Nijmegen, Ewijk, Loenen

The 82 kilometre long river Waal discharges no less than 65% of the water in the Netherlands into the sea. This makes the Waal the most water-rich river in our country and, moreover, important for shipping. The name comes from the Old German 'wôh', which means 'crooked'. Because the Waal used to be much more curved than it is nowadays, this was a logical name.

According to legend, the river was created by two giants. They had started digging in Switzerland and quarreled at the Dutch border. One brother continued with the Rhine, the other with the Waal.

It is wonderful to cycle along the Waal and get a breath of fresh air. The green surroundings are peaceful and on the way you come across a number of nice drop-off points. Just past Slot Doddendael you cross the Waal and cycle into the Over-Betuwe. Here too, it is quiet, green and picturesque. Nature is beautiful and if you are lucky, you may even come across a few Scottish Highlanders. Get off your bike at the Spiegelwaal to see the skyline of Nijmegen.

Enjoy the rippling water, ships passing by and the beautiful nature. Cycling along the Waal is pleasant in every season, but in the summer it is extra pleasant with the crowded beaches along the river.