Elbe River

The Elbe River is one of Central Europe?s most important waterways, measuring 724 miles long. It begins in the Krkono_e or Giant Mountains, a mountain range in the northern Czech Republic. After traveling through Germany, it empties into the North Sea. The Elbe has the 4th largest river basin in Europe and is has important trade links as far inland as Prague.


Most of the Elbe River remains largely unaltered by humans and full of lush landscapes, wetlands, and woodlands. The Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve extends along the Elbe River. Here many wildlife species thrive, including red and black kites, cranes, and storks.