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Valkenswaard
Church in Valkenswaard
Church in Valkenswaard
Flag of Valkenswaard
Flag
Coat of arms of Valkenswaard
Coat of arms
Highlighted position of Valkenswaard in a municipal map of North Brabant
Location in North Brabant
Country Netherlands
Province North Brabant
Government
 • Body Municipal council
Area
 • Total 56.49 km2 (21.81 sq mi)
 • Land 55.01 km2 (21.24 sq mi)
 • Water 1.48 km2 (0.57 sq mi)
Elevation
25 m (82 ft)
Population
 (May 2014)
 • Total 30,336
 • Density 551/km2 (1,430/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Valkenswaarder / Valkenswaardenaar
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postcode
5550–5556
Area code 040
Valkenswaard, tijdelijke sculpturen op de Hofnar IMG 7486 2020-09-14 11.37
Temporar sculptures in front of the townhall

Valkenswaard is a town and a municipality in the southern Netherlands. It is located in the North Brabant province. The municipality had a population of 30,336 people in 2014. It covers an area of 56.49 km2 (21.81 sq mi), with 1.48 km2 (0.57 sq mi) of that being water.

The name Valkenswaard comes from its past connection to falconry. Valk is the Dutch word for "falcon." This area was once a place where people caught wild falcons. Falcons would fly south through this region every year. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, falconers from Valkenswaard were famous. They worked for many royal families in Europe, where falconry was a popular sport. Today, the falcon-catching areas have been developed. Falcons are no longer caught there.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Valkenswaard became known for its large cigar factories. Two of the most famous factories were Willem II and Hofnar. These factories played a big part in the town's economy.

History of Valkenswaard

Valkenswaard has a rich history, especially linked to its name.

Falconry and the Town's Name

The name Valkenswaard means "falcon's ford" or "falcon's worth." It comes from the time when people caught falcons here. This practice was very important to the town's identity. Falconers from Valkenswaard were highly skilled. They traveled across Europe to work for nobles and kings.

Cigar Industry Development

Later, the town's economy changed. It became a center for making cigars. Large factories like Willem II and Hofnar opened. They provided many jobs for the local people. This industry helped Valkenswaard grow and become more prosperous.

World War II Cemetery

A Second World War cemetery is located near Valkenswaard. It was created in October 1944. This cemetery is the final resting place for 220 British soldiers. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission now takes care of it. It is a place to remember those who fought for freedom.

Culture and Language

The local language spoken in Valkenswaard is Kempenlands. This is a type of East Brabantian dialect. It is very similar to everyday Dutch.

Sports and Recreation

Valkenswaard is also home to a well-known sports venue.

Eurocircuit Valkenswaard

The Eurocircuit Valkenswaard is a famous motorsport racetrack. It has hosted major international events. These include the European Rallycross Championship. It also hosts the FIM Motocross World Championship. Many exciting races take place here.

Towns and Villages in Valkenswaard

The municipality of Valkenswaard includes several population centers.

  • Borkel en Schaft
  • Dommelen
  • Valkenswaard

Topography of the Area

Gem-Valkenswaard-OpenTopo
Map of the municipality of Valkenswaard, June 2015

This map shows the different parts of the Valkenswaard municipality. It helps you see where the towns and villages are located.

Partner Cities Around the World

Valkenswaard has special connections with other cities. These are called partner municipalities. They work together on cultural and other projects.

Famous People from Valkenswaard

Many notable people were born in Valkenswaard.

Linda Williams 1
Linda Williams, 1981
  • Henk van den Breemen (1941–2024) – A Dutch military officer.
  • Pieter van Geel (born 1951) – A Dutch politician who is now retired.
  • Linda Williams (born 1955) – A Dutch singer who sang in the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest.
  • Ine Gevers (born 1960) – A Dutch art curator, writer, and activist.
  • Jeroen Mettes (1978–2006) – A Dutch poet, essayist, and blogger.
  • Dominique van Hulst (born 1981) – A singer known by her stage name Do.

Sports Stars from Valkenswaard

Valkenswaard has also produced several talented athletes.

  • Jan Tops (born 1961) – An equestrian who won a gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
  • Jens van Son (born 1987) – A Dutch professional footballer with over 250 club games.
  • Lidewij Welten (born 1990) – A Dutch field hockey player.
  • Daniëlle van de Donk (born 1991) – A Dutch professional footballer.

Gallery

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Valkenswaard para niños

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