Location

• The Rhine River begins in Switzerland, travels through Germany and eventually empties into the North Sea off the Dutch coast near Rotterdam. Its source is the Rheinwaldhorn Glacier near the Swiss town of Andermatt; it forms part of the Swiss-Austrian border, then flows past Basel and forms part of the border between Germany and France.
  
  

Industrial Use

• The Rhine is a major waterway used by industry to transport materials between cities. Because of the high level of industrial production, pollution is a concern. The Rhine is connected to the Danube and the Rhone rivers by a network of several canals, allowing ships to travel across Europe from the Netherlands to Ukraine.
  
  

Vineyards and Wine Production

• The Rhine Valley and the area of Alsace bordered by the Rhine have several vineyards and produce mostly Riesling, pinot blanc, chardonnay, Sylvaner and Syrah wines. Swiss vineyards along the Rhine produce mainly red wines. Not much Austrian wine is produced with Rhine River water, with most of the vineyards reliant on the Danube instead.
  
  

Activities

• Boating, cycling and walking paths are common along most sections of the Rhine. A fireworks display, "Rhine in Flames," is held every May in Germany, spanning the Rhine Valley from Bonn to Linz.
  
  

Castle Views

• The Rhine is also known for the castles that perch on and above its banks as it makes its way through Germany. These castles were meant to defend their inhabitants from attack, and they do not look like the castles in romantic fantasies. Walled villages also surround the river.
  
  

Legends

• The mythical Lorelei has its origins in the Rhine. According to Encyclopedia Mythica, a girl named Lorelei committed suicide by jumping into the Rhine, and in death she became a siren. Sailors would meet their demise when looking for her and following her songs.