The Rhine is on the brink of being closed to river cruises and other shipping traffic after a recent heatwave caused water levels to reduce to "extreme" lows in parts of Germany, according to reports in the national press.
Water levels at the town of Kaub, a bottleneck point in west Germany, have fallen beneath one metre.
According to The Telegraph, forecasts suggest levels could reach 80cm, which would trigger an "extreme" alert and mean some vessels can no longer pass through.
Warnings over the state of the river came early this year, with water levels at Kaub previously falling below one metre in March following a dry winter. The river runs for 766 miles and is used by around 7,000 vessels.
Get unlimited access to the latest travel industry news and analysis, comment on articles and sign up to newsletters.
Register for free
Already registered? Login here or below.
Having difficulty logging in? Try these tips, or contact support@ttgmedia.com
