Watch River Without Frontiers

River Without Frontiers is a visually stunning documentary series produced by ORF Universum that explores the majestic rivers running through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe. The show takes viewers on an unforgettable journey across five different countries, featuring the rivers that mark their borders, carving their way through the continent's natural wonders.

The series begins in Switzerland, where the Rhine River starts its long journey to the North Sea. Accompanied by stunning aerial footage, viewers follow the Rhine from its source high in the Swiss Alps, through the bustling cities of Basel and Strasbourg, to the fertile plains of the Netherlands, where it empties into the sea. As the show moves along, it shifts from one country to another, making stops along the way to explore the unique ecosystems and cultures that each river shapes and supports.

In Austria, River Without Frontiers follows the Danube as it flows through the verdant valleys of Upper Austria and the Wachau, a UNESCO world heritage site famous for its vineyards, monasteries, and medieval castles. The series delves into the history of the river, highlighting its pivotal role in European affairs and navigating viewers through the human, ecological, and cultural significance of the Danube.

The show then progresses to Germany, where the Oder River runs along the country's border with Poland, meandering through serene forests and wetlands, and slowly divulging its hidden beauty. The series explores the Oder Delta and its complex ecosystem, where numerous species of birds, fish, and mammals call home. From the wildlife of the delta to the human communities that have shaped the river's history, the series invites viewers to discover the sights, sounds, and people of Germany's easternmost river.

The series then takes us to the Czech Republic, where the majestic Elbe River flows, dividing the country and carving through mountainous terrain. The series showcases the Elbe's cultural significance, with a special emphasis on the historic city of Prague, which sits on the banks of the river, and the importance of the river for the transportation of goods and people for centuries. This episode in the series offers a visual and philosophical savour of the "heartland" of Europe.

Finally, River Without Frontiers concludes its journey in France, where the Rhone River enters the Mediterranean near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer after running through Switzerland and France. The series explores the Rhone's history and natural beauty, ranging from its sources near Ritom Lake in southeastern Switzerland, through the verdant fields of the Rhone valley, over the picturesque Vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and to the vast expanse of the Camargue, a unique wetland region known as a bird-watcher's paradise.

Throughout the series, the landscapes are breathtaking, the camera work is outstanding, and the narration tells compelling tales of the people and animals that call these rivers home. From the legends and myths that surround each river to the scientific and technical intricacies of current scientific findings, River Without Frontiers is a vivid portrayal of the beauty and fragility of these natural wonders. The show's creators have managed to capture the essence of these rivers, and the series radiates a sense of awe-inspiring wonder at the magnificent natural beauty of Europe. Overall, River Without Frontiers is a must-watch for anyone seeking an immersion in one of the most exciting river journeys in the world.