kids encyclopedia robot

Eijsden-Margraten facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Eijsden-Margraten
View on Neerbeek
View on Neerbeek
View on Margraten
View on Margraten
Blankenberg Castle at Cadier en Keer
Blankenberg Castle at Cadier en Keer
Gronsveld castle
Gronsveld castle
Flag of Eijsden-Margraten
Flag
Coat of arms of Eijsden-Margraten
Coat of arms
Highlighted position of Eijsden-Margraten in a municipal map of Limburg
Location in Limburg
Country Netherlands
Province 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?

  • 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.

Eijsden-Kasteel Eijsden (14)
Fruit trees near Eijsden Castle
Uitzicht Banholtergrubbe
Land pastures on the hilly Margraten Plateau
Overzicht Vroenhof 6 met omgeving - Eijsden - 20347886 - RCE
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
  • 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!

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Eijsden-Margraten para niños

kids search engine
Eijsden-Margraten Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.