West Maas en Waal a Glance
Between the Maas and the Waal lies a municipality with a unique story: West Maas en Waal.
For centuries, these rivers have shaped our landscape: high riverbanks, low-lying valleys, and floodplains. Here, the first farmers settled on the dry land, built dikes to control the water, and created fertile polders. This history of working in harmony with nature has taught us to recognize opportunities and tackle challenges. That entrepreneurial spirit is still in our DNA: residents have both feet firmly on the ground, love to get things done, and are building a strong future together.
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 West Maas en Waal established in 1984 following the reorganization of the municipalities Appeltern, Dreumel Wamel. West Maas en Waal of eight distinctive villages: Alphen, Appeltern, Altforst, Beneden-Leeuwen, Boven-Leeuwen, Dreumel, Maasbommel Wamel. Each village has its own history, identity, and strong sense of community. Together, however, they form a close-knit municipality where tradition and the 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 a municipality that cherishes what is valuable and dares to dream about tomorrow. Together, we are paving the way for a future centered on quality of life, sustainability, and community.