Waal

From Free net encyclopedia

For the village, see Waal (South Holland).

Image:PannerdensKanaal.pngThe Waal is the main distributary branch of river Rhine flowing to the central Netherlands for about 80 kilometres before joining river Meuse near Woudrichem to form river Boven Merwede. It is a major river which serves as the main waterway connecting the Rotterdam harbor and Germany. Nijmegen, Tiel, Zaltbommel and Gorinchem are towns of importance with direct access to the river.

The name Waal, in Roman times called Vacalis, Vahalis or Valis, later Vahal, is of Germanic origin and is named after the many meanders in the river (Old Germanic: wôh = crooked).

Railroad bridges (with nearest train station on the left and right bank):

• between Nijmegen and Nijmegen Lent
• between Zaltbommel and Geldermalsen

Template:Gelderland-geo-stubde:Waal (Fluss) es:Waal eo:Waal fy:Waal nl:Waal (rivier) pt:Rio Vales sv:Waal wa:Wål