Zutendaal Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Zutendaal

Flag	Coat of arms

Zutendaal

Location in Belgium

Country

Flemish Community

Arrondissement

Hasselt

Area

• Total

32.07 km² (12.38 sq mi)

Population

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• Total

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Postal codes

3690

Area codes

089

Website

www.zutendaal.be

Zutendaal (which sounds like "zoo-ten-daal") is a small town in Belgium. It is located in the Limburg province. On January 1, 2017, about 7,269 people lived there. The town covers an area of 32.07 square kilometers. This means about 227 people live in each square kilometer.

Besides the main town of Zutendaal, there are other smaller areas. These include Gewaai, Papendaal, Besmer, Broek, Stalken, Roelen, Daal, and Wiemesmeer.

What Does the Name Zutendaal Mean?
A Quick Look at Zutendaal's History
What Zutendaal is Like Today
- Fun Things to Do in Zutendaal
How Zutendaal's Population Has Grown
Images for kids
See also

What Does the Name Zutendaal Mean?

The first time Zutendaal was written about was in 1292. It was called Suerbroeck back then. This name meant "acidic swampy land." It described the wet, sour ground around the village.

Later, in 1345, the name changed to Zuetendael. This new name means "Sweet Valley." It showed that there were many fresh water sources nearby.

A Quick Look at Zutendaal's History

Some of the oldest parts of Zutendaal are Papendaal, Broek, Stalken, and Roelen. These areas grew near natural springs. Other parts like Wiemesmeer, Gewaai, and Besmer were built later. Besmer used to be part of another town called Lanaken. It became part of Zutendaal in the 1800s.

Early Buildings and Changes

People believe the first church in Zutendaal was built around the 600s. It was started by monks from the Abbey of Munsterbilzen. In 1304, a powerful count gave the church to the Abbey of Averbode. You can still see parts of the old village center today. It is located around the town square, called Vijverplein.

Times of Trouble and Battles

In the 1500s and 1600s, Zutendaal faced many problems. Groups of traveling soldiers caused trouble. In 1598, the church was even burned down. People had to build defenses to stay safe from these soldiers.

Later, in 1790, a battle happened on Hesselsberg hill. This fight was between local revolutionaries and soldiers from another region. The soldiers were supporting the Prince-Bishop of Liège.

Modern Developments in Zutendaal

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the heathland around Zutendaal was planted with trees. These trees were grown to provide wood for mining. In 1938, a factory that made explosives was built in the area.

During World War II, in 1944, American forces built the Zutendaal Air Base. A big battle called Operation Bodenplatte happened there on January 1, 1945. After the war, in 1953, the air base became a reserve base for NATO.

What Zutendaal is Like Today

Zutendaal is known for having many forests. It is one of the most wooded towns in Flanders. Because of this, tourism is an important way for people to earn money.

Fun Things to Do in Zutendaal

The town is famous for its barefoot path at the Lieteberg. This is a special path where you walk without shoes. It is also one of the main entrances to the Hoge Kempen National Park. This large park almost completely surrounds Zutendaal.

Besides tourism, some companies in Zutendaal dig for sand and gravel. Zutendaal is also part of a group of towns along the Albert Canal. This group works together to help the local economy.