Yssel

The Yssel, also spelled IJssel, is a river in the Netherlands and a distributary of the Rhine. It forms part of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta and has played a significant role in the region’s history and development.

Course and geography: It rises near Westervoort, just east of Arnhem, where the Rhine splits into the Waal and the IJssel, and it runs north through Gelderland and Overijssel. It passes the towns of Zutphen, Deventer, and Kampen before reaching Zwolle, where it drains into the IJsselmeer after the creation of the Afsluitdijk. The IJssel valley encompasses large areas of agricultural land and several historic urban centers.

Hydrology and management: The IJssel is integrated into the Dutch water-management system with dikes, sluices, weirs, and pumping stations to regulate flow, protect against floods, and maintain suitable water levels for agriculture and communities. While it remains connected to the Rhine basin, its discharge is controlled to balance safety with regional land use.

History and usage: Historically an important inland shipping route that supported the growth of towns along its banks, the IJssel remains navigable for smaller vessels and is a focus for recreation and nature conservation in its delta region. The river and its surroundings host protected landscapes and cultural heritage.

Etymology: The form Yssel appears in older English-language texts; the modern Dutch spelling is IJssel, with Yssel as a historical variant. See also Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta.