Steyr River, Austria

The stunning Steyr. Steyr River, Austria

These whitewater rapids are found in Upper Austria, where the Steyr River crashes down from the barren Totes Gebirge (the Dead Mountains) through this verdant landscape. When it comes to the ancient town of Steyr, at the foot of the Alps, it will meet the Enns River, which flows into the Danube.

What gives the Steyr that stunning blue hue? The answer is found in the mountains themselves. When there's rainfall or the surrounding snow melts, eroded sediment flows into the river. Heavier sediment sinks to the bottom and finer sediment stays suspended in the water. Sunlight is scattered or reflected by the sediment, allowing us to see a vibrant shade of blue, as the Steyr crashes through this lush landscape.