Váh

The Váh is the longest river in Slovakia. It flows through many towns, such as Liptovský Hrádok, Liptovský Mikuláš, Ružomberok, Žilina, Trenčín, Piešťany, Šaľa, and Komárno. This river is very important for the country. It provides water for people and helps with transportation. The Váh has shaped the land and the lives of many communities along its path for a long time.

Etymology

The name of the Váh River may come from old words meaning "stream." It was first mentioned as "flumen Vvaga" in 1111 and "aqua Vvac'" in 1113.

Geography

The Váh is a left tributary of the Danube river and is the longest river in Slovakia. It is 406 kilometres (252 mi) long. The river starts in the Vysoké Tatry and Nízke Tatry mountains and flows through northern and western Slovakia before joining the Danube near Komárno.

The Váh has many smaller rivers that flow into it, called tributaries. Some left tributaries are Demänovka, Revúca, Ľubochnianka, Turiec, Rajčanka, and Nitra rivers. Right tributaries include Belá, Orava, Varínka, Kysuca, Biela voda, Vlára, Dubová, Dudváh, and Malý Dunaj rivers. Over time, many canals and dams have been built along the Váh. There are 16 hydropower stations. Major roads and railways also follow the path of the Váh.