Ilmenau (river) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ilmenau
The Ilmenau near Uelzen
Country	Germany
State	Lower Saxony
Reference no.	DE: 594
Physical characteristics
Main source	source: confluence of the Gerdau and Stederau in Veerßen [de] (a district of Uelzen) 35 m above sea level (NN)  (Gerdau 70 m above NN, Stederau 66 m above NN) 52°56′52″N 10°33′13″E / 52.947639°N 10.5536806°E / 52.947639; 10.5536806
River mouth	near Hoopte [ca; de] (a district of Winsen (Luhe)), into the Elbe 2 m above sea level (NN) 53°23′44″N 10°10′25″E / 53.395417°N 10.17361°E / 53.395417; 10.17361
Length	121.5 km (75.5 mi)
Basin features
Progression	Elbe→ North Sea
Basin size	2,850 km2 (1,100 sq mi)
Landmarks	Large towns: Uelzen, Lüneburg, Winsen (Luhe) Small towns: Bad Bevensen, Bardowick Villages: Emmendorf, Medingen, Bienenbüttel, Melbeck, Deutsch Evern, Wittorf, Fahrenholz, Mover (both districts of Drage), Tönnhausen [de; Tönnhusen], Stöckte [ca; de], Hoopte [ca; de]
Tributaries	Left: Bienenbütteler Mühlenbach, Barnstedt Melbecker Bach, Hasenburger Mühlenbach, Luhe Right: Wipperau, Röbbelbach, Wohbeck, Vierenbach, Dieksbach, Neetze Canal, Neetze, Ilau-Schneegraben
Navigable	28.84 km (17.92 mi)

The Ilmenau is a river in northern Germany, located in the state of Lower Saxony. It flows south of the big city of Hamburg. This river is an important waterway in the region.

Where the Ilmenau River Starts

The Ilmenau river begins its journey near the town of Uelzen. It actually starts when two smaller rivers, the Gerdau and the Stederau, meet and join together. This meeting point is in a place called Veerßen, which is a part of Uelzen.

River Length and Journey

The Ilmenau is about 121 kilometers (about 75 miles) long. This length includes one of its source rivers, the Stederau. The river flows generally northwards. It eventually joins the mighty Elbe River near a town called Winsen (Luhe).

Towns Along the Ilmenau

Many towns and villages are located along the Ilmenau river. The two largest towns you will find on its banks are Uelzen and Lüneburg. Another important town is Winsen (Luhe), where the river meets the Elbe. There are also smaller towns like Bad Bevensen and Bardowick.

How People Use the River

The Ilmenau is used for different activities. From Lüneburg downstream, the river is navigable. This means boats can travel on it. However, it is mostly used by special tour boats that take people on trips. Upstream from Lüneburg, the river is very popular for canoeing. Many people enjoy paddling canoes along its calm waters.

It is important to know that there is a city named Ilmenau in a different part of Germany (Thuringia). But this city is not on the Ilmenau river we are talking about. It is actually on a different river called the Ilm.

See also

In Spanish: Río Ilmenau para niños

• List of rivers of Lower Saxony