Vijlen
Vijlen (Limburgish: Viele) is a village in the South-East part of the Dutch province of Limburg. The village is constituted of a number of hamlets, among which Mamelis, Camerig, Harles and Cottessen. Including these hamlets, Vijlen has around 1,500 inhabitants (in 2005) and is part of the municipality of Vaals. Located at 200 meters above Normaal Amsterdams Peil, on top of the Vijlenerberg (Vijlener hill), it is the highest situated town in the Netherlands. The neo-gothic and Catholic St. Martinus church, which is located in the center of the village, is known as the highest located church in the country.
Vijlen | |
|---|---|
Village | |
 Vijlen in 2005 | |
  Vijlen Location in the Netherlands  Vijlen Location in the province of Limburg in the Netherlands | |
| Coordinates: 50°47′23″N 5°57′47″E | |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Province | Limburg |
| Municipality | Vaals |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.19 km2 (1.62 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 192 m (630 ft) |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
| • Total | 1,270 |
| • Density | 300/km2 (790/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 6294[1] |
| Dialing code | 043 |
The area around the village is well known for its natural environment and landscapes. The 'Mergelland Route', a touristic route through the South-Limburg area, leads through the village and its surroundings. With lodging and camping facilities available, tourism related business is a key source of income for the village.
The origin of the village is most likely Roman. The name Vijlen is generally believed to be derived from the Roman word 'villa' or 'villare' (farm estate or 'belonging to a farm estate'). Remains of a Roman villa have been found close to the village. The earliest known documentation on the village originates from 1016. Documentation of a gift to the abbey of Aachen-Burtscheidt in that year mentions property in Villiam (Uilliam). In the adjoining forest, the 'Vijlener bos', evidence of much earlier human activity in the area has been found. Communal graves from the Linear Pottery culture have been recovered, and indicate human settlements in the area around 5000 years ago.[3]
Gallery
Vijlen, church
Vijlen, the village
References
- "Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2021". Central Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
- "Postcodetool for 6294AA". Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland (in Dutch). Het Waterschapshuis. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
- " Op ontdekkingstocht door Zuid Limburg". Reisgids en naslagwerk voor toeristen en bewoners. Uitgeverij Filatop (streekreeks nr. 3) ISBN 90-803027-6-7 uitgave 2003
