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Rhine Gauge at Kaub Drops Below 25cm, Threatens Splitting

8/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Rhine gauge at Kaub fell to 16 cm, prompting BDB director Jens Schwanen to warn the river could split into two navigation zones.
BDB said shipping and cruise traffic will stop when water falls to single-digit centimeters, leaving only the northern stretch navigable.
Transport minister Steffen Bilger called an emergency meeting after the gauge dropped below 25 cm, the lowest level since 1880.

History

Historical Context

In the 19th century German fear of French annexation resurfaced during the 1840 Rhine crisis, inspiring patriotic songs like “Watch on the Rhine.” Long-standing water-management efforts date back to a dam built around 1100 CE and the Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland chartered in 1255. By 1880 a steam-driven pumping station was added, showing the Rhine’s strategic economic importance that continues today.

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Story summary

The Rhine gauge at Kaub fell to 16 cm, prompting BDB director Jens Schwanen to warn the river could split into two navigation zones.
BDB said shipping and cruise traffic will stop when water falls to single-digit centimeters, leaving only the northern stretch navigable.
Transport minister Steffen Bilger called an emergency meeting after the gauge dropped below 25 cm, the lowest level since 1880.

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