Tiel to German Border

River Waal

After Emmerich, the last town in Germany, the Rhine enters the Netherlands and becomes a border river for 7.9 kilometres between Spyck and Millingen. Here, at the Pannerdensche Kop, the river divides into the Pannerden Canal and the Waal.

About two thirds of the water flows through the Waal, which changes from its former confluence with the Maas at Woudrichem into the Merwede and then flows to the North Sea via various routes . Most of the water flows through the Nieuwe Merwede into the Hollandsch Diep.

The remaining part is transported via the Pannerden Canal, after which it branches off into the Nederrijn, Lek and Gelderse IJssel. The Rhine is an important river for the Netherlands because it connects the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Amsterdam with the German hinterland. The Rhine also supplies fresh river water, which the Netherlands uses to produce drinking water. The Rhine is one of the most important freshwater supply routes for the IJsselmeer and offers many recreational opportunities.

On this route you will learn more about the most important tributary of the Rhine, which flows from east to west, and its surroundings.

Experience the hustle and bustle of river traffic, Dutch water management and civil engineering, while the river glides majestically along the vast floodplains of its summer bed. These floodplains, where the river can be 1,000 metres or almost a kilometre wide in early spring, are home to a variety of aquatic plants and softwoods, as well as beavers, many species of birds, semi-wild cattle and a special breed of horse.

The floodplains have provided the necessary sediments for brick and stone manufacturers, sand and clay quarries, and allowed for the construction of riverside ship wharfs. In addition to these dynamic floodplains, you'll pass through the city of Nijmegen, a famous World War II site with the Operation Market Garden, before leaving the Netherlands via the Gelderse Poort, Gateway to Germany.