Linge

:"For the WWII war hero, see Martin Linge. For the boat designer, see Jan Herman Linge."Linge is a river in the Betuwe that is over 100 km long, which makes it one of the longest rivers that flow entirely within the Netherlands.

It starts near the village Doornenburg near the German border. It flows to Zoelen, a small village north of Tiel and from there on meanders through the Betuwe, to end in the Boven Merwede near Gorinchem. Until Geldermalsen the river is little more than a small, canalised stream. From Geldermalsen on however, it begins to look like a real river complete with dikes and small floodplains. The river was once a branch of the river Waal, being cut off at Tiel approx. in 1307. But its remains are still visible yet. The river is navigable for small vessels and is a popular route for recreational ships. The borders of the river has strong natural values and are important breedinggrounds for waterloving birds.

This river used to be an important trade route in old days. This role has nowadays been taken by the Rhine and Waal rivers.

Railroad bridges (with nearest train station on the left and right bank):
* between Elst and Arnhem
* between Opheusden and Kesteren
* between Kesteren and Tiel
* between Geldermalsen and Culemborg/Beesd

The riverbanks in the Betuwe are stacked yards of apple trees, which make it a perfect visit for tourists. Especially in spring during blossom-time. In April a walking-tour is organised in favour of the Red Cross, the so called 'Rode Kruis Bloesemtocht'.

External links

* http://www.lingelandschap.nl/main_menu1/dlng.html (in Dutch)