Drave

Drave is the English name for the Drava River, a major Central European watercourse. In local languages the river is called Drava (Croatian, Slovenian), Dráva (Hungarian) and Drau (German). It is a right-bank tributary of the Danube, contributing to one of Europe’s longest river systems.

The Drava originates in the Alps and flows generally southeast. It traverses Austria, runs along parts of the Slovenia–Hungary border, passes through Croatia, and joins the Danube near Osijek in Croatia. The river is about 750 kilometers long, and its basin includes portions of the Alps and the Pannonian Plain. It collects water from several tributaries, notably the Mura.

Hydrology and economy: The Drava has been harnessed for hydroelectric power with several plants along its course; some sections are navigable, but much of the river is regulated by dams and levees. The floodplains and wetlands around the river support biodiversity and provide opportunities for forestry, fishing, agriculture, and tourism.

Conservation and culture: The Drava’s multilingual name reflects the region’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage. The river’s floodplains host important habitats for birds and other wildlife and are the focus of cross-border conservation and river-restoration efforts to preserve ecological integrity and traditional landscapes. Towns along its course, such as Ptuj, Maribor, and Osijek, reflect the historical connection between people and the Drava.