Wellen

Wellen is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. On 1 January 2018, Wellen had a total population of 7,402. The total area is 26.72 km², giving a population density of 266 inhabitants per km2.

Wellen
Flag
Coat of arms
Wellen
Location in Belgium
Location of Wellen in Limburg
Coordinates: 50°51′N 05°19′E
CountryBelgium
CommunityFlemish Community
RegionFlemish Region
ProvinceLimburg
ArrondissementTongeren
Government
  MayorEls Robeyns (SPa)
  Governing party/ies(SPa)
Area
  Total26.72 km2 (10.32 sq mi)
Population
 (2018-01-01)[1]
  Total7,402
  Density280/km2 (720/sq mi)
Postal codes
3830-3832
Area codes012, 011
Websitewww.wellen.be

The municipality consists of the following sub-municipalities: Wellen, Berlingen, Herten and Ulbeek. Other population centres and hamlets include: Bos, Beurs, Kukkelberg, Langenakker, Oetersloven, Overbroek, Russelt, and Vrolingen.

History

Archaeological findings suggest the place was inhabited already during the Frankish period (5th to 7th century). Debris from the river Herk on that spot made fertile soil for farming. Mention of the name Wellene or Welnis doesn't occur until the second half of the 12th.

The name Wellen derives from the Middle Dutch "wellene", meaning "source" or "pit" or, alternately, from Latin terra Villina, "agricultural holding". Wellen was long associated with the abbey of Munsterbilzen, founded around 670.

References

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