Alpine Rhine, Alpine river section in eastern Switzerland and western Austria
The Alpine Rhine is a river section flowing through Alpine valleys in the Grisons and St. Gallen cantons, then forming a border with Vorarlberg. The waterway shapes a broad, green lowland with meadows, forests, and settlements spreading along its banks.
The valley was settled since ancient times and later came under several noble rulers before being divided among different political territories in the modern era. Borders between today's countries emerged through treaties and shifts of power in the Alpine region.
The valley is shared and lived in by people from both countries, creating a cross-border way of life. Towns along the river maintain local traditions while exchanging customs with one another.
Visitors can explore the valley on foot or by bicycle following flat or gently rising paths along the water's edge. Several small towns scattered throughout the valley offer shops and places to rest during a day's walk.
At its lower end, the river forms a large wetland that serves as an important site for rare birds and plants. This soggy delta developed from how the river deposits sediment and attracts nature watchers from many countries.
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