Follow the river (rivers of the Netherlands)
Rivers shape the Dutch landscape, and in this game mode you follow their course from start to finish. You fly along the Meuse, the Waal, the IJssel and the Lower Rhine — the big streams that carry water from Germany and Belgium right across the country to the North Sea.
The Waal and the Lower Rhine are both branches of the Rhine: when it reaches the Netherlands the Rhine splits, with the Waal as its largest branch. The Meuse runs alongside the Rhine as a river of its own, and the IJssel bends away from the Rhine to the north, towards the IJsselmeer. By following each river's course you see how the water finds its way through the land.
Hop in the helicopter and follow each river along its whole length at your own pace — a fun, free way for kids and grown-ups to get to know the rivers of the Netherlands.
▶︎ Play nowFrequently asked questions
Which major rivers flow through the Netherlands?
Four major rivers shape the Dutch river landscape: the Meuse, the Waal, the IJssel and the Lower Rhine. They carry water from Germany and Belgium and flow right across the country, finally reaching the North Sea through the wide delta in the southwest of the Netherlands.
What is the longest river in the Netherlands?
The Rhine and the Meuse are the two longest rivers flowing through the Netherlands, although most of their course lies in Germany, Belgium and France. Within the Netherlands the Waal, the largest branch of the Rhine, is the busiest river for shipping.
Why does the Rhine have several names in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands the Rhine splits into branches that each have their own name, such as the Waal and the Lower Rhine. The Waal is the largest branch and carries the most water. The IJssel bends away to the north, towards the IJsselmeer lake.
What is the best way to learn the rivers of the Netherlands?
The most fun and fastest way to learn the rivers of the Netherlands is by playing, with the free helicopter in Toponauts. You follow each river's course along its whole length and place it on the map yourself, at your own pace — great for children and adults.