Danube, River through Central and Eastern Europe.
The Danube is a major river that flows through ten countries, stretching 2,857 kilometers from its source in the Black Forest to the Black Sea. At its end, the river divides into three main branches that form a wide delta system encompassing different habitats.
The river formed the northern frontier of the Roman Empire from the first century onward, shaping the development of regions along its banks. This military importance led to the founding of many settlements that later became major cities.
Along the banks today, traditions meet where fishermen cast nets, vintners harvest grapes on steep slopes, and communities celebrate old festivals. Visitors notice how languages and cuisines shift from country to country while the river itself remains the one constant.
The delta's three main branches are Chilia, Sulina, and Sfantu Gheorghe, with Sulina serving as the primary navigation route. Access to certain stretches is best by boat, as many riverside areas are reachable only from the water.
The river basin includes 19 countries, making it the most international river system in the world with a remarkable range of habitats. In some stretches, the banks change national borders so often that villages on either side belong to different countries.
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