Rivers of Europe
Europe is laced with great rivers that have shaped its borders, cities and trade for thousands of years. In this map you trace the major European rivers and learn where they rise and which countries and capitals they pass.
Key rivers include the Volga (the longest in Europe, in Russia), the Danube (which flows through ten countries and past Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade), the Rhine (Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands), the Loire and Seine in France, the Po in Italy and the Elbe in Germany. Many European capitals grew up on a riverbank, which makes rivers a great way to connect the whole map.
Follow each river across Europe and see how the continent fits together — free in Toponauts.
▶︎ Play nowFrequently asked questions
What is the longest river in Europe?
The Volga is the longest river in Europe at about 3,530 km. It flows entirely within Russia and drains into the Caspian Sea. The Danube, at about 2,850 km, is Europe's second-longest and the one that crosses the most countries.
Which river flows through the most European countries?
The Danube flows through or borders ten countries — more than any other river in the world — including Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine, passing the capitals Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade.
Which countries does the Rhine flow through?
The Rhine rises in the Swiss Alps and flows through or along Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany and France before reaching the sea in the Netherlands. It is one of Europe's busiest shipping routes.
Why are rivers important in European geography?
Rivers shaped where Europe's cities and borders formed. Many capitals — London on the Thames, Paris on the Seine, Vienna and Budapest on the Danube — grew on rivers used for trade, defence and fresh water, so learning rivers ties the whole map together.