Rivers are the lifelines of our planet, shaping landscapes, supporting ecosystems, and providing vital resources to communities. Europe is blessed with a vast network of rivers, totaling over 1.5 million kilometers in length. These rivers, big and small, flow through diverse landscapes, from the icy peaks of the Alps to the sprawling plains of Eastern Europe. The continent boasts some of the most iconic rivers in the world, including the Danube, Rhine, and Volga; among them, the Volga is the longest.
Longest Rivers in Europe
Rank
River
Length (km)
Length (mi)
Countries Traversed
1
Volga
3,530 km
2,194 mi
Russia
2
Danube
2,850 km
1,770 mi
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine
3
Ural
2,428 km
1,509 mi
Russia, Kazakhstan
4
Dnieper
2,201 km
1,368 mi
Russia, Belarus, Ukraine
5
Don
1,870 km
1,162 mi
Russia
6
Pechora
1,809 km
1,124 mi
Russia
7
Kama
1,805 km
1,122 mi
Russia
8
Oka
1,500 km
932 mi
Russia
9
Northern Dvina
1,302 km
809 mi
Russia
10
Rhine
1,233 km
766 mi
Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, Netherlands
The density of the river network in Europe decreases from north to south. In Northern Europe, notably Scandinavia and the Baltic region, the landscape is full of lakes, peatlands and low-relief plains; frequent precipitation and low evapotranspiration support many small, often perennial channels.
As you move southward into Central Europe, the density of the river network decreases. The topography becomes more varied, with the presence of mountain ranges such as the Alps, the Carpathians, and the Pyrenees. These mountainous regions tend to have fewer rivers but often feature larger, more significant waterways that flow through valleys and gorges.
In Southern Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region, the density of the river network is typically the lowest. The terrain is characterized by rugged mountains, plateaus, and arid landscapes, which are less conducive to the formation of rivers. The rivers that do exist in this region tend to be shorter and have more irregular flow patterns, often experiencing seasonal fluctuations in water levels. Here are the maps of the European rivers created by me using Hydrosheds data.
The longest rivers in Europe tend to have the largest basins as well. Below is the map of the river basins of European continent.
View the full-resolution versions of these map posters: 1, 2
Most Extensive River Basins in Europe
Rank
River Basin
Basin Area (km²)
Basin Area (mi²)
Main Countries Drained
1
Volga Basin
1,380,000 km²
533,000 mi²
Russia
2
Danube Basin
801,000 km²
309,300 mi²
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine
3
Dnieper Basin
504,000 km²
195,000 mi²
Russia, Belarus, Ukraine
4
Ural Basin
231,000 km²
89,200 mi²
Russia, Kazakhstan
5
Don Basin
425,000 km²
164,000 mi²
Russia, Ukraine
6
Pechora Basin
322,000 km²
124,000 mi²
Russia
7
Northern Dvina Basin
357,000 km²
138,000 mi²
Russia
8
Rhine Basin
185,000 km²
71,400 mi²
Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, Netherlands
9
Elbe Basin
148,000 km²
57,000 mi²
Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Poland
10
Loire Basin
117,000 km²
45,000 mi²
France
Other Interesting Facts about European Rivers
The Rhine River is one of the most important rivers in Europe, serving as a vital transport route and a source of water for millions of people.
The Danube River is one of the most international rivers in the world, flowing through ten countries and serving as a cultural and historical landmark.
The Seine River is one of the most picturesque rivers in Europe, flowing through the heart of Paris and offering stunning views of the city’s landmarks.
The Rhine River Basin is one of the most densely populated river basins in Europe, with over 50 million people living in its watershed. It is a highly developed region, known for its industrialization and urbanization.
If you want to learn more about the rivers of Europe, you’ll find these books and maps fascinating.
