Flowing through mountains and valleys, and villages, and cities – rivers have been attracting settlers to build the civilizations around them for centuries. Today a lot of them attract tourists, who love to participate in the outdoor activities.
The Gros Ventre River, Wyoming, USA
Only a 120 km (75 mi) long tributary of the Snake River, the Gros Ventre, however, mesmerizes with beautiful surroundings. It mostly passes the Gros Ventre Wilderness, which is famous for its unspoiled nature. The river is a popular site among the fishermen, who come to catch huge trouts. Horseback riding and kayaking are other favorite activities here, as well as hiking.
Why go there?
Many trails allow exploring this natural gem, embedded in the Teton Range, and admire the breathtaking landscape.
Radovna River, Bled Gorge, Slovenia
The river has carved an impressive gorge, which is found a few kilometers from town of Bled, which is famous for its beautiful lake. The wonderful gorge features a wooden hiking trail and bridges that run along the river, enabling to explore the site. The pathway ends at the stunning point – the picturesque waterfall Šum marks the finish line. The route offers an exhilarating walk on a hot summer day.
Why go there?
A refreshing activity once in the area. A truly beautiful, unspoiled natural site, loved by the tourists. The length of the path is only 3 km (1.8 mi) and is completed in about one hour.
Nile, Egypt
Nile is the World’s largest and one of the most beautiful rivers in the world.
While exploring Nile don’t forget the stunning temples and tombs i.e. Luxor, Karnak, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Valley of Kings and the Valley of queens.
There are various cruises which give you an exploratory tour of Nile.
Best time for Nile river cruise is between October to April.
Mississippi, USA
Mississippi is America’s largest river and the World’s fourth largest.
This beautiful river has many attractions alongside, which are a must visit.
The old chain of Rock Bridges, The Great River Road also known as Blue Highway, is an awesome road for long drive and there are a lot of attractions on this route which you’d hate to miss.
Vicksburg National Military Park, the Windsor Ruins, and the Delta Blues Museum are few of them
The Rapa River, Sweden
Only 75 km long, the river, however, passes some incredible sites, while it stretches from its source to Lake Tjaktjajaure. The most famous part of the river is the Laitaure Delta at the mouth of the lake. The river also flows through the Rapa Valley, which is surrounded by high mountains and also provides some incredible views.
Why go there?
Due to the unspoiled nature and rough landscape the area sometimes is referred to as the “Alaska of Europe”. There is indeed an impressive wildlife to discover.
Loire, France
Some extravagant castles and fortresses, palaces and playhouses, some very fine wine and 1000 years of rich architectural and artistic treasure adorn the banks of France’s largest River Loire.
Counted as one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, Loire Valley is also known as ‘Garden of France’.
Krka River, Croatia
Krka National Park is one of the most famous natural attractions in the country. The beautiful park sprawls around the river Krka, which is the center of and gives the name to the park. The cascading waterfalls are the most popular and famous landmark in Krka. Probably the most exciting thing about the site is that unlike the most parks, that prohibit swimming, here visitors are encouraged to have a dip in the river!
Why go there?
Krka is also famous for its rich fauna and flora. The diversity of a landscape is astounding: waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails in the forests provide a day long sites and activities. The park has even received a Europe Golden Flower award for the variety of flowers.
Yangtze, China
There is a common saying in China, “If you haven’t been up the Yangtze, then you haven’t been anywhere”.
This beautiful river is also claimed to be the most interesting river in the world, with great historical, cultural and economically significance for China.
It is the third largest river in the world which flows across eleven provinces and cities along with a wide range of tourist attractions and amazing scenery on the sides.
Ganges, India
There is an Indian saying: “A dip in the Ganges can make you as innocent as a baby.”
One of the sacred rivers for Hindus, Ganges is not just a river but a great waterway of different tributaries.
Originating from the western Himalayas, the river gives a great scenic view till it reaches the Bay of Bengal.
Kumbh Mela in some cities and Ganga Aarti on the banks of river Ganges, are some of the attractions that would compel you to check out this river.
The Soča River, Slovenia
The river is obviously famous for its crystal clear turquoise water – its second name is the Emerald Beauty. Not many rivers in the world retain such color through all the length. The natural wonder attracts many adventurers: various water sports are very popular here, mainly kayaking and fishing. The unspoiled nature and canyons also provide great opportunities to hike or even paraglide.
Why go there?
A truly picturesque site, one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, offering various outside activities.
The Rhine, flows through Europe
The most picturesque river of Europe flows through six countries – Austria, Germany, France, Liechtenstein, Netherlands and Switzerland.
Thanks to its beautiful waterways there are numerous cruise companies offering various kinds of cruises to showcase the beauty and history lined up on the banks of river Rhine.
The Danube, flows through Europe
The beautiful Danube is celebrated as one of Europe’s greatest rivers.
As it flows along the sides are rolling hillsides, lush vineyards and medieval castles which add to the charm of the Danube.
It isn’t without reason that this European river has been an inspiration for music, novels and poems.
Centuries-old towns along the banks of this beauty add to the allure of Danube, which flows through nine European countries.
The Volga, Russia
The breathtaking Volga is the largest river in Europe.
Volga is so big that one-third of the Russian population – 50 million people – live in its basin.
Rising from the Valdai Hills northwest of Moscow, the river flows down as an arc for more than 3500 Kms before emptying itself in the Caspian Sea.
Volga is huge and a storehouse of wildlife.
If Volga’s wildlife doesn’t get you, the bewitching views of this Russian river will hypnotize you.
