Werra
The Werra (German pronunciation: [ˈvɛʁa]), a river in central Germany, is the right-bank headwater of the Weser. "Weser" is a synonym in an old dialect of German. The Werra has its source near Eisfeld in southern Thuringia. After 293 kilometres (182 mi) the Werra joins the river Fulda in the town of Hann. Münden, forming the Weser. If the Werra is included as part of the Weser, the Weser is the longest river entirely within German territory at 744 kilometres (462 mi).
| Werra | |
|---|---|
Course of the Werra | |
| Location | |
| Country | Germany |
| States | |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • coordinates | 50°29′59″N 10°57′53″E |
| • elevation | 797 m above sea level (NN) |
| Mouth | |
• location | confluence with the Fulda in Hann. Münden to form the Weser |
• coordinates | 51°25′16″N 9°38′57″E |
• elevation | 116.5 m above sea level (NN) |
| Length | 299.6 km (186.2 mi) |
| Basin size | 5,496 km2 (2,122 sq mi) |
| Discharge | |
| • location | am Pegel Meiningen |
| • average | 14.0 m3/s (490 cu ft/s) |
| Discharge | |
| • location | Vacha |
| • average | 23.6 m3/s (830 cu ft/s) |
| Discharge | |
| • location | Gerstungen |
| • average | 30.9 m3/s (1,090 cu ft/s) |
| Discharge | |
| • location | Frankenroda |
| • average | 40.6 m3/s (1,430 cu ft/s) |
| Discharge | |
| • location | Allendorf |
| • average | 46.5 m3/s (1,640 cu ft/s)
|
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Weser→ North Sea |
| Landmarks |
|
| Tributaries | |
| • left | Ulster, Felda, Wehre |
| • right | Schleuse, Hasel, Hörsel |
| Navigable | 89 km (55 mi); motor boats in places, but not throughout |
Its valley, the Werratal, has many tributaries and is a relative lull between the Rhön Mountains and the Thuringian Forest.
Its attractions include Eiben Forest near Dermbach, an unusual sandstone cave at Walldorf, the deepest lake in Germany formed by subsidence (near Bernshausen), and Krayenburg, the ruins of a castle.
Its towns and main settlements are Hildburghausen, Meiningen, Bad Salzungen, Tiefenort, Merkers-Kieselbach, Vacha, Heringen, Philippsthal, Gerstungen, Wanfried, Eschwege, Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Witzenhausen and Hannoversch Münden.