25. September 2026 19:00
Robert Winder
Three of Europe’s greatest rivers – the Rhine, the Rhône, and the Po – share the same geological patch of Alpine ice in the jagged heights of central Switzerland. Coursing down through the peaks, they gave birth to three different European cultures as they flowed across the continent – German, French and Italian.
From this shared geological cradle, these waterways have shaped the landscape, influenced urban centres, laid the foundation for economies and created an intricate network of transport, trade and agriculture. From the Romanesque buttresses and vines of Provence to the Wagnerian music of the Rhine and the artistic miracles of Lombardy, the heart of Western Europe – its languages, religion, philosophy, science, politics and art – has been nourished by these waters.
Setting off in the dramatic mountain landscape where this story begins, acclaimed historian Robert Winder traces the rivers’ journeys from their increasingly fragile glacial sources, revealing in shimmering detail their impact on Europe’s rich history as they flow towards the sea.
Biographical Notes:
Robert Winder is a former Literary Editor of The Independent, and also a regular writer for the Guardian, Observer and others. His book on the history of immigration to Britain – Bloody Foreigners (the title is ironic!!) – was one of the inspirations behind the Museum of Migration, which plans to open in the City of London at the end of next year… Britain’s missing museum, telling the story of how the movement of people has been an essential part of the British story. Robert is a founder trustee.
His new book Three Rivers, just published in America and Italy as well as the UK, is a history of Europe based on the way it has been shaped by three of its great rivers.
Admission is free to members; non-members are requested to make a donation of EUR 10 towards expenses (“Unkostenbeitrag”). Students free.
Out of consideration to the speaker and audience, please do not eat during the talk but either before or afterwards. Please come in good time to order and get your drinks before the talk starts.
25. September 2026 19:00
Robert Winder
Veranstaltungsort
"Zum Achter“ (Ruderklub)
Neuenheimer Landstr. 3A
69120 Heidelberg
Three of Europe’s greatest rivers – the Rhine, the Rhône, and the Po – share the same geological patch of Alpine ice in the jagged heights of central Switzerland. Coursing down through the peaks, they gave birth to three different European cultures as they flowed across the continent – German, French and Italian.
From this shared geological cradle, these waterways have shaped the landscape, influenced urban centres, laid the foundation for economies and created an intricate network of transport, trade and agriculture. From the Romanesque buttresses and vines of Provence to the Wagnerian music of the Rhine and the artistic miracles of Lombardy, the heart of Western Europe – its languages, religion, philosophy, science, politics and art – has been nourished by these waters.
Setting off in the dramatic mountain landscape where this story begins, acclaimed historian Robert Winder traces the rivers’ journeys from their increasingly fragile glacial sources, revealing in shimmering detail their impact on Europe’s rich history as they flow towards the sea.
Biographical Notes:
Robert Winder is a former Literary Editor of The Independent, and also a regular writer for the Guardian, Observer and others. His book on the history of immigration to Britain – Bloody Foreigners (the title is ironic!!) – was one of the inspirations behind the Museum of Migration, which plans to open in the City of London at the end of next year… Britain’s missing museum, telling the story of how the movement of people has been an essential part of the British story. Robert is a founder trustee.
His new book Three Rivers, just published in America and Italy as well as the UK, is a history of Europe based on the way it has been shaped by three of its great rivers.
Admission is free to members; non-members are requested to make a donation of EUR 10 towards expenses (“Unkostenbeitrag”). Students free.
Out of consideration to the speaker and audience, please do not eat during the talk but either before or afterwards. Please come in good time to order and get your drinks before the talk starts.