Linge, River in Betuwe region, Netherlands.
The Linge is a river flowing through Gelderland province for about 100 kilometers, beginning near Doornenburg and merging with the Boven Merwede at Gorinchem. The waterway is navigable for small boats and crosses under several major roadways along its course.
Until 1307, this waterway was connected to the Waal River before becoming its own separate channel. Over time, it lost its role as a major trade route when other rivers like the Rhine and Waal became more important for commerce.
The riverside towns preserve old city walls and fortifications that shape how people experience the waterway today. Traditional windmills dot the landscape along the banks, creating a rural character that connects visitors to how locals have lived here for generations.
The river is passable for small boats, though water levels vary with the seasons and can affect navigation. Check local conditions before planning any waterborne travel, especially during drier periods.
A curious local legend holds that the river would stop flowing if pigs no longer grazed near Doornenburg castle. This tale reveals how deeply waterways are woven into the folklore and imagination of people living alongside them.
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