Vistula

The Vistula (Polish: Wisła) is the longest river entirely in Poland and a major Central European waterway. It runs about 1,047 kilometers and drains roughly 194,000 square kilometers.

It rises in the southern Carpathian region of Poland and flows northward across the country, passing through Kraków and Warsaw before emptying into the Baltic Sea.

In its lower reaches, the river forms the Vistula Delta and Vistula Lagoon along the Bay of Gdańsk; the mouth is near the city of Gdańsk.

The Vistula is navigable along much of its course and has several locks and reservoirs, including the Włocławek Dam and reservoir. It supports hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and inland shipping.

Ecology and environment: The river hosts diverse habitats, including wetlands in the delta; it faces pollution and habitat loss; conservation and restoration efforts are in place.

History and significance: The Vistula has long been a major trade route between inland Poland and the Baltic coast and has played a central role in the country’s history and culture.