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Beek facts for kids

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For other uses, see Beek (disambiguation).
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Beek

Baek
Municipality
Elsmuseum in Beek
Elsmuseum in Beek
Flag of Beek
Flag
 Coat of arms of Beek
Coat of arms
Highlighted position of Beek in a municipal map of Limburg
Location in Limburg
Country Netherlands
Province Limburg
Government
 • Body Municipal council
Area
 • Total 21.03 km2 (8.12 sq mi)
 • Land 21.03 km2 (8.12 sq mi)
 • Water 0.00 km2 (0 sq mi)
Elevation
81 m (266 ft)
Population
 (May 2014)
 • Total 16,295
 • Density 775/km2 (2,010/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Bekenaar
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postcode
6176, 6190–6199
Area code 046
Gem-Beek-OpenTopo
Topographic map of Beek, June 2015

Beek is a town and a municipality in the southeastern Netherlands. A municipality is like a local government area. Beek is located in the province of Limburg. In 2012, about 16,400 people lived in the municipality of Beek. Around 8,800 of them lived in the main town of Beek itself.

The municipality of Beek is part of the South Limburg region. It sits between the cities of Geleen to the north and Maastricht to the south. The area has gentle hills, with heights from 70 to 120 meters (about 230 to 390 feet) above sea level. There are also two small forests nearby. A small stream called the Keutelbeek flows through Beek and starts there.

What Towns and Villages Make Up Beek?

The municipality of Beek includes several smaller communities. Here are the main ones and their populations from 2005:

  • Town:

* Beek (8,770 people)

  • Villages:

* Genhout (1,320 people) * Groot Genhout * Klein Genhout * Geverik (430 people) * Neerbeek (2,580 people) * Spaubeek (3,720 people)

  • Hamlets:

* Hobbelrade * Hoeve * Kelmond (170 people) * Looiwinkel * Maastricht Aachen Airport (this is also a business park) * Oude Kerk

When Was Beek Founded?

In 1982, the village of Spaubeek joined with Beek. This made the municipality the size it is today. In 2005, archaeologists made an exciting discovery. They found remains of a very old settlement between Beek and Neerbeek. This settlement dates back to around 5,000 BC. Because of this find, Beek is thought to be the oldest village in the Netherlands!

What Interesting Buildings Can You Find in Beek?

Beek has some cool old buildings to see:

  • Sint-Hubertusmolen: This is a mill (like a windmill or watermill) in Klein Genhout. It was built between 1801 and 1802.
  • Sint-Hubertuskerk: This church is in Groot Genhout. It was designed by a famous architect named Alphons Boosten.
  • Kasteel Genbroek: This is a castle located near Geverik.

How Do People Travel Around Beek?

Beek is easy to reach by road, train, and even plane!

  • Roads: The A2 motorway (which goes from Amsterdam to the Belgian border) is to the west of Beek. The A76 motorway (from the Belgian border to the German border) is to the north.
  • Trains: The municipality has two train stations:

* Beek-Elsloo railway station in the west * Spaubeek railway station in the east

  • Airport: Beek is also home to Maastricht Aachen Airport in the south.

What About the Economy in Beek?

The Maastricht Aachen Airport has been important for jobs in Beek. In the past, some airlines had their main offices there. For example, when KLM Exel and V Bird were flying, their head offices were located at the airport in Beek.

Who Are Some Famous People from Beek?

Many interesting people have come from Beek, including:

  • Pyke Koch (1901–1991): A Dutch artist known for his "magic realist" paintings.
  • Léon Frissen (born 1950): A Dutch politician who used to be a special representative for the province of Limburg.
  • Marc Borghans (born 1960): A Dutch runner.
  • Frans Weekers (born 1967): A Dutch politician and lawyer. He was the Mayor of Beek from 2015 to 2016.
  • Ralf Krewinkel (born 1974): Another Dutch politician who served as Mayor of Beek from 2011 to 2015.
  • Esther de Lange (born 1975): A Dutch politician who has been a member of the European Parliament since 2007.
  • Vivianne Heijnen (born 1982): A Dutch politician who is currently the Minister for the Environment.
  • Maud Welzen (born 1993): A Dutch model.

Gallery

  • Beek (Limburg)-Sint-Martinuskerk (4)

    Beek, Sint-Martinuskerk

  • Genbroek-oostvleugel-001

    Kasteel Genbroek-oostvleugel

  • Hubertusmolen-10

    St. Hubertus molen te Genhout

  • Spaubeek-Groeve Spaubeek (13)

    Spaubeek-Groeve Quarry, Spaubeek

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Beek Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.