways Celebrates Travel Advisor Appreciation With Incentives and Rewards Bowman’s Travel Brief: Avoid Newark Airport Mastering the Art of Group Travel Bookings Fiesta Americana Travelty Celebrates Travel Advisors The Top 24 Most Powerful Travel Agencies of 2024 The Strategic Art of Pre-Planning Luxury Vacations: A Perspective for Travel Advisors WHY IT RATES: Travel advisors from ASTA President's Cruise were in attendance for the christening Noting its longstanding relationship with the town of Vilshofen AmaWaterways proudly joined with local dignitaries to celebrate the christening of the town's new dock As the first river cruise line to stop in this small Bavarian town in 2008 AmaWaterways has cultivated a strong partnership with the local community over the past 14 years hosting nine christenings for its ships and creating special relationships with the town's residents With more than 200 calls planned this year the luxury river cruise line was pleased to collaborate with the local community and celebrate the realization of this project which will provide a more comfortable setting for the embarking and disembarking of guests throughout the years to come "Providing support to the local communities we visit has been so important to AmaWaterways since starting the company almost 20 years ago," said Rudi Schreiner co-founder and vice president of AmaWaterways "It was an honor for us to celebrate the new dock with the town dignitaries represented by both current and past mayors as they have been such an integral part of AmaWaterways' story over the years." The christening ceremony featured speeches from local dignitaries including Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams and former Mayors Hans Gschwendtner and Georg Krenn along with a blessing by Priest Lothar Zehrer AmaWaterways Co-Owners Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst were invited to the podium followed by ASTA President Zane Kerby who spoke about the important role that a community plays in the successful development of tourism and the excitement surrounding the relaunch of travel in 2022 joined by the ASTA travel advisors on board AmaMagna were greeted by festive entertainment on the new dock by the Iglbacher Musicians who perform at the river cruise line's exclusive Oktoberfest celebrations Vilshofen holds such a special place in my heart and we were so pleased to be able to share this celebration with our valued travel partners participating in ASTA's President's Cruise," said Kristin Karst co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways "We truly value the relationship that we have built with the community over the years and look forward to the exceptionally warm welcome our guests receive from the local guides shop owners and residents every time we visit!" AmaWaterways first started docking in Vilshofen in 2008 and since that time has helped put the town on the European map of river cruising ports working with local business leaders to encourage development of interesting sites and shops for guests AmaWaterways began working with the mayor and community to provide exclusive Oktoberfest celebrations for its guests with AmaWaterways now hosting over 200 Oktoberfest celebrations this year complete with local German beers Featuring an overhead protection and a larger deck the new dock is ideally suited to accommodate the festive Oktoberfest celebration put on for each of AmaWaterways' sailings along with other festivals including "Danube in Flames" and the town's charming Christmas Markets brimming with winter magic and festive holiday traditions AmaWaterways has developed several different Danube itineraries all with overnight stops in Vilshofen Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube Vilshofen has hosted nine christenings of new AmaWaterways ships For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. What’s New With AmaWaterways Growth Expansion Discover the World’s Rivers with AmaWaterways Experience the Luxury of More with AmaWaterways The Luxury of an AmaWaterways River Cruise The TravelPulse staff is comprised of experienced journalists and award-winning editors and writers. The team has traveled the... Copyright © 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000 Emerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald Star9 Nights 9 Nights  Europe - AllDanube Explorer & Highlights Of BudapestLeaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 2026(3)Emerald River CruisesEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald Star10 Nights 10 Nights  Europe - AllDanube Delights & Classic PragueLeaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 2025(3)Emerald River CruisesEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald Star10 Nights 2026(3)Emerald River CruisesAmaReina (APT)7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllBest Of The DanubeLeaving from: Budapest →+5 ports Emerald SkyEmerald SkyEmerald SkyEmerald Sky10 Nights 10 Nights  Europe - AllClassic Prague & Danube DelightsLeaving from: Prague →+6 ports 2026(4)Emerald River CruisesAvalon Impression9 Nights 9 Nights  Europe - AllDanube Dreams With 2 Nights In PragueLeaving from: Prague →+6 ports 2026(14)Avalon WaterwaysWilliam Wordsworth7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllArt & Music Of The Blue Danube - Ms William Wordsw...Leaving from: Esztergom →+5 ports 2026(2)Riviera TravelAvalon Impression7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllDanube DreamsLeaving from: Vilshofen an der Donau →+5 ports 7 Nights  Europe - AllMusic Of The Blue Danube - Ms William WordsworthLeaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 2025Riviera Travel.css-ad1o0y{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;height:-webkit-max-content;height:-moz-max-content;height:max-content;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-6);}William Wordsworth7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllArt And History On The Danube - Ms William Wordswo...Leaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 2025Riviera TravelEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald StarEmerald Star17 Nights 17 Nights  Europe - AllParis & Splendours Of EuropeLeaving from: Paris →+13 ports 7 Nights  Europe - AllDanube WaltzLeaving from: Budapest →+5 ports 2026(22)Viking River CruisesCruise Critic FavoriteViking IngviViking IngviViking IngviViking Ingvi7 Nights 2027(43)Viking River CruisesWilliam Wordsworth7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllThe Blue Danube - Ms William WordsworthLeaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 2026(28)Riviera TravelEmerald Dawn20 Nights 20 Nights  Europe - AllParis To Prague & Splendours Of EuropeLeaving from: Paris →+14 ports There's lots of history and culture to be found in Old Town as well as at either of the city's two castles Bratislava is a relatively new cruise port and is still building up its offerings You'll likely only spend a few hours here which is sufficient to see many of the sights Most medieval buildings and walkable tours are located in the Old Town but Bratislava is also undergoing a more modern architectural boom in the 21st century This has resulted in more recent landmarks atop the world's longest cable-stayed bridge don't pass up a chance to sip a cup of authentic hot chocolate at Cafe Maximilian located right on the town square (prime for people-watching) this becomes the place to browse one of the city's main Christmas markets you might only have time for a walking tour As you wind down streets and alleys of Old Town you will be sure to pass (perhaps unknowingly) under Michael's Gate the only city gate preserved from former medieval fortifications Bratislava is home to two castles -- the Bratislava Castle and the renovated Devin Castle -- located away from the city center Great Experience Overall - But Not Perfect 1fr));}@media screen and (min-width: 576px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(1 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(2 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(3 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1284px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(4 The oil giant needs to implement “an energy transition strategy that aligns with the Paris Agreement,” the lawsuit said A group of activist investors sued Shell’s board of directors on Wednesday for failing to “deliver the reduction in emissions that is needed to keep global climate goals within reach.” an environmental law charity and institutional investor in Shell described the case as the first time a company board is facing a shareholder lawsuit for inadequately preparing to transition away from fossil fuels “Shell may be making record profits now due to the turmoil of the global energy market, but the writing is on the wall for fossil fuels long term,” Paul Benson, a senior lawyer at ClientEarth, said in a statement “The shift to a low-carbon economy is not just inevitable Yet the board is persisting with a transition strategy that is fundamentally flawed leaving the company seriously exposed to the risks that climate change poses to Shell’s future success — despite the board’s legal duty to manage those risks.” which is backed by large institutional investors that collectively hold 12 million shares of Shell alleges that the oil giant’s 11 directors are violating the Companies Act law that requires corporate boards to “promote the success” of the business By failing to sufficiently manage climate risks and implement “an energy transition strategy that aligns with the Paris Agreement,” Shell is flouting its legal obligations “Shell’s Board on the other hand maintains that its ‘Energy Transition Strategy’ — including its plan to be a net-zero emissions business by 2050 — is consistent with the 1.5°C temperature goal of the Paris Agreement,” ClientEarth notes “It also claims that its plan to halve emissions from its global operations by 2030 is ‘industry-leading,’ however this covers less than 10% of its overall emissions.” ClientEarth and its backers are asking the High Court of Justice in London to force Shell’s board to “adopt a strategy to manage climate risk in line with its duties under the Companies Act” and in compliance with a 2021 Dutch court ruling ordering the oil giant to cut its total carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 it is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders — as well as the planet — for Shell to reduce its emissions harder and faster than the board is currently planning,” Benson said the head of responsible investment at London CIV — one of the institutional backers of ClientEarth’s lawsuit — said that “we do not believe the board has adopted a reasonable or effective strategy to manage the risks associated with climate change affecting Shell.” “a board of directors of a high-emitting company has a fiduciary duty to manage climate risk consider the impacts of its decisions on climate change and to reduce its contribution to it.” Shell said in response that ClientEarth’s suit “has no merit.” ClientEarth filed its complaint a week after Shell announced that its profits doubled in 2022 surging to a record $40 billion as households across Europe and around the world struggled with high energy costs The company said it returned $26 billion to shareholders last year through dividends and stock buybacks Earlier this month, the advocacy group Global Witness filed a complaint with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission accusing Shell of “lumping together some of its gas-related investments with its spending on renewables to inflate its overall investment in renewable sources of energy,” misleading investors and authorities “Shell’s so-called renewable and energy solutions category is pure fiction,” said Zorka Milin “The company is living in fantasy land if it thinks fossil gas has any place in the much-needed energy transition Shell’s business model has always been overwhelmingly based on climate-polluting fossil fuels.” Shell is also facing lawsuits from nearly 14,000 Nigerians whose communities have been devastated by the company’s pollution and oil spills we are witnessing a terrifying array of anti-democratic tactics to silence political opposition increase surveillance and expand authoritarian reach Truthout is appealing for your support as Trump and his sycophants crack down on political speech Nonprofits like Truthout could be caught in Trump’s crosshairs as he attacks dissenting groups with bad faith lawsuits and targeted harassment of journalists these attacks come at a time when independent journalism is most needed The right-wing corporate takeover of media has left reliable outlets few and far between with even fewer providing their work at no cost to the reader Who will be there to hold the fascists to account We ask for your support as we doggedly pursue justice through our reporting Truthout is funded overwhelmingly by readers like you Please make a tax-deductible one-time or monthly donation today Jake Johnson is a staff writer for Common Dreams. Follow him on Twitter: @johnsonjakep As Trump and his sycophants work to silence political dissent independent media is a key part of the resistance Support our work by making a one-time or monthly donation to Truthout today The German drinks group saw growth away from beer saw a drop in beer sales hit overall revenues last year The privately-owned group generated revenue of €944.5m ($972.3m) in 2024 Krombacher said it sold 5.9m hectolitres of beer last year The volumes of products sold under the Krombacher brand dipped 1.1% to 5.7m hl the group reported a positive performance for its Schweppes business Krombacher acquired the distribution rights for Schweppes Orangina and Dr Pepper in Germany and Austria in 2006 Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis the sales volumes of the three brands grew 1.7% last year to 1.6m hl Krombacher grew its Schweppes volumes by 1.2% to 1.3m hl The revenue Krombacher generated from its namesake products fell 1.1% to €729.8m “We had to contend with a variety of challenges in 2024,” Hendrik Kuhn a lack of distribution structures in parts of the retail sector at the beginning of the year despite an overall successful European Football Championship in our own country last year once again showed how strongly our brands are positioned in the market.” Krombacher pointed to growing sales of its range of Fassbrause non-alcoholic products Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Drinks Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation This is your chance to showcase your achievements Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Thomas Müller brushed off speculation that he might view Coutinho as a threat Müller emphasized that Coutinho makes Bayern better and if he brings back a 10 to Kovac’s system Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller was in good spirits laughing away pointed questions about new signee Philippe Coutinho and emphasizing the importance of the new signing to the team beyond his own personal interests Müller gave the media a candid commentary about the rampant speculation about his supposed rivalry with Coutinho over playing time as recorded by Sport1’s Stefan Kumberger): Gut, wie charmant und locker @esmuellert_ mit dem Geraune umgeht, er werde von @Phil_Coutinho komplett aus der Mannschaft verdrängt. @SPORT1 #Traumspiel pic.twitter.com/HZqgjCD5kZ I could have practically set my clock to the news when Philippe Coutinho is signed — where there’s a new signing those are totally normal headlines that are first about the new signing But we’ll then see everything that happens in the coming weeks And what’s important is that we have a squad that is equal to all its tasks And I know it’s always a lot of fun to philosophize over the individual players That somehow is the “salt in the soup” off the pitch what’s important is that we have a top team every three days and win games *The “salt in the soup”: German proverb describing a small ingredient that makes the whole dish flavorful Müller was asked an excellent follow-up question that attempted to pin him down on whether he or Coutinho would play the 10 position behind the striker — “In most systems there is usually only one man behind the forwards,” the journalist asked implying that Müller and Coutinho would be at odds for that position But the positive for me could be that there now is a position behind the forwards again distributes their beers to several states across the U.S. but this week they sent beer on its farthest voyage yet – all the way to Germany Holidaily Brewing Company’s award-winning beers have been shipped overseas in preparation for Germany’s first-ever gluten-free Oktoberfest celebration In addition to showcasing a variety of Holidaily Brewing Company’s gluten-free beers the Oktoberfest celebration will feature traditional live music and dancing a stein holding competition and a costume contest sponsored by Holidaily Brewing Company The celebration is part of the robust itinerary for Celiac Cruise’s European river cruise A 100% dedicated gluten-free cruise experience Celiac Cruise offers sailings around the world Holidaily Brewing Company’s beers will be available on board the upcoming European river cruise presenting guests the opportunity to enjoy a variety of their certified gluten-free beers and interact with the founder of Holidaily Brewing Company “We are honored to have this opportunity to make history with Celiac Cruise,” said Hertz “The Oktoberfest celebration is more than just a fun party it’s an experience that many people in the gluten-free community thought they’d never be able to enjoy again due to gluten dietary restrictions.” For more information on Celiac Cruise and their upcoming voyages Karen Hertz was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and an autoimmune thyroid disease her doctors recommended she adopt a gluten-free diet to help with inflammation and recovery Hertz was devastated at having to cut gluten from her diet She made it her mission to create world-class gluten-free beer and thus the idea for Holidaily Brewing Company was born Holidaily is the largest gluten-free brewery in the USA and the only gluten-free brewery that is certified woman-owned After navigating a new gluten-free lifestyle for her family to support her son and husband’s Celiac Disease diagnoses Maureen Basye decided to help thousands of people living a gluten-free lifestyle vacation without worry She transitioned out of her job as a speech pathologist and became a celiac travel consultant an entirely gluten-free vacation experience For More Information:https://holidailybrewing.com Early Registration Open You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience Sign Up for Our Monthly River Cruise Newsletter AmaViola sailed onto the Danube River with great fanfare as godmother Jackie Friedman helped celebrate the ship’s inauguration at a lavish ceremony in Vilshofen The relationship between town and cruise line is quite strong to the degree that Vilshofen puts on quite the party when an AmaWaterways ship sails into town throwing Oktoberfest-style celebrations so that customers can sample the unique activities of this Bavarian town AmaViola is one of two new vessels that the river cruise line debuted in 2016 New to the ship — and its identical sibling which was also christened in June — are changes that broaden the line’s demographic and improve the passenger experience AmaWaterways’ partnership with Adventures By Disney has generated interest from families and 12 staterooms onboard feature triple accommodations there are six sets of connecting staterooms that share an internal doorway and four suites that come equipped with sofa beds allowing families of up to four to sleep comfortably Another unique twist was suggested by the ship’s manufacturer Unsightly fire extinguishers and emergency equipment are hidden from public view; instead they are stored behind moveable works of art that open and close like closets including the dual-balcony concept in many staterooms which provide both a French and a full balcony while creating a small sitting nook inside the cabin the features are so popular that ship designers added more of them by moving the fitness center and massage room to the lower deck All staterooms have polished tile bathrooms that showcase ample vanity space and rainfall showerheads with strong water pressure larger accommodations come with the bonus of a window in the bathroom that turns opaque at the touch of a button Guests can also watch a variety of on-demand movies access the complimentary shipwide internet and enjoy a plethora of cable television channels from their staterooms a regionally inspired color pattern runs throughout guestrooms and public areas; onboard AmaViola it is a soft cream hue with cherry red and magenta accents a whirlpool and a small plunge pool with adjacent bar that is staffed when needed Continuing with AmaWaterways’ focus of targeting active river cruisers there is a fleet of bicycles free for guests to use when exploring ports of call at their leisure These are always an option for those who prefer to go rogue rather than join one of the complimentary shore excursions (all of which have various exertion levels) guests can take advantage of the light lunch buffet option available in the lounge if a more formal meal experience in the dining room is not in the cards Another nice touch is the tapas menu that is presented daily in the lounge and served upon request by the friendly bar staff with complimentary beer or wine during lunch and dinner Breakfast and lunch have action stations with meals cooked to order in addition to the plentiful buffet and a la carte options Flavorful choices include regionally inspired menu items that highlight the ship’s ports of call Those with special dietary requirements are attended to quite well vegan and vegetarian options readily available in the dining room and lounge Clients will also experience the once-per-sailing Chaine des Rotisseurs dinner that highlights AmaWaterways’ membership in the prestigious international gastronomic society As the only river cruise company to offer such an experience Entertainment ranges from performances by local entertainers to melodies from the onboard pianist AmaViola sails the Danube between Budapest and Vilshofen (just a 90-minute drive from the Munich airport) with the option to extend a sailing in Budapest Copyright © 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000 7 Nights  Europe - AllGems Of Southeast EuropeLeaving from: Budapest →+7 ports 2026AmaWaterwaysAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerde7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllMelodies Of The DanubeLeaving from: Budapest →+5 ports 2025AmaWaterwaysAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerde7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllIconic Christmas MarketsLeaving from: Nuremberg →+4 ports 2026(2)AmaWaterwaysAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerde7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllRomantic DanubeLeaving from: Vilshofen an der Donau →+5 ports 2025(6)AmaWaterwaysAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerde7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllGems Of Southeast EuropeLeaving from: Giurgiu →+7 ports 2025(7)AmaWaterwaysAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerde7 Nights 2026(5)AmaWaterwaysAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerde7 Nights 2026(9)AmaWaterwaysAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerde7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllRomantic DanubeLeaving from: Vilshofen an der Donau →+6 ports 2026(3)AmaWaterways.css-ad1o0y{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;height:-webkit-max-content;height:-moz-max-content;height:max-content;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-6);}AmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerde14 Nights 14 Nights  Europe - AllGrand Danube CruiseLeaving from: Giurgiu →+12 ports 2026AmaWaterwaysAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerde14 Nights 14 Nights  Europe - AllGrand DanubeLeaving from: Vilshofen an der Donau →+12 ports 2026AmaWaterwaysCruise Critic FavoriteAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerdeAmaVerde14 Nights 14 Nights  Europe - AllGrand Danube CruiseLeaving from: Vilshofen an der Donau →+11 ports Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site Our partners who list cruise pricing on Cruise Critic are required to provide prices for cruise only or cruise packages and are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings Rates are in GBP and valid for UK and Ireland residents only please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site Cruise Critic is not responsible for content on external web sites Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of 6th May 2025 7 Nights  Europe - AllMagna On The DanubeLeaving from: Budapest →+5 ports 7 Nights  Europe - AllBest Of The DanubeLeaving from: Budapest →+4 ports Beer & Spirits or a Shipboard CreditExplore iconic destinations: Caribbean 2026(14)Avalon WaterwaysAmaBellaAmaBellaAmaBellaAmaBella7 Nights 2025AmaWaterwaysViking AegirViking AegirViking AegirViking AegirViking Aegir7 Nights 2027(43)Viking River CruisesViking EmblaViking EmblaViking EmblaViking Embla7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllDanube Christmas DelightsLeaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 2027(2)Viking River CruisesViking VarViking VarViking VarViking Var7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllDanube WaltzLeaving from: Passau →+5 ports 2026Viking River CruisesViking EgilViking EgilViking EgilViking Egil7 Nights 2026Viking River CruisesCruise Critic FavoriteViking AegirViking AegirViking AegirViking AegirViking Aegir7 Nights 2026(3)Viking River CruisesAmaBellaAmaBellaAmaBellaAmaBella7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllChristmas Markets On The DanubeLeaving from: Budapest →+5 ports Linz's architectural draws include Linz Castle and Neuer Dom There's not much to see in Linz compared to nearby must-visit destinations of Salzburg (a two-hour drive) Linz is a great base for excursions to Salzburg or the Austrian Lake District but downtown Linz is easily walkable (or cyclable) from the Donaupark where you're docked It's a gentle 10-minute walk into the Hauptplatz (main square) Austria; +43 732 7070 2009; open seven days a week from 10 a.m to 7 p.m.) Many river cruise ships offer free Wi-Fi onboard as do many cafes in Linz If you decide to stick around in Linz and want to see some of the sights a Linz Card (www.linztourismus.at/linzcard/) is available from the tourist information center on the Hauptplatz The City Ticket will gain you access to several of the city's attractions for one price (about EUR20 per person) On the "for free" list are a number of museums and there are discounted entries to a number of other spots including the Botanical Gardens closed from December 24 through January 6) A sightseeing tour of the city on the Linz City Express Train is also included One of the top two architectural stops in Linz is Linz Castle and its museum on Saturday and Sunday) A castle was first documented on the site as early as the eighth century The current castle was built in 1477 by Emperor Friedrich III went through various redesigns and expansions showcasing the region's art from the Middle Ages to the present day as well as weaponry and other collections The other architectural draw is the Mariendom also known as the Neuer Dom (New Cathedral) to 7 p.m.) Construction on the New Cathedral began in the mid-19th century and the church was completed in 1924 In addition to a stadium-like capacity of 20,000 the church is a neo-Gothic wonder of soaring spires Taking a few common sense precautions should be all you need to do to stay safe Avoid carrying around large amounts of money or wearing flashy jewelry as these are the places where pickpockets generally operate Emergency phone numbers in Linz (or anywhere in Austria) are: 133 for the police 122 for the fire department and 144 for an ambulance The European Mobile Emergency number is 112 from any mobile phone By bike: The commute into Linz is even shorter if your river cruise ship offers bicycles for use You can easily get around and see the town's sights in an hour or so Taxi: As ships dock alongside a public park it's best to have the ship's front desk make the arrangements for you Bus: Shore excursion options from Linz to Salzburg or the Austrian Lake District will be via bus transfer It's about two hours to Salzburg; the Lake District is slightly shorter and there are trains to Salzburg from Linz but with the location of the station in Linz being a 20 to 30 minute walk from the docking spot and the station in Salzburg being in the new town rather than the tourist draw of the old town you're probably better off taking the bus tour provided by the cruise line Visit oanda.com for up-to-the-minute exchange rates Oanda also has a nice "cheat sheet" conversion chart that fits neatly into a wallet readily available throughout Linz and Salzburg tend to be the least expensive way to obtain local currency as well as the easiest but most banks in Austria will be open between 8 a.m there are currency exchange offices that charge a commission for transactions but English is widely understood and spoken in much of Austria A few handy phrases in German will always enamor you to the locals Hello: Hallo (HAL-oh) or Gruss Gott (GROOS got) Please / Thank you: Bitte / Danke (BIT-tuh / DAHN-kuh) Excuse me: Entschuldigen Sie (ent-SHOOL-de-gen zee) Cruise ships dock alongside a riverside park in Linz called Donaupark just a short walk or cycle ride from the Hauptplatz (city center) Held primarily in Munich (but also celebrated in other cities throughout Germany) and straddling September and October Oktoberfest is a 16- to 18-day folk festival that dates back to 1810 combing large quantities of Oktoberfest beer along with traditional food games and amusement-style activities and rides It's one of Germany's most iconic celebrations; a tradition dating back centuries Oktoberfest immediately conjures up images of beer parties and tents filled with festive revelers It's no surprise that many river cruise lines include the chance to participate in this annual event on select fall sailings While you can find Oktoberfest activities in towns visited by other German river cruise itineraries during this time the Danube River runs the closest to Munich and is usually the jumping-off point for Oktoberfest itineraries While lots and lots of beer is on offer at the annual event not just any brew can be offered during Oktoberfest only beers brewed within the Munich city limits can be served up during the festival and Spaten) can claim their wares as authentic Oktoberfest beer All beers must conform to the Reinheitsgebot a German decree that historically regulated the ingredients in beer to just water Far from being a binge-drinking spectacular Oktoberfest functions as a social event that just happens to have a heavy beer component Non-drinkers and beer lovers alike will find much to enjoy about this special time of year when plenty of authentic and traditional German food and cultural activities are on offer All river cruise lines offer sailings on the Danube River during Oktoberfest but only some include visits or overnight stays in Munich Some river cruise lines offer these under a separate "Oktoberfest" banner while others simply work Oktoberfest-related activities into their port stops or onboard programming during the duration of the festival the best way to ensure you experience Oktoberfest is to plan to spend a few pre- or post-cruise days in Munich One company unexpectedly offering a special Oktoberfest voyage is Adventures by Disney which sets out on a special adults-only itinerary in conjunction with AmaWaterways on the Danube aboard AmaLea Adventures by Disney has worked in special onboard beer tastings and inclusive tasting excursions in Germany AmaWaterways also offers several Oktoberfest-themed voyages with a special Oktoberfest-style embarkation (or final day) offered up in Vilshofen on its "Romantic Danube" river cruises it's worth adding the two-night pre- or post-cruise stay in Munich to these itineraries either through AmaWaterways or independently Tauck's weeklong river cruise with a land stay in the heart of Munich these departures include reserved seating in Munich's traditional beer tents two nights at a Munich hotel and a whole host of other inclusive two departures for each Oktoberfest will also be available on the same two ships If you don't see your favorite river cruise line listed here don't panic: You can still independently add a few days in Munich to most Danube itineraries that begin or end in ports like Passau and Vilshofen in order to fully experience Oktoberfest Viking River Cruises' "Danube Waltz," for example offering you the opportunity to fly into Munich and enjoy a couple of nights of the festival before joining your ship Expect similar celebrations to be taking place in other ports of call throughout Germany during this time Whether you plan on taking an Oktoberfest-themed river cruise or just hanging around in Munich for a few days Pricing for hotels in Munich can go through the roof during Oktoberfest and it sometimes can be beneficial to stay further away from the event and commute in by train bring or buy German traditional dress to wear at the festival All of the locals put on lederhosen (men) or don drndls (women) and it's all part of the fun Also keep in mind that the atmosphere in the tents changes from the day hours to the night as you don't want to miss the singing and dancing at night It's worth noting that while Munich may be the center of Oktoberfest plenty of other German locales get in on the fun during this time period It's never too hard to find a refreshingly cold pint especially on Danube river cruises that travel through Bavaria live music and cultural performances on offer you don't have to ever lift a pint glass to thoroughly enjoy yourself at this festive time Avalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllTulip Time Cruise For Garden & Nature LoversLeaving from: Amsterdam →+6 ports 2026(5)Avalon WaterwaysAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression8 Nights 8 Nights  Europe - AllDanube Symphony With 1 Night In Budapest & 2 Night...Leaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 2026(2)Avalon WaterwaysAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression8 Nights 8 Nights  Europe - AllActive & Discovery On The Danube With 1 Night In B...Leaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 2026Avalon WaterwaysAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression11 Nights 11 Nights  Europe - AllBalkan Discovery With 1 Night In Budapest 1 Night...Leaving from: Budapest →+10 ports Avalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression10 Nights 10 Nights  Europe - AllBalkan Discovery With 1 Night In Bucharest & 2 Nig...Leaving from: Budapest →+10 ports 2025Avalon WaterwaysAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression5 Nights 5 Nights  Europe - AllChristmastime From Budapest To ViennaLeaving from: Budapest →+3 ports 2025Avalon WaterwaysAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllBalkan DiscoveryLeaving from: Budapest →+7 ports 2025(2)Avalon WaterwaysAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression5 Nights 5 Nights  Europe - AllDanube SymphonyLeaving from: Vilshofen an der Donau →+5 ports 2026(2)Avalon WaterwaysAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression7 Nights 2026(3)Avalon Waterways.css-ad1o0y{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;height:-webkit-max-content;height:-moz-max-content;height:max-content;margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-6);}Avalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression7 Nights 7 Nights  Europe - AllDanube Symphony With 2 Nights In MunichLeaving from: Budapest →+6 ports 8 Nights  Europe - AllChristmastime On The Danube With 2 Nights In Pragu...Leaving from: Prague →+5 ports 7 Nights  Europe - AllDanube Symphony With 2 Nights In MunichLeaving from: Munich →+5 ports 2026(2)Avalon WaterwaysAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression6 Nights 6 Nights  Europe - AllDanube Symphony With 1 Night In BudapestLeaving from: Vilshofen an der Donau →+5 ports 2026(2)Avalon WaterwaysCruise Critic FavoriteAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon ExpressionAvalon Expression8 Nights 8 Nights  Europe - AllBalkan Discovery With 1 Night In BucharestLeaving from: Budapest →+8 ports 7 Nights  Europe - AllActive & Discovery On The DanubeLeaving from: Budapest →+6 ports AmaWaterways has named renowned travel industry expert Filomena Andre as godmother of its newest European river ship Tags: Amawaterways   AmaKristina   Filomena Andre   Vilshofen The most popular stories of the month delivered to your inbox This article was published more than 1 year ago The AmaWaterways Danube River Cruise begins in Budapest But the Danube is the cruise to choose if you want to understand how Europe became what it is This is the waterway that links Europe to Asia that marked the northern border of the Roman Empire and the western frontier of the vast Ottoman sultanate In September, I travelled the storied river myself, on the AmaWaterways Danube River Cruise from Budapest To give you some idea of the rigours of cruising the most culturally gripping river in Europe Spectacular on-ship meals are based on local fare and regional dishes.Ama Waterways The bistro breakfast was laid out in the lounge at 6 a.m.; the main dining room opened an hour later Morning yoga with Csilla kicked off at 7 a.m. Four tour buses left the ship between 9 a.m Lunch onboard began at 12:30; afternoon tea was served Csilla led a fresh resistance band training class on the sundeck (weather permitting) at 4:30 followed by classes in circuit training and posttour stretching 6:30; multicourse à la carte dinner featuring an option of mind-altering wienerschnitzel followed by the nightly 10:30 late night snack is the beauty and frustration of river cruising: There is always something to do The work of grafitti artists along the banks of the Danube's tributaries through the city of Vienna.Ian Brown/The Globe and Mail the storied “gutter of Europe” (as Claudio Magris dubbed it in Danube an ideal book to take along) that flows purposefully but without boasting from the Black Forest in Southern Germany to the Black Sea in Ukraine The villages and cities you deke into and out of along its course – AmaWaterways runs the tour in both directions – were founded by Celts who caved (most recently) to the European Union There is very little in Europe’s past the Danube hasn’t somehow soaked up and washed away You can stop literally anywhere along its banks and sink down into history as deep as you can bear to go the famous big-bum-breasts-and-braids fertility carving from the late Paleolithic era was dropped on the ground just up the river from Linz about 30,000 years ago She currently resides in Vienna’s Natural History Museum You can see her on the tour – if you can find the time That’s another challenge of cruising a river especially the Danube: You get a tantalizing taste of a place and then you’re whisked away to the next attraction to find out why your curiosity snagged where it did and some of the time you can get off the boat to get away from the ones you don’t like The AmaSonata manifest comprised a passel of lively Costa Ricans; a solid block of experienced Portuguese and Spanish cruisers; handfuls of Canadians who photographed and noted everything they ate and saw and did Within the Americans was a close knot of roughly 20 evangelical Protestants who was cruising with his wife Rebecca and their Sound of Music-obsessed adult daughters Lutzer is the Saskatchewan-born pastor emeritus of the Moody Church in Chicago a Christian megachurch founded in 1860 that today attracts 3,000 worshippers each week plus (Lutzer claims) another 700,000 online including One Minute After You Die: A Preview of Your Final Destination He gave private lectures about the history of Nazism to his flock on sailing days in the special occasion dining room in the ship’s stern The cruise was a rare chance to spend a stretch of time together to compare the way the world looks to a daughter and her dad to a 30-year-old and someone more than (eep) twice her age Having left Toronto Friday evening and checked in onboard by noon on Saturday in Budapest – my first impression was of a floating retirement home – we were raring to go Hayley immediately suggested we grab two of the motorized scooters you can rent and park all over Budapest Please picture a 69-year-old man bouncing hard over cobblestone streets at 25 kilometres an hour on a stand-up motorized device he has never used before as he tries desperately to keep up with his beloved daughter who is zooming ahead – I swear this is true – at twice his speed We hit the indoor Gellert Baths (Moorish art nouveau) and the all-outdoor Szechenyi Baths (DJed pool parties on weekends) Let me say this: Wading semi-naked through hot thermal currents with hundreds of equally shameless strangers is an excellent way to shuck off any precruise self-consciousness you might be lugging around (age-related or otherwise) I was skeptical of river cruising for a reason The comforts of the AmaSonata – its spectacular made-on-ship meals (based on local fare and regional dishes) impeccable but friendly service – were designed to insulate us from the hardships of travel But the insulation made it difficult to experience anything authentic which is the secret desire of every traveller The solution was obviously to get off the boat whenever possible The trick was choosing the right preplanned adventure The view from the ruins of Durnstein Castle in Austria's Wachau Valley where Gruner Veltliner and Zveigelt wines are produced along the raked banks of the Danube.Ian Brown/The Globe and Mail so green and pastoral it could be a Teletubbies background I took a short but lung-searing hike up to the ruins of Durnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was allegedly imprisoned for more than a year by Duke Leopold V of Austria so I skidded downhill again to a wine and apricot tasting hosted by Leopold Bohmer Bohmer tills vertiginous vineyards to produce mostly Gruner Veltliner under the Weingut-Bohmer label “Here in the Wachau Valley,” Bohmer shouted in a stentorian voice while staring at the floor throughout the wine tasting because our soil is awful for everything else!” Hayley thrilling bike ride down the valley to Melk which frequently entails longer stretches on the water as a captive audience river cruising – theoretically – is a string of shoreside revelations separated by stretches of floating leisure when Viking Tours suddenly began to advertise river cruises on the first season of Downton Abbey The Danube itself is a muddy brown ribbon meandering quaintly past turreted towns of ochre walls and orange roofs The ship cruises through the landscape serenely like a favourite uncle dropping by for lunch Serbian-built contraption – 135 metres long 162 passengers – is controlled with a four-inch joystick But the river itself has a serious feel to it In Budapest alone during the Second World War Arrow Cross Party fascists shot as many as 20,000 Jews on the banks of the Danube letting their bodies tumble straight into the river The victims were forced to remove their shoes first because their shoes could be resold Most of those executions took place between December of 1944 and January of 1945 but were intent on exterminating the Jewish people The famous Shoes on the Danube Bank monument – dozens of pairs of empty bronze shoes from the period bonded to the quay – is the kind of monument that makes you stop talking Nazis can be a delicate subject on some stretches of the Danube along the graffiti-adorned banks of the Danube canal under vast pink and white parliaments and palaces from which the Hapsburgs managed their empire and their inconceivable wealth the former principal crib of the Hapsburg crew There were tanks parked on the square to commemorate the 340th anniversary of the Hapsburg victory over the Ottomans “That is the end of the tour,” our licensed guide “Isn’t that the balcony where Hitler announced the Nazi annexation of Austria to a vast crowd of Viennese?” But what do you do if you’re not a tourist where you can’t pretend the past didn’t happen after stopping by Mondsee Abbey to see where Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews were married in The Sound of Music which can be visited by bus on Amawaterways' Danube River cruise where Mozart was born and key scenes of the Sound of Music were filmed.Ian Brown/The Globe and Mail It takes two years to become one in Austria and you have to pass the test in two languages Hattinger spoke five and was learning Czech She knew the location of every public toilet between Linz and Salzburg but also where to find the best wienerschnitzel (“the size of a toilet seat as it should be”) and where everyone lived and worked in the city from Joseph Mohr (who wrote Silent Night) to Christian Doppler (physicist) She knew why lederhosen is still popular in Austria (the leather eventually becomes as soft as linen) and that Christopher Plummer and the director of The Sound of Music were driven crazy by Julie Andrews’s bossiness Hattinger leaves Salzburg and leads tours of Mauthausen that served as a concentration camp outside Linz It was a work camp rather than an extermination site but 120,000 people died there all the same if you know where to look,” Hattinger said like many Austrians of her generation who lived amid the Nazis “cried every day until the end of her life I should have gone out and helped.’ But she had five children “But bearing the weight of your nation’s history is necessary That’s why I do the tours of Mauthausen.” Six times a year is all she can handle “The Sound of Music is definitely easier.” She does it to acknowledge history Italian master plasterers needed thirty years to finish the ceiling of St He was eager to complain about Joe Biden and liberals and defunding the police and how they all ignored the fundamental truth of human nature “that the human heart always tends toward evil.” I made my way after dinner to the roof deck to sit in a lounge chair and feel the German night slip by I thought about the sad but also the beautiful things I had experienced on the Danube: Strauss’s corny waltzes the million infinitesimal details of the baroque ceiling of St Stephen’s cathedral in Passau that had taken Italian plasterers 30 years to create I thought about apricot jam and the delicious grain bowls the AmaSonata chefs served every morning as an alternative breakfast how light and recent and maybe even fixable North American history feels next to the back-breaking burden of Europe’s past Globe and Mail writer Ian Brown and his daughter Hayley Brown at the end of their river cruise.Ian Brown/The Globe and Mail The human heart doesn’t always tend to evil You can take a cruise down the Danube and come to that conclusion but you have to ignore half of what you see and hear and feel because human hearts tend to beauty and goodness at least as often You just have to know where to look on the river It did not review or approve the story before publication Report an editorial error Report a technical issue Editorial code of conduct Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following narratively-driven feature stories about a wide variety of subjects He began his professional life at The Financial Post His three-part series about his disabled son was among the first multi-part multi-media stories published in The Globe and Mail and went on to become a multiple-award winning book which The New York Times judged one of the 10 best books of 2011 about the inside life of Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital was later used as a source document in the creation of the North American TV series of the same name Ian has written award-winning articles on subjects as complex various and hilarious as thoroughbred horse-racing addiction and Canada's family business dynasties as a contributor to This American Life and Morningside and as host of no fewer than three CBC radio programs: Later the Same Day the writer and journalist Johanna Schneller; they have two children look at paintings and ski in the back-country Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community. 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For more information on our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines and our Terms and Conditions Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España.Get the latest with our sport podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.Watch on SBS SportSport News On the hunt for alternative stocking-fillers Want to experience some quirkier Christmas traditions Our festive round-up has it covered… Please note: These Christmas markets may be affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic We will update this page when we have further information The floating Christmas markets in Vilshofen (Tourist Information Passauer Land) the Danube promenade in Vilshofen is home to one of the most unusual Christmas markets in Germany ­– a floating one Housed in a Wurm & Köck river cruiser and dominated by a huge Christmas tree decorated with more thousands of lights and baubles the market offers the usual Christmas market fare of handicrafts all reflected in the sparkling waters of the Danube Christmas readings and a nativity play set around the world’s largest wooden crib Ravenna Christmas Market (Hochschwarzwald Tourismus GmbH) right under the railway viaduct of the Devil‘s Valley Railway in the Black Forest Highlands Hochschwarzwald’s Christmas village enjoys one of the most atmospheric settings in Germany The market also embraces its rustic Black Forest heritage offering visitors a festive dose of handmade crafts and ‘local’ entertainment and making it a firm favourite with German families Opening dates: 29 November to 22 December 2019 Not only are the Mt Pilatus Christmas markets in Switzerland the highest in Europe you have to ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to get to them the mountaintop Christkindlimärt boasts stalls selling beeswax candles An added bonus is the chance to make the return journey by sled Where better to do a spot of Christmas shopping than the birthplace of Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) himself celebrations begin on Saint Nicholas’ Eve on 5 December with a host of processions to mark the Saint’s arrival in the city Amsterdam also plays host to a variety of festive markets throughout the month of December with ice rinks and handicraft stalls filling the streets of Leidseplein and Koningsplein Take a break from mulled wine and mince pies and tryoliebollen delicious warm doughnuts studded with dried fruit and citrus zest; the Dutch festive treat of choice Wander along the canals and marvel at the reflections of the Christmas lights that hang from the trees and be sure to visit the Bloemenmarkt which rustles with freshly cut pines in the run-up to Christmas you can watch as hundreds of skaters take to the city’s frozen waterways A Christmas market in a cave (Gemeentegrot market) The Velvet Cave Christmas markets in Valkenburg aan de Geul are the largest and oldest underground markets in Europe shoppers wander through the cave’s winding galleries amongst stalls selling handmade decorations and homemade produce Fancy some Dutch pastries and a cup of hot chocolate Head for the cosy café set in the 18th century chapel Opening dates: 15 November to 29 December 2019 Christmas in Jersey is a celebration of the Island’s French Norman heritage candle-lit museum tours and children’s lantern parades There are plenty of Norman delicacies on offer too including saucisson cider and buttery crepes dusted with icing sugar Rome’s tourist hordes thin a little in the winter months making this the perfect time to visit the Italian capital the Piazza Navona is crammed with stalls selling all manner of gaudy gifts but the Eternal City also has plenty to offer those who like their Christmas a little less commercial Midnight Mass in St Peter’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience and the more intimate surroundings of the Pantheon provide the perfect setting for some seasonal reflection With nativity scenes adorning the streets of Vatican City and the smell of roasting chestnuts drifting through the wintry air a Christmas visit to the home of Catholicism is a memorable experience Christmas Day can be a frosty affair with many of the city’s residents enjoying an early morning dip in the icy waters of the Forty Foot this seawater pool is immortalised in the work of James Joyce More relaxing Christmas traditions include carols in St Patrick’s Cathedral and a day spent browsing the stalls of the Docklands Christmas Festival complete with Victorian fairground rides and a Santa’s Grotto Seasonal markets spring up all across Strasbourg in the run-up to Christmas but the Christkindelsmärik by the city’s magnificent gothic cathedral sits at the top of the tree the market is one the oldest in France and features over 300 chalets Look out for traditional Alsatian glasswork and delicacies like baeckeoffe mutton and pork marinated in aromatic juniper berries and white wine the gingerbread bakery in La Petit France is also well worth a visit The Christmas market held in the Liseberg Amusement Park in the centre of Gothenberg is the largest in Scandinavia and surely among the most beautiful 18th-century buildings and Laplander teepees glisten with strings of twinkling lights and the air is filled with the smell of pine needles from the hundreds of Christmas trees that adorn the park In addition to the arts and crafts stalls and the Sami herders from Lapland selling roasted reindeer meat this year’s market features an area exploring Swedish Christmas traditions from the 1930s and 40s For a truly glittering start to the festive season why not enjoy a glass ofglögg(spiced wine) and a Scandinavian saffron bun while wandering along the ‘Lane of Light’ a 3km illuminated walkway through the centre of Gothenberg Sign up to our newsletter for free with the Wanderlust Club