The Nims is a 61-kilometre-long (38 mi) river in the South Eifel region of the Eifel Mountains in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It is a left-hand tributary of the River Prüm and flows through the county of Bitburg-Prüm.
Geography
The Nims rises in the municipality of Weinsheim, east of the town of Prüm, at an elevation of approximately 512 metres above sea level. It flows in a generally southerly direction through the Nims Valley, passing the villages of Schönecken and Seffern, as well as the western suburbs of the town of Bitburg. The river joins the Prüm near the village of Irrel at an elevation of approximately 169 metres above sea level. Its drainage basin covers an area of 297.702 km² (114.943 sq mi), and its average discharge at the mouth is 3.17 m³/s.
Settlements along the Nims
The river passes through or near the following settlements (in downstream order): Weinsheim, Giesdorf, Schönecken, Seffern, Bickendorf, Nattenheim, Fließem, Bitburg (western suburbs), Messerich, Alsdorf, Niederweis, and Irrel.
History
One of the earliest recorded references to the river dates to the year 798 or 799, during the 31st year of the reign of Charlemagne, under the name Nimisa.
Transport
The route of the former Nims-Sauer Valley railway ran through the southern section of the Nims valley from Messerich to Irrel. The line is now closed and has been partially lifted. Between Bickendorf and Seffern, the 781-metre-long (2,562 ft) Nims Viaduct carries the Federal Motorway 60 (A 60) across the valley.
Flora and fauna
The Nims is known for the Eifel mountain trout, which thrives in the river's cold water and low pH value.
