The Elbe River is a major river in Central Europe and starts in the Czech Republic and ends in the North Sea. The river has several major tributaries that include the Ohre, Schwarze elster, Mulde, Havel, Saale and Vltava. The river basin of the Elbe is one of the largest in the world and in covers four different countries; Germany, Austria, Poland and the Czech republic.
The Elbe has been used for commercial vessels and is an important trade route to travel as far as Prague. You can reach the main industrial areas in Berlin and other areas of Germany through canals. The Elbe-Lubeck canal and the kiel canal goes to the Baltic Sea.

The Elbe-Seitenkanal was very important for transportation as before this was built transport was made difficult as a section of the river passed through the German Democratic republic. With the restorations of the Magdeburg water bridge it is possible for large barges to cross the river as the low water levels did make transport a difficulty at one time.

There are many ferries that can be used to cross the Elbe. These ferries can carry passengers and cars. Many ferries leave from Rathen, Dresden, Belgern, Mauken, Elster, Coswig, Barby, Westerhusen, Ferchland, Sandau, Carchau, Kirchwerder, Hamburg and Gluckstadt to name a few.

The Elbe is an important delineator of geography in Europe. The Romans at one time attempted to move the border though this attempt failed. During the Second World War the Nazis became cornered on the Elbe by the Russians and the Allied forces. This momentous day was commemorated by Elbe day. After this war the Elbe became a border between Eastern and Western Germany.
There are many cruises that you can take along the Elbe. You will travel past beautiful sandstone mountains, gorgeous architecture and many Gothic castles. This is a great way to see the Czech republic and Germany. Many people stop at Wittenberg castle and Castle church. Castle church was very important for the start of the Protestant Reformation.

Author: Jason W. Myers. Preparing for European river cruises is not an easy task. If you’d like to read advices from experts and also travelers who speak from experience, you should visit our website that specializes in these trips. I’d personally recommend Seine cruise for everyone who wants to see beautiful places in Europe.

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