Have you ever heard of the rivers in Germany? The Rhine River is famous for the valleys it flows through and the mystery of the Black Forest? But not only that, Germany also has many rivers with majestic natural beauty and has gone through many ups and downs of history! Let’s learn about the river system in Germany with My Career

Germany stretches over 7,000 km of interconnected rivers, canals, streams and lakes, from the Elbe and Havel in the northeast, to the Neckar and Danube in the southwest. This article provides an overview of Germany’s largest and most famous rivers.

River in Germany

As well as being vital economic arteries for industrial and agricultural regions, Germany’s rivers and the stunning landscapes that surround them are also considered cultural icons. Poets, artists and writers have flocked to them for centuries to find inspiration in their dramatic beauty, while for tourists they are considered some of Germany’s most iconic sights.

From the marshy plains of the northeast to the terraced vineyards, picturesque palaces and castles of the southwest, Germany’s rivers are an important part of the country’s diverse geography. Many of the most famous rivers flow through winding valleys, Roman ruins, national parks and farms that inspired the Brothers Grimm.

Ways you can enjoy Germany’s famous waterways

Here are some ways you can enjoy Germany’s famous waterways:

River Cruise

One of the most popular ways to enjoy the charm of the German countryside is by river cruise. Sipping a cold Riesling or German beer while watching the sights pass by has to be one of the best ways to travel. There are countless operators offering cruises up and down Germany’s rivers, with options to suit every taste and budget, from cheap and cheerful day trips to luxurious multi-day excursions.

Cycling route

Germany is well-equipped with well-maintained cycling routes, many of which meander along the banks of the country’s most famous rivers, with plenty of attractions, beer gardens and restaurants along the way. Some of the most popular river cycling routes in Germany include the Rhine Cycle Route, the Elbe Cycle Route and the Danube Cycle Route. EuroVelo routes across Europe also connect rivers in Germany with those in the Netherlands, Switzerland and beyond.

Swimming in the river

Germany is blessed with over 2,300 bathing spots suitable for open-air swimming, with around 97% of the country’s rivers and lakes rated as good or excellent for water quality. Swimming in natural bodies of water such as rivers is one of the most popular leisure activities in Germany, especially in warm weather, but care must be taken to avoid health risks such as polluted water and strong currents.

You must always swim in designated swimming areas, which can be found throughout the country. Signs stating that swimming is prohibited or unsafe in certain areas must be taken seriously.

River fishing in Germany

Fishing is generally allowed throughout Germany, although there are a few exceptions. All people who want to fish need a fishing license ( Fischereischein ) and a fishing permit (for the specific area or fishing grounds they want to fish) before they set out. In most federal states, you need to pass a fishing exam to get a license.

This involves signing up to a local fishing club ( Angelverein ) and taking some supervised fishing lessons. Fishing licenses can be obtained from local fishing shops or clubs and can be renewed daily, weekly or monthly.

Tourists and visitors to Germany can also apply for a license. Most federal states do not require tourists to pass an exam. If you fish without a license or permit, you can be fined up to 25,000 euros by the police.

River systems in Germany

Below you can see a map of some of the largest rivers in Germany:

Germany’s largest rivers

The question of which is Germany’s largest river depends largely on the criteria you use. Some rivers flow entirely within Germany, while others pass through the federal republic on their way to and from other countries. In absolute terms, the Danube is the longest river flowing through Germany, but the Rhine is the longest river within Germany, and the Main is the longest river entirely within Germany.

Here are some of Germany’s largest and most famous rivers.

Rhine River ( Rhine )

Without a doubt, the Rhine ( Rhein ) is one of the most famous rivers in Germany. From its source in east-central Switzerland, the Rhine flows northwest through Lake Constance ( Bodensee ), around the Black Forest, then north towards the Netherlands, where it flows into the North Sea.

The Rhine has a remarkably strong current, which is one reason why it is the busiest river in Europe, with heavy cargo barges plying between the river’s industrial centres. As well as being an important transport route, it has long been a magnet for tourists and creative types. Its many deep valleys and winding bends through vineyards and castle-dotted hillsides make it one of Germany’s most beautiful.

Weser

Starting at the confluence of the Fulda and Werra, the Weser crosses the North German Plain into the North Sea, passing the city of Bremen before emptying into the ocean near the ports of Bremerhaven and Nordenham.

If the Weser and Werra were considered one river, it would be the longest river that flows entirely within Germany. With its picturesque views of many villages on the German Fairy Tale Road, it is said to have inspired the Brothers Grimm.

Elbe

Originating in the Giant Mountains in the northern Czech Republic, the Elbe covers much of Bohemia and Germany before emptying into the North Sea at Cuxhaven, 110 km northwest of Hamburg.

The Elbe is a very historic river, having served as an important geographical demarcation line for Europe since Roman times. In the Middle Ages, it formed the eastern limit of Charlemagne’s empire, and from 1949 to 1990, the Elbe formed part of the Inner German Border between East and West Germany. It also has many attractions, from small wine villages to the “Florence on the Elbe”, the city of Dresden in Saxony.

Danube ( Donau )

The longest river flowing through Germany and the river flowing through the most countries in the world (10), the Danube ( Donau ) originates in the Black Forest and passes through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine before flowing into the Black Sea.

Its stunning scenery attracts millions of tourists each year, while its riverbanks also hold fascinating glimpses of bygone times. Treasures on offer include Roman ruins and Regensburg, the best preserved medieval city in Germany.

Main

If the Weser and Werra are counted as two separate rivers, the Main is the longest river flowing entirely within Germany. The longest tributary of the Rhine, the Main originates in northeastern Bavaria and flows through central Germany to meet the Rhine at Rüsselheim in Hessen, near the cities of Mainz and Wiesbaden, a famous spa town.

Flowing through the glorious Franconian countryside, the Main passes through the romantic old town of Bamberg ? a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Roman camp at Marktbreit and the cities of Frankfurt am Main, Offenbach am Main and Würzburg.

Saale

A branch of the Elbe, the Saale originates in Upper Franconia and travels north through Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt to join the Elbe just above Barby. Its 413 km route passes through three federal states, several historic sites and some famous wine-growing regions.

Spree

The Spree is the main tributary of the Havel River? and is actually much longer! The main river of Berlin, Brandenburg and the Lusatia, the Spree rises in the Lusatian Mountains and flows north towards its final, most famous stretch through the centre of Berlin, where it joins the Havel in Spandau. Museum Island, home to some of the most famous museums in the German capital, is an island in the Spree.

Ems

At 371 km long, the Ems River in northwestern Germany flows through North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony before emptying into the North Sea past Delfzijl, a city in the Netherlands. It is lined with a number of popular cycle routes.

Neckar

The Neckar is a major tributary of the Rhine and flows mainly in the southwestern part of the state of Baden-Württemberg, with a short stretch in Hessen. It passes through the cities of Rottenburg am Neckar, Tübingen, Esslingen, Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg and Heilbronn before ending at the famous castle at Heidelberg, where it merges with the Rhine.

Havel

One of the main tributaries of the mighty Elbe River, the Havel flows through Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Berlin and Saxony-Anhalt.

Order

Although it does not technically flow through Germany, the Oder is an important river because it forms the border between Germany and Poland and is important for shipping. It originates in Czechia and ends in the Black Sea.

Moselle

Surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in Germany, the Moselle is filled with vineyards, ruined castles, medieval architecture and chocolate-box villages. It rises in the Vosges Mountains and flows through northwestern France and Luxembourg into western Germany. It joins the Rhine in Koblenz at the famous Deutsches Eck (German Corner) monument.

Rivers in Germany

There are hundreds of other rivers in Germany. We’ve listed some of the main ones here, ordered by where they flow into the sea.

River only within German territory

All of these rivers flow entirely within German borders, rather than passing through Germany on their way to or from somewhere else.

Rivers in Germany flowing into the Baltic Sea

Schwentine	Grass
Warnow	Recktniz
Peenstrom

Rivers in Germany flowing into the Black Sea

Ilz	Will
Big talk	Rain
Naab	Black Labs
Altmühl	Abens
Pair	Friedberger Ach
Schmutter	Together
Wörnitz	Brenz
Mindel	Gunz
Provinces	Rot
Crack	Lauchert

River in Germany flows into the North Sea

Lips	Emscher
Ruhr	Inherited
Wupper	victory
Ahr	Valley
Lahn	Vicinity
Selz	Queich
Pfinz	Marrow
Acher	Rench
Kinzig	Elz
Wiese	Wutach
Yes	Hunte
Let’s read	Go
Werre	Emailed
Fulda	Werra
Eider

River in Germany ? Austria

These rivers pass through Germany and Austria.

• Isar
• Lech

River in Germany? Switzerland? Austria

As well as Germany and Austria, the Inn River also flows through Switzerland.

River in Germany ? Netherlands

These rivers pass through Germany and the Netherlands.

• Deny
• Fight

River in Germany? Netherlands? Belgium

The Rur River flows through Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

River in Germany ? France

These rivers are shared between Germany and France.

• volume up
• Sauer

River in Germany ? Poland

The Lausatian Neisse is a German-Polish river.

Hopefully, after this article, you have a more detailed view of Germany’s geography and river system. Germany is truly a livable country with a welfare system and fairytale scenery. If you are interested in study abroad programs in Germany, please contact My Career now!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is there a penalty for fishing without a license in Germany?

Answer: Tourists and visitors to Germany can also apply for a license. Most federal states do not require tourists to pass an exam. If you fish without a license or permit, you can be fined up to 25,000 euros by the police.

Question: How does the Rhine River flow in Germany?

Answer: Without a doubt, the Rhine (Rhein) is one of the most famous rivers in Germany. From its source in east-central Switzerland, the Rhine flows northwest through Lake Constance (Bodensee), around the Black Forest, then north towards the Netherlands, where it flows into the North Sea.

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