Inn (river) facts for kids

The river Inn, flowing through Innsbruck.

The Inn is a beautiful river that flows through three countries: Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. It's like a long, winding blue ribbon connecting these places! The Inn is a very important river because it eventually joins the mighty Danube River. It stretches for about 518 kilometers (that's about 322 miles) from its source high in the mountains.

Where Does the Inn River Start?

The Inn River begins its journey high up in the Swiss Alps. Its source is near a place called the Maloja Pass in the Engadin valley. This area is known for its stunning mountain views and clear, fresh air. The river starts as a small stream, fed by melting snow and glaciers.

Journey Through the Alps

As the Inn flows from Switzerland, it enters Austria. Here, it carves its way through the beautiful Tyrol region. The river passes through the famous city of Innsbruck, which even gets its name from the river ("Inn-bridge"). In this part of its journey, the Inn is often fast-flowing, making it popular for water sports like rafting.

Why is the Inn Important?

The Inn River is important for many reasons. It provides water for drinking and farming to the towns and cities along its banks. It also helps generate electricity through hydroelectric power plants. These plants use the river's strong current to create clean energy. The river also supports many different kinds of plants and animals, making it an important ecosystem.

Meeting the Danube

After flowing through Austria, the Inn River crosses into Germany. It continues its journey until it reaches the city of Passau in Bavaria. This city is special because it's where three rivers meet: the Inn, the Danube, and the Ilz River. The Inn's waters are often green, while the Danube's are blue, and the Ilz's are dark, creating a cool three-color effect where they join!

What is a Tributary?

The Inn River is called a "right tributary" of the Danube. This means it flows into the Danube from the right side if you are looking downstream (in the direction the river flows). Think of it like a smaller road joining a bigger highway. Many rivers have tributaries that feed into them, making them larger and more powerful.

Images for kids

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  Map highlighting the Inn River

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  The Old City of Passau during the flood

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  Water level marks on the Town Hall in Passau