The Waal is the main distributary branch of the Rhine river flowing to the central Netherlands for about 80 km before joining the Afgedamde Maas river near Woudrichem to form the Boven Merwede river.

The name Waal, in Roman times Vacalis and Vahalis or Valis, later Vahal, is of Germanic origin and is named after the many meanders in the river (Germ. wôh = crooked).

Railroad bridges (with nearest train station on the left and right bank):