Eijsden-Margraten Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Eijsden-Margraten

Municipality

View on Neerbeek

View on Margraten

Blankenberg Castle at Cadier en Keer

Gronsveld castle

Flag	Coat of arms

Location in Limburg

Established

1 January 2011

Government

• Body

Municipal council

Area

• Total

78.32 km² (30.24 sq mi)

• Land

77.40 km² (29.88 sq mi)

• Water

0.92 km² (0.36 sq mi)

Elevation

56 m (184 ft)

Population

(May 2014)

• Total

24,995

• Density

323/km² (840/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postcode

6245–6269, 6307

Area code

043

Eijsden-Margraten is a municipality in the very south of the Netherlands. It is located in the southeastern part of the province of Limburg.

This municipality was created in 2011. It was formed by joining the older municipalities of Eijsden and Margraten. Both of these had many small villages. Now, Eijsden-Margraten has 28 villages and towns. These are spread across 15 main administrative centers. In 2011, about 25,000 people lived here.

Eijsden-Margraten is one of the southernmost places in the Netherlands. Its southern border touches the border between the Netherlands and Belgium.

The Meuse river flows into the Netherlands at Eijsden. It comes from France and Belgium. In Dutch, the river is called "Maas." As it flows north, it forms the western border of the Netherlands with Belgium in this area.

A smaller stream, the Voer, also comes from Belgium. It flows through some villages in the municipality before joining the Meuse river.

What Villages Are in Eijsden-Margraten?
What Is the Economy Like?
What Is the Culture Like?
What Can You See Here?
Who Are Some Famous People From Here?
- Sport
Interesting Facts
Images for kids
See also

What Villages Are in Eijsden-Margraten?

Banholt
Bemelen
Cadier en Keer
Eckelrade
Eijsden
Gronsveld
Margraten
Mariadorp
Mesch
Mheer
Noorbeek
Oost-Maarland
Rijckholt
Scheulder
Sint Geertruid

Some of these villages, like Eijsden, Gronsveld, Mariadorp, Mesch, Oost-Maarland, and Rijckholt, used to be part of the Eijsden municipality. The others were part of the Margraten municipality.

Fruit trees near Eijsden Castle

Land pastures on the hilly Margraten Plateau

Part of the Eijsden "Vroenhof" central square

Most of the old Eijsden villages are in the valley of the Meuse river. Mesch and the former Margraten villages are on a high area called the "Margraten Plateau."

What Is the Economy Like?

For a long time, the villages in this municipality were mostly about farming. Today, the main economic activities are:

Fruit growing: This includes apples, pears, plums, cherries, and strawberries.
Grain growing: Farmers grow wheat, barley, and corn.
Cattle farming: This involves raising dairy cows and chickens for eggs.
Some industry: There are a few factories, mainly in Eijsden.
Tourism: Many visitors come to see the area.

What Is the Culture Like?

The culture in the villages of Eijsden-Margraten has some important parts:

Music: Most places have their own brass band and church choir.
Religion: Most people are Roman Catholic.
Folklore: This includes old traditions, like citizen soldier groups.
Carnival: This is a big celebration before Lent.
Sports: Bicycle racing and soccer are very popular.
Art: There is a focus on local art.

What Can You See Here?

There are many interesting places to visit:

Castles: You can see castles in Eijsden, Gronsveld, Mheer, and Rijckholt.
Old Mills: There is an ancient windmill in Bemelen. Also, five old water mills are on the Voer river.
Prehistoric Flint Mines: These ancient mines are located in Rijckholt.
The Mergellandroute: This is a special tourist route through South Limburg. It passes through several villages in this municipality.

Who Are Some Famous People From Here?

Eugene Dubois

Eugene Dubois (1858–1940): He was born in Eijsden. He was a Dutch scientist who studied ancient humans and geology. He famously discovered "Java Man" (Pithecanthropus erectus).
Pierre Lardinois (1924–1987): Born in Noorbeek, he was a Dutch politician and businessman.
Wil Roebroeks (born 1955): From Sint Geertruid, he is a professor of Palaeolithic Archaeology at Leiden University.

Sport

Fons van Wissen (1933–2015): From Margraten, he was a Dutch football player.
Jo Bonfrère (born 1946): Born in Eijsden, he is a Dutch football coach and former player.
Jo Maas (born 1954): From Eijsden, he was a professional road bicycle racer.

Interesting Facts

In 2013, a brass band from Eijsden, called "Koninklijke Harmonie Sainte Cécile," won a big music competition. This was the World Concert Division of the World Music Contest, held in Kerkrade. They also won in 2009!