Rhein

Rhein, known in English as the Rhine, is a major European river that runs roughly 1,230 kilometers from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea. It drains a large part of central Europe and serves as an important commercial waterway.

Origin and course: The Rhine is traditionally considered to begin at the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein near Reichenau in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. From there it flows north through the Swiss plateau, passes Basel, and travels through the Rhine Valley. In its middle course it forms parts of the border between France and Germany, and then proceeds through Germany before entering the Netherlands. The river empties into the North Sea via the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta near Rotterdam.

Tributaries and basin: The Rhine’s basin crosses several countries, including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Major tributaries include the Aare, Neckar, Main, Moselle, Ruhr, Lahn, and Ill. The river supports a network of large cities and numerous towns along its banks.

Economic and cultural significance: The Rhine is one of Europe’s most important navigation routes, linking inland industries with seaports. It hosts major commercial hubs and ports, notably Basel and Rotterdam, and has historically facilitated trade, industry, and cultural exchange across the regions it traverses.

Environmental and management aspects: The Rhine basin is subject to international water management and environmental programs aimed at improving water quality, flood control, and ecosystem health. The river remains central to transportation, energy production, and regional identity in the areas it flows through.