In the past, extreme rainfall events have repeatedly led to flood disasters involving great damage (Rhine 1993/1994, 1995, Oder 1997 and Danube and Elbe 2002).
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Europe's hot, dry summer means that the water level on the Rhine, Western Europe's most important waterway, is at a record low, making it too shallow for many ships to pass — a problem for a country that depends on the river for 80% of its water freight.
In 1993, 1994, and 1995 several floods have occurred in the basin. The most extreme flood was that of January 1995 which caused extreme damage in many regions. The damage was estimated at more than 200 million Dutch guilders in the Netherlands alone.
Historical Rhine River water levels are shrinking over timeLater, in Summer 2021, the waterline level at Kaub dropped below the necessary amount for larger and heavier vessels to safely navigate the Rhine.
The Basel Rhine Swim is famous worldwide and attracts large numbers of tourists to the border city each year. But even if it's not time for the organized Rhine Swim, you can go for a refreshing dip in the river on hot summer days.
Late April to early June and September to early October are widely considered the best times to cruise the Rhine River due to ideal weather and crowds, though cruise prices are correspondingly higher during these periods.