New Rhine Atlas strengthens cross-border flood resilience
Which areas along the Rhine are at risk of flooding? What happens when water levels rise? And what could that mean for people, infrastructure and nature?
The updated Rhine Atlas provides clear answers. Using the latest data, it maps potential flood-prone areas along the entire length of the Rhine – from the Alps to the North Sea. Developed through international cooperation, the atlas provides a shared understanding of flood risks and supports better preparedness across the Rhine basin.
Published by the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR), the Rhine Atlas is a joint initiative of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands. Since its first publication in 2001, the atlas has evolved from a printed publication into an interactive web mapping service. The latest edition, containing updated data, was adopted by the ICPR on 16 June 2026.
A comprehensive overview of flood risks
The Rhine Atlas allows users to explore potential flood impacts under three scenarios: frequent, medium and extreme flooding. It provides harmonised information across the entire Rhine basin, making it easier for public authorities, professionals and citizens to understand flood risks beyond national borders.
The maps show, among other things:
- Three flood scenarios
- Expected water depths
- Land use
- The potential impact on residents, cultural heritage and industrial facilities
The atlas also includes links to the competent authorities in each country and region, enabling users to access local information and guidance.
The value of international cooperation
Floods do not stop at national borders. Effective flood risk management therefore depends on cooperation between countries that share a river basin. By bringing together data from all riparian states, the Rhine Atlas provides a common reference for flood risk assessment, planning and preparedness across the basin.
As the downstream country of the Rhine, the Netherlands has a strong interest in cross-border cooperation on flood risk management. Through its contribution to the ICPR, the Netherlands shares expertise and data to help build a consistent picture of flood risks throughout the river basin. This collaborative approach strengthens flood resilience from the Alps to the North Sea and reflects the Dutch commitment to integrated river basin management and knowledge exchange.
By making flood risks visible and accessible, the Rhine Atlas helps public authorities, businesses and citizens prepare for future high-water events. It demonstrates how international collaboration and shared knowledge can reduce flood risks and strengthen resilience across Europe.
Take a look at the Rhine Atlas 2026 and discover how harmonised flood risk information supports better preparedness from the Alps to the North Sea: https://geoportal.bafg.de/karten/rhineatlas/
