The second longest river in Europe is the Danube, measuring 2850 km (1770 miles) in length.The Latin word Danubius, meaning “river,” gives the name Danube.
The Black Forest of West Germany gives rise to the Danube, which flows through Austria and Eastern Europe to the Black Sea. The Danube flows through or borders ten different European countries, more than any other river on Earth.
The Roman Empire once formed a major fortified frontier along the river, which legions, forts, and watchtowers guarded. Unlike many major European rivers, the Danube predominantly flows from west to east toward the Black Sea.
The river basin shelters thousands of animal and plant species across multiple national parks and wetlands, making it one of Europe’s most biodiverse regions.
Ocean ships navigate the Danube from the Black Sea to Brăila in Romania, and river ships take it to Kelheim, Bavaria, Germany; smaller craft can navigate further upstream to Ulm, Württemberg, Germany. About 60 of its tributaries also allow navigation.
As of 2004, nearly thirty percent of the water for the area between Stuttgart, Bad Mergentheim, Aalen, and Alb-Donau in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, comes from the purified waters of the Danube. Additionally, cities like Ulm and Passau draw some of their water from the Danube as well.
The upper Danube valley captivates with its beauty and hosts many colorful events in history and literature. It has long served as a major highway for trade.
Among other fish, the Danube salmon, or hüchen, inhabits it. Johann Strauss the Younger drew inspiration from it to compose “The Blue Danube,” one of the most famous waltzes in the world.
Content for this question contributed by David Smith, resident of Dallas County, Iowa, USA
