Dvina

Dvina is the name given to several rivers in the northwestern part of Russia and in neighboring regions. The two principal rivers bearing this name are the Northern Dvina (Severnaya Dvina) and the Western Dvina (Zapadnaya Dvina). The term Dvina has been used in geographic and historic sources for centuries and remains common in Russian and Baltic toponymy.

The Northern Dvina is a major river system in European Russia. It drains a large basin in the north, flowing through several federal subjects before reaching the White Sea’s Dvina Bay. The river is navigable for substantial stretches and has historically served as an important artery for transport, timber, and regional trade. Its lower course supports towns and ports that have played a significant role in the development of northern Russia, including linkages between inland areas and the coast.

The Western Dvina is another large river system in the region, flowing in the northwest of Russia and contributing to the White Sea basin. It runs through parts of the Russian northwest and, in various periods, has been used for transportation, agriculture, and industry. Like the Northern Dvina, it has multiple tributaries and supports urban settlements along its banks.

Etymologically, the name Dvina is of Slavic origin and is often connected with the idea of flow or running. The Dvina rivers form a notable part of the hydrology of the Baltic region, influencing local economies, ecosystems, and historical trade routes.