The Rhine River begins in the Swiss Alps and flows through central Europe before reaching the Netherlands, where it empties into the North Sea. This engaging book highlights this major transportation route in Western Europe and its scenic stretches of fairytale castles and picturesque vineyards. Sadly, by the mid-20th century, the waters were polluted by waste from farms and factories from major cities, such as Basel, Strasbourg, Cologne, and Rotterdam. Cooperation by Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands has helped restore the river's health, but scientists warn that the Rhine's water is getting warmer because of power plants and is threatening native wildlife.