Geography: Rivers

Rhine River

Neckar River

Germany is laced with an extensive network of rivers that have played a pivotal role in shaping its landscapes and development. These rivers, including the famous Rhine, the Danube, and the Elbe, traverse diverse regions, from the Alpine forelands to the North German Plain. They are integral to the country's economy, facilitating trade and industry, and are key for transportation, both historically and in modern times. German rivers also play a significant role in agriculture, providing irrigation for the fertile regions, and are crucial for the country’s renowned wine production. Additionally, they contribute to the ecological diversity, supporting various habitats and species. Beyond their practical importance, these rivers have deep cultural and historical significance, inspiring art, literature, and folklore, and shaping the identity of the regions they flow through. The table below presents an overview of the major rivers in Germany, detailing their lengths, sources, and outflows.

River Name	Length*	Source	Outflow
Rhine	1,233 km (766 mi)	Swiss Alps	North Sea
Danube	647 km (402 mi)	Black Forest	Black Sea
Elbe	1,091 km (678 mi)	Czech Republic	North Sea
Oder	866 km (538 mi)	Czech Republic	Baltic Sea
Weser	452 km (281 mi)	Hann. Münden, Germany	North Sea
Main	524 km (326 mi)	Franconian Forest, Germany	Rhine River
Moselle	545 km (339 mi)	Vosges Mountains, France	Rhine River
Neckar	367 km (228 mi)	Black Forest, Germany	Rhine River
Ems	371 km (231 mi)	Teutoburg Forest, Germany	North Sea
Saar	246 km (153 mi)	Vosges Mountains, France	Moselle River

*Sources do not differentiate between the length of river that exists within the country’s borders and the overall length of the river irrespective of national borders.