Waalwijk Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Waalwijk

Square in Waalwijk with restaurants and church

Flag	Coat of arms

Location in North Brabant

Government

• Body

Municipal council

Area

• Total

67.65 km² (26.12 sq mi)

• Land

64.59 km² (24.94 sq mi)

• Water

3.06 km² (1.18 sq mi)

Elevation

2 m (7 ft)

Population

(May 2014)

• Total

46,495

• Density

720/km² (1,900/sq mi)

Waalwijker

• Summer (DST)

Postcode

5140–5146, 5160–5165

Area code

0416

Dutch topographic map of Waalwijk, July 2013

Waalwijk is a city and a municipality in the southern Netherlands. It is located near the A59 and N261 motorways. The municipality of Waalwijk includes the city itself and several villages. These villages are Capelle, Vrijhoeve-Capelle, Sprang (which used to be part of the municipality of Sprang-Capelle), and Waspik. The city of Waalwijk has an old town center that has recently been updated.

Exploring Waalwijk's Communities
Discovering the City of Waalwijk
- Waalwijk's History and Local Economy
- Sports and Fun in Waalwijk
Waalwijk's Global Connections
- Twin Towns and Sister Cities
Famous People from Waalwijk
- Sports Stars from Waalwijk
Images for kids
See also

Exploring Waalwijk's Communities

The municipality of Waalwijk is made up of several smaller communities. Each of these places adds to the unique character of the area.

Capelle
Vrijhoeve-Capelle
Sprang
Waalwijk
Waspik

Discovering the City of Waalwijk

Waalwijk is a city in the province of Noord-Brabant. It is located north of Tilburg and west of 's-Hertogenbosch. To the north of Waalwijk, you will find the Bergse Maas canal. The River Waal is even further north.

Waalwijk's History and Local Economy

In the past, Waalwijk was very well known for its shoe-making industry. This business was a big part of the city's economy for many years. Waalwijk was given city rights in the year 1303. This meant it had special permissions and rules for its citizens.

Sports and Fun in Waalwijk

Waalwijk is home to the professional football team RKC. They play their games in the city.

Waalwijk is also famous for a special event called the "80 van de Langstraat." This event happens every September. Thousands of people take part in an 80-kilometer walk. The walk goes through all the towns in the Langstraat region.

Other exciting events in Waalwijk include:

Waalwijk Modestad (Waalwijk Fashion City): A weekend dedicated to fashion.
Nacht van het Levenslied (Night of the "Dutch Song"): An evening where Dutch and local singers perform.
Straattheaterfestival (Street Theatre Festival): A weekend filled with street performers and theatre shows.

Waalwijk's Global Connections

Waalwijk has connections with other cities around the world. These connections are called twin towns or sister cities. They help promote cultural exchange and friendship.

Twin Towns and Sister Cities

Waalwijk is twinned with:

Chojnice, Poland	Unna, Germany

Town hall and city centre.

Famous People from Waalwijk

Many interesting people have come from Waalwijk or have lived there. They have made contributions in various fields like music, science, and sports.

Martinus Veltman, a Nobel Prize winner, in 2005

Yuri van Gelder, a famous gymnast, in 2008

Valensia: A Dutch composer, producer, and musician who grew up in Waalwijk.
Willem Hendrik Johan van Idsinga (1822–1896): A politician who served as Governor in Dutch colonies.
Hendrikus Chabot (1894–1949): A talented painter and sculptor.
Martinus J. G. Veltman (1931–2021): A theoretical physicist who won the 1999 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on particle theory.
René Mioch (born 1959): A well-known journalist, TV and radio presenter, and actor.
Olcay Gulsen (born 1980): A successful fashion designer.
Ariën van Weesenbeek (born 1980): The drummer for the Dutch metal band Epica.
Bas van Daalen (born 1996): Also known as Will Grands, a record producer, singer, and songwriter.

Sports Stars from Waalwijk

Waalwijk has also produced many athletes who have achieved great things in sports.

Frans Slaats (1912–1993): A professional cyclist who broke the world hour record.
Ramon van Haaren (born 1972): A former football player with many club appearances.
Patrick van Balkom (born 1974): A former sprinter who competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Yuri van Gelder (born 1983): A gymnast famous for his skills on the rings. He competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Frank van Mosselveld (born 1984): A former football player with many club appearances.