Rhine

Rhine is one of Europe’s principal rivers, about 1,230 kilometers long. It rises in the Swiss Alps and flows generally north and then west to the North Sea. Its drainage basin covers parts of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. The river passes through Lake Constance near Konstanz and Basel, forms parts of the border between Germany and France along the Upper Rhine, and then enters the Rhine Gorge before continuing through the German and Dutch plains to the sea.

Rivers sections and tributaries: The Alpine Rhine and High Rhine lie in the southern portion, while the Middle Rhine valley is known for its castles and winegrowing. The Lower Rhine runs through the Ruhr region and into the Netherlands. Major tributaries include the Moselle (joining at Koblenz), the Main (Mainz), the Neckar (Mannheim), the Ruhr (Duisburg), and the Aare (Koblenz, Switzerland).

Navigation and economy: The Rhine is a major international shipping route, with a system of locks and dams that enables freight vessels to move across continental Europe. The Rhine Valley hosts dense industry and population; the port of Rotterdam at the Rhine delta is among the world’s largest. The river’s environmental history includes significant pollution in the 20th century, followed by cleanup efforts such as the Rhine Action Programme that improved water quality and biodiversity.

Culture and heritage: The Rhine has shaped settlement, trade, and culture for centuries. The Upper Rhine region includes a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rhine Gorge, renowned for its castles and vineyards. The river also functions as a vital habitat for various species and supports hydroelectric power along certain stretches.