Downstream of Bonn, the river meanders through the Lower Rhine Bay (Niederrheinische Bucht), passing through the city of Cologne (Köln), and continues through the Lower Rhine Plain (Niederrheinisches Tiefland).

Almost immediately after entering the Netherlands, the Rhine splits into numerous branches.

Up to the beginning of industrialization roughly one fifth of the land area could only be used as pasture: an endless meadow, which could not be farmed because of flooding and a high ground-water level.

The houses are relatively large, with the intention of accommodating a plentiful harvest and many cattle.

The Nederrijn refers to the more northern former main branch of the Rhine, which flows past Arnhem; splits off the IJssel which flows into the IJsselmeer and then splits into the Lek and the Kromme Rijn at Wijk bij Duurstede.