Oude IJssel, River system from Borken to Doesburg through North Rhine-Westphalia and Gelderland, Germany and Netherlands.
The Oude IJssel is a river that flows approximately 82 kilometers from the German town of Borken in North Rhine-Westphalia to the Dutch town of Doesburg. The waterway passes through several municipalities in both countries before joining the IJssel.
The river was once the upper course of the IJssel before engineers made changes to create new water connections. These early interventions in the river landscape reshaped how water flowed and influenced the region for centuries to come.
The river shapes daily life in surrounding communities, where people have long practiced water management passed down through generations. Locals use the banks for walking and cycling, staying connected to their regional waterway.
The river is easily accessible with safe paths for walking and cycling at many points along its route. Visitors should know that water levels and bank conditions vary by season, so it is wise to check conditions before planning a longer walk.
The river drops only about 50 meters across its entire length, creating a very gentle slope that makes it especially suitable for calm canoeing or rowing. This flat topography is typical of the broad river plains in both countries.
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