Cruising the Marne-Rhine Canal is a wonderful way to discover Alsace and Lorraine at a slower pace. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful countryside, navigate remarkable engineering structures and have the chance to stop in charming villages and towns.
Starting from Saverne, you can head east toward Strasbourg or west toward Lutzelbourg, the Saint-Louis-Arzviller boat lift and the landscapes of Lorraine. Each route offers a different experience, with its own places to explore.
But where can you actually moor your houseboat along the canal? And what can you visit once you’ve tied up? Here’s a guide to some of the most interesting stops along the Marne-Rhine Canal.
Where Can You Stop Along the Marne-Rhine Canal?
The Marne-Rhine Canal has several marinas and designated mooring areas where boaters can take a break during their trip. Some are located close to historic villages and local attractions, while others are worth discovering for their scenery or impressive navigation structures.
Here are some of the main places to explore on a houseboat vacation starting from Saverne:
| Stop | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Saverne | Marina and historic town center |
| Steinbourg | Marina and peaceful canal surroundings |
| Lutzelbourg | Marina and medieval castle ruins |
| Saint-Louis-Arzviller | Passage through the famous boat lift |
| Niderviller / Tannenheim | Inland port and traditional pottery heritage |
| Hochfelden and Brumath | Towns along the route to Strasbourg |
| Strasbourg | Urban waterways and historic architecture |
Another option is to continue toward Mittersheim via the Saar Coal Canal (Canal des Houillères de la Sarre). This alternative route takes you through the lake district, with peaceful natural scenery and a different atmosphere.
Good to know: Not all these places are stops on the same route. Some are marinas where you can moor, while others are landmarks along the waterway or towns featured on Riverly itineraries. Always check mooring options and navigation conditions for your chosen route with your Riverly departure base.
Where to Stop West of Saverne
Heading west from Saverne, you’ll discover the landscapes of the Northern Vosges and the Moselle area. This stretch of the canal is particularly memorable for the Saint-Louis-Arzviller boat lift and its picturesque villages.
Lutzelbourg: Where to Moor Beneath a Medieval Castle
Set along the Marne-Rhine Canal, Lutzelbourg is a lovely place to stop during your houseboat trip. Its marina offers a convenient place to moor, with the village just a short walk away.
Overlooking the village are the ruins of Lutzelbourg Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by forested hills. Climb up to enjoy panoramic views over the Zorn Valley, the canal and the marina.
Lutzelbourg is also home to Cristallerie Wurm, a local glassmaking workshop where traditional crystal craftsmanship is still celebrated.
Why stop in Lutzelbourg?
- Moor your boat in a scenic setting.
- Explore the ruins of a medieval castle.
- Enjoy a walk through the valley.
- Discover the village’s local crystal-making heritage.
Lutzelbourg is a great place to slow down and enjoy a small village on the water, away from the bustle of larger towns.
Saint-Louis-Arzviller: Experience the Famous Boat Lift
Passing through the Saint-Louis-Arzviller boat lift is one of the highlights of a cruise along the Marne-Rhine Canal.
Located in Moselle, this impressive structure allows boats to overcome a height difference of 44.55 meters in just a few minutes. Opened in 1969, it replaced an old flight of 17 locks that once took an entire day to navigate.
The process is quite spectacular: your boat enters a large water-filled tank, which is then moved along rails to the upper or lower level of the canal.
The boat lift is a navigation experience rather than a traditional marina or overnight stop. You’ll pass through it as part of your journey.
Nearby, the Vallée des Éclusiers (Valley of the Locks) follows the route of the old canal. It’s a lovely area for a walk or bike ride and offers a glimpse into the history of inland navigation in the region.
Why is the boat lift a must-see?
- Experience an impressive feat of European engineering.
- Watch your boat travel between two canal levels.
- Explore the former canal route and the Vallée des Éclusiers.
Niderviller: Stop Near a Historic Pottery Village
Continuing west, you’ll reach the Niderviller area and the Tannenheim inland port. This is a convenient place to leave your boat and explore the village and its surroundings.
Niderviller is known for its historic faience and porcelain factory, whose story dates back to the 18th century. Its traditional craftsmanship helped make the village famous well beyond the Lorraine region.
From Tannenheim port, you can make your way to Niderviller and discover its local heritage. If you’d like to explore a little farther, Sarrebourg is about 6 km away. The town is known for its artistic heritage and the impressive stained-glass window by Marc Chagall.
Why stop near Niderviller?
- Moor at Tannenheim inland port.
- Discover the village’s pottery and porcelain-making history.
- Take a trip to Sarrebourg and explore its cultural attractions.
This stop is a great opportunity to discover the region’s traditional craftsmanship during your houseboat vacation.
Where to Stop East of Saverne on the Way to Strasbourg
If you head east from Saverne, you’ll follow another stretch of the Marne-Rhine Canal toward the Alsace plain and Strasbourg.
This route features several towns along the way, including Hochfelden and Brumath, before reaching the regional capital.
Hochfelden: Discover Alsace’s Brewing Heritage
Hochfelden is one of the towns featured on the Riverly route between Saverne and Strasbourg. Located in the Zorn Valley, it’s best known for Meteor, one of Alsace’s oldest independent family-owned breweries.
For visitors interested in local food and drink traditions, the brewery offers an opportunity to discover another part of Alsatian heritage.
A brewery visit can be a fun addition to your trip, subject to opening hours and visitor access.
Brumath: A Town with Gallo-Roman History
Brumath is another town featured along the Riverly route to Strasbourg.
Located in the Bas-Rhin department, it has a long history dating back to Roman times. Its heritage and surrounding agricultural landscapes offer a different perspective on the Alsace plain.
It’s another interesting place to discover as you make your way toward Strasbourg.
Strasbourg: Explore the City from Its Waterways
At the eastern end of your journey, Strasbourg offers a complete change of scenery after the villages and countryside along the canal.
Waterways are an important part of the city’s identity. One of the most picturesque areas to explore is Petite France, with its half-timbered houses, bridges and canals.
Once in Strasbourg, you can enjoy a city stop and explore its architectural heritage, historic streets and local atmosphere on foot.
Riverly’s Strasbourg Getaway is a five-night round trip from Saverne, with 40 locks along the route.
Why cruise to Strasbourg?
- Discover the Alsatian capital from the water.
- Enjoy a city break after several days of cruising.
- Explore the city’s canals and historic architecture.
Mittersheim: A Nature-Focused Alternative
If you’d rather spend more time surrounded by nature, Mittersheim is another option for a houseboat vacation starting from Saverne.
This stop is on the route that follows the Saar Coal Canal (Canal des Houillères de la Sarre), rather than the direct route to Strasbourg.
The Mittersheim area is known for its lakes, forests and natural surroundings. Mittersheim Lake and the Stock Pond offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and relax.
Subject to mooring availability and navigation conditions, this route offers a different experience from the villages along the Marne-Rhine Canal.
Riverly’s itinerary includes a seven-night round trip from Saverne via Mittersheim, with 52 locks along the way.
Can You Visit All These Places on One Houseboat Trip?
No. The stops described above are not all part of the same itinerary. From Saverne, you can choose between two main routes, as well as an alternative toward the lake district.
Here are the main Riverly options:
- Toward Strasbourg: A five-night round trip that takes you through the Alsace plain, with stops and discoveries along the way, including Hochfelden, Brumath and Strasbourg.
- Toward Lorraine and Mittersheim: A seven-night round trip through Lutzelbourg, Saint-Louis-Arzviller, Niderviller and Mittersheim.
Each route offers different landscapes and places to explore. Your choice will mainly depend on how long you’d like to cruise and what you’d like to see along the way.
How to Make the Most of Your Houseboat Stops
One of the best things about a houseboat vacation is that you can explore several destinations without having to change accommodation. Your boat travels with you, giving you the freedom to stop and discover the places along the way.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your stops:
- Plan your stops ahead of time: Not every village along the canal has a marina or a designated place to moor.
- Check mooring options: Some stops offer facilities and services, while others may only allow a short stay.
- Allow time to explore: Some attractions are within walking distance, while others may require a bike ride or a longer walk.
- Factor in navigation structures: Locks and the boat lift should be included when planning your daily cruising time.
With Riverly, you don’t need a boating license or previous experience to take the helm. Before departure, you’ll receive a hands-on briefing to learn the basics of steering, boat handling and navigating locks.
That way, you can enjoy your trip at your own pace and make the most of every stop along the Marne-Rhine Canal.
Ready to explore Alsace from the water? Discover Riverly’s license-free houseboat rentals from Saverne and choose the cruise that’s right for you.
