Isar

The Isar is a river in Tyrol, Austria and Bavaria, Germany. Its source is in the Karwendel range of the Alps in Tyrol; it enters Germany near Mittenwald, and flows through Bad Tölz, Munich, and Landshut before reaching the Danube near Deggendorf. At 295 km (183 mi) in length, it is the fourth largest river in Bavaria, after the Danube, Inn, and Main. It is Germany's second most important tributary of the Danube after the Inn.

Etymology

According to the newest historical research, the name "Isar" comes from the hypothetical indoeuropean root "es" or "is", which meant flowing water and later turned in the old-Germanic languages into a word for frozen water (ice; German: Eis). An older theory which most modern scientists refute, is that it comes from Celtic words and the name Isar is a construction of the Celtic words ys (fast, torrential) and ura (water, river). According to another interpretation ys may mean “high” as well as “low”, referring to the rapidly changing water level in the river Isar. In the ancient settlement area of the Celts several related river names can be found: