West Maas en Waal in Brief
Between the Maas and Waal rivers lies a municipality with a unique story: West Maas en Waal.
For centuries, these rivers have shaped our landscape: high riverbanks, low basin areas, and floodplains. Here, the first farmers settled on the dry lands, built dikes to tame the water, and created fertile polders. This history of working with nature has taught us to see opportunities and tackle challenges. That entrepreneurial spirit is still in our genes: residents are down-to-earth, enjoy getting things done, and together build a strong future.
A landscape with character
Our municipality has three distinctive areas:
- High, dry riverbanks: ideal for villages, orchards, and small-scale farming.
- Low-lying, wet alluvial plains: open areas and large-scale agricultural regions that emerged following land consolidation. A notable feature is the river dune near Altforst.
- Floodplains: a nature reserve and waterways, with space for recreation.
Our villages: each with its own unique character
The municipality of West Maas en Waal was formed in 1984 after the reorganization of the municipalities of Appeltern, Dreumel, and Wamel. West Maas en Waal consists of eight distinctive villages: Alphen, Appeltern, Altforst, Beneden-Leeuwen, Boven-Leeuwen, Dreumel, Maasbommel, and Wamel. Each village has its own history, identity, and strong sense of community. But together, they form a close-knit municipality where tradition and future go hand in hand.
The municipality is located in the westernmost part of the Land van Maas en Waal region and has a population of over 20,000. Thanks to its central location in the country, cities such as Nijmegen, Tiel, 's-Hertogenbosch, and Arnhem are easily accessible.
What makes us strong
- A unique location: nestled between two major rivers, with a landscape that tells the story of centuries of harmony between people and nature.
- Entrepreneurial residents: people who see opportunities, dare to innovate, and take pride in their community.
- Green and blue quality: nature, water, and open spaces form the foundation of a healthy living environment.
- Recreation and experiences: from water fun at the Gouden Ham to walking trails along the Maas and Waal rivers, there’s always something to do.
West Maas en Waal is a municipality that cherishes what is valuable and dares to dream about tomorrow. Together, we create space for a future where liveability, sustainability, and connectedness are central.