User:Gemeinde Weeze

Weeze

Federal State: North Rhine-Westphalia

Administrative Region: Düsseldorf

District: Cleves

Population: 10,365

Area: 79 km²

Population density: 131/km²

Elevation above sea level: 18 m

Postal code: 47652

Area telephone code: 02837

License plate code: KLE

Mayor: Ulrich Francken (CDU)

Website: weeze.de (http://www.weeze.de)

Weeze is a municipality in the north-west of the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. It is party of the County of Kleves, which is part of the administrative region of Dusseldorf.

Contents

Geography

1.1 Location Weeze lies in the plains of the lower, northern Rhineland, west of the Rhine. The Niers River, a tributary of the Meuse River, flows through the Municipality. Weeze lies on the Netherlands border.

1.2 Subdivisions

• Weeze
• Wemb

1.3 Neighbouring towns and municipalities Weeze shares borders with Kevelaer to the south, Uedem to the east, Goch to the north and Bergen in the Netherlands to the west.

Coat of arms

The Municipality of Weeze was granted the right to carry a coat of arms by the Prussian Ministry of State on April 28th, 1928.

The coat of arms of Weeze bears the form of the patron of the town and the patron saint of the catholic church St. Cyriakus with book and palm in the left half with a blue background. The top left half depicts a dragon’s head on a golden background, the bottom right half with a white background bears a twig with five roses (Geldrian roses/medlar blooms) und leaves. The twig and the leaves are shown green and the roses red.

The coat of arms can be seen on the Weeze juror’s (court’s) crest from 1460. The dragon and the rose depict the affiliation to the former dukedom of Geldern.

History

Weeze ...

A beautiful landscape, recreation, relaxation and more in the Lower Rhine Region

EXPERIENCE WEEZE, DISCOVER THE REGION

Green pastures, majestically growing trees, gentle flowing rivers, traditional and historical castles and manor houses, imposing churches, friendly townsfolk – Weeze and the local area have a lot more to offer than at first meets the eye.

The Municipality of Weeze, consisting of the town of Weeze and the village of Wemb, has approximately 10,000 inhabitants and is situated in the heart of the County of Kleve, firmly embedded in the north-western part of the Lower Rhine Region, between Goch to the north and Kevelaer to the south, and bordering directly on the Netherlands. However, a quick look at a geographical map is not enough to describe the Municipality. Only those who have visited Weeze can really say what makes it so special, because its inhabitants have made it what it is today: A picturesque little town in the Federal State of North Rhine Westphalia.

Looking after their heritage has been a trait long supported by Weeze’s townsfolk. Examples of this traditional awareness are the lovingly restored catholic church of “Sankt Cyriakus”, excavations from the Stone and Bronze Ages, Wissen Castle complete with moat, Kalbeck Castle and the ruins of Hertefeld Castle.

An area in and around today’s Weeze was first-mentioned in a document from King Lothar II in 855 a.d. when the King presented the regional Earl Ansfried a piece of estate to the east of the River Niers “in villa que vocator Geizefurt”.

Individual artefacts from the earliest settlement of the area date back to the early/middle Stone Age. In the following periods a burial site with 1,000 hills in the area of Kalbeck, settlement remains on the Hees, remnants of the Roman road between Cologne and Nijmegen in the Netherlands and a significant discovery of Roman silver coins have all been found on municipal soil. Franconian burial sites from around 700/800 a. d. have also been unearthed in the close vicinity of the town centre.

The municipal development suffered a major setback during the Second World War when eighty percent of the town was destroyed.Through commitment, hard work and craft skills the citizens of Weeze managed to rebuild the town. Destroyed houses and buildings were rebuilt in the fifties and sixties. The town development was continuously pursued and culminated in the redevelopment of the town centre. Today, the town centre is the forum for all manner of activities such as the Kirmes (carnival fair), christmas markets, street parties and much much more.

Weeze became well-known through its energetic shoe-makers, whose shoes were distributed to Krefeld and Wuppertal, later through carpentry and woodworking, and through the Royal Air Force base at Laarbruch, which was located in the heart of the Municipality between 1954 and 1999. Today it is the newly opened regional airport “Airport Niederrhein”, located on the former Royal Air Force airbase at Laarbruch, which is helping Weeze to become a household name throughout Europe. Weeze flourishes in its landscape setting

In line with the motto “only change is continuous” the townsfolk never tire in their aspirations to make the Municipality more attractive and friendlier so that visitors feel at home here. Visitors can almost feel this “love” for the town on a stroll through the small and picturesque town – a “love” which simply invites you to stay a little longer.

The countryside Municipality of Weeze is a magnet for tourists and, of course, nature lovers alike. The idyllic setting on the River Niers in the northern part of the Lower Rhine Region combined with the close proximity to the Netherlands make Weeze an easily accessible town. On its way to the Meuse River the Niers snakes past castles and old farmhouses. Natural and historical sights of interest are dotted throughout the Municipality, making the idyllic countryside setting even more attractive and interesting.

Culture and tourism

Discover Weeze and relax in Weeze

Poplar trees rustling in the wind, the quiet waters of the Niers River reflecting the sun, willows casually allowing their branches to hang, the sun silhouetting one of the castles in Weeze or even the catholic church of St. Cyriakus – these are the moments that one normally wants to last for ever. You can experience these moments in and around Weeze. For example during a cycling tour. The Lower Rhine landscape offers extensive kilometres of attractive cycling paths in and around Weeze, along idyllic river pastures near the Niers and Meuse Rivers, past proud fortresses, castles and manor houses, enchanting pubs and inns in Germany and the Netherlands.

Weeze offers leisure and more

The Municipality offers a wide range of outdoor activities. An almost 210 kilometre network of bridle, cycling and rambling paths, partially along the Niers River, as well as recreational activities such as angling, canoeing and kart racing round off an abundance of leisure activities in and around the Municipality.

The ruins of Hertefeld Castle rekindle memories of days of old when knights roamed the countryside. The baroque gardens of Kalbeck Castle are a continual reminder of the grand and noble court life of past times. Wissen Castle with its moat reminds you of the grandeur of the past and of buildings and life in the Middle Ages.

The “Herrensitz-Route”, a border-crossing cycling route, guides cyclists to these and many other highlights and attractions of the region, such as Kleve, home of Anne of Cleves, Kevelaer, famous for its pilgrimages, Moyland Castle between Kalkar and Bedburg-Hau, or Gennep in the Netherlands where the Meuse and Niers Rivers converge. In fact the majority of the highlights of the region are only a short drive from Weeze, making it the ideal stepping stone for short breaks. More information on the local area is available in the brochure “Herrensitz-Route – ein grenzenloses Radfahr-Erlebnis” or at the local tourist office in the Town Hall in Weeze.

The Niers landscape also offers untold pleasure for hikers and ramblers: Walk as far as your feet will carry you and experience idyllic river pastures. En route you can step in to the lap of comfort in one of the local pubs or inns, where you will be welcomed with open arms. Strengthened by sour roast, cooked ox breast, with a typical Lower Rhine beverage you can continue on your voyage of discovery.

It’s a bit shaky and wobbly when you first step into a canoe, but once you are in and canoeing down the Niers River the sights and sounds of the country landscape will soon help you to forget your initial uncertainty. Just float down the river and relax your mind, body and soul! Take in the sights and sounds of pure countryside, of the Municipality of Weeze and of the Lower Rhine Region.

An enjoyable canoeing tour could for example begin at Wissen Castle. It will take you past old farms, castles, historical towns and you will encounter sheep, cows, horses, fish, dragonflies, swans and other bird life en route in the direction of Weeze and Goch. Stop over in Weeze and enjoy an overnight stay in a hay-hotel, in a tent or if you prefer more comfort choose one of the local hotels. At the same time you can enjoy a traditional meal or a barbecue and drink during your break.

The Weeze animal park with its educational trail and children’s zoo is a special attraction for families. The park is located on the edge of the town next to the ruins of Hertefeld Castle and is within easy walking distance from the town centre of Weeze.

Enjoy the leisure and relaxation Weeze has to offer!

Weeze offers sport and recreation

Who hasn’t heard of the now legendary 5 x 5 km relay race or the Whit-Monday half marathon? These and other sporting highlights have helped to make Weeze known beyond the municipal and state borders. Athletes from all over Europe have come to Weeze – from England, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Weeze is an international town!

A sporting experience of a different kind is offered by the indoor kart track. Here you can press the accelerator to its limit and as a family imitate the world of formula 1 racing.

For those who prefer other recreational acitivities Weeze has a lot more to offer. From horse-riding holidays for children to extensive cycling and canoeing tours there is a wide choice available for individual travellers, families and groups. Canoeing on the Niers River and cycling are ideal activities for getting to know the Municipality of Weeze, the countryside in and around the Municipality and for meeting the local townsfolk.

You can choose from day tours, weekend and week-long packages. Overnight stays in tents, in the town’s hay-hotel and in one of the more traditional hotels offer you a wide variety of accommodation for your personal desires and for your wallet. Just ask the local tourist office to help you choose the right activity for your stay.

Weeze for the sociable

Weeze townsfolk like to party and celebrate and the more guests that come along the better the event. Not just the local pubs and cafés show you the proper hospitality but also the numerous clubs and associations, from traditional shooting clubs to historical associations, offer you all manner of activities and events will help to make your stay an enjoyable one.

Activities such as the annual street party, carnival and children’s carnival parade, annual carnival fair, sports events, handicraft markets, christmas market, musical festivals in the grounds of the castles in Weeze, cultural displays, organised cycling tours and much much more will give you an insight into local cultural life.

Weeze for culture lovers

Weeze townsfolk like to show visitors the historical sites which have been painstakingly and lovingly restored. Looking after their heritage has been a trait long supported by Weeze’s townsfolk. Examples of this traditional awareness are the lovingly restored catholic church of “Sankt Cyriakus”, excavations from the Stone and Bronze Ages, Wissen Castle complete with moat, Kalbeck Castle and the ruins of Hertefeld Castle.

Perhaps it is the proximity to the Netherlands which makes Weeze so tolerant and multinational: street festivals, the famous relay race, the carnival fair, historical and traditional handicraft markets, music festivals in the rooms and gardens of the three castles of Hertefeld, Kalbeck and Wissen in the Municipality boast international participation and visitors. The town is also twinned with Watton in Norfolk (GB).

Enjoy culture in Weeze!

Wissen Castle

Wissen Castle with it moat is just one example. Its majestic and picturesque location to the south of Weeze on the B 9 trunk road means that it is just as important today as it was in former times. The roots of this wonderful complex date back to the 14th century. After a number of different building phases, today’s castle is primarily new gothic in design. The von Loe Family extensively restored the castle between 1969 and 1973. Here, too, one can see the love shown by Weeze’s townsfolk for their native land.

The castle grounds hide much more, such as the old orangery or the romantic mill from 1545. However, a true highlight is depicted by the new gothic castle chapel which was built in 1876 – a masterpiece of German church architecture designed by an architect from Cologne, Vincenz Statz. You will be struck by wonder and awe when you view the chapel.

Classical friends can savour the Wissen Castle Family Concerts in the rooms of the historical castle: Bach and Mozart within the noble walls of the castle complex can be a real highlight of any stay in Weeze.

Kalbeck Castle

Exactly on the other side of Weeze, to the north, is the hidden complex of Kalbeck, hardly visible from the road and situated in a large wood. This Castle, too, has a long history: first mentioned as a moated-castle in 1326. Destroyed by fire on a number of occasions, Baron Friedrich von Vittinghoff-Schell built it anew in 1909 with westphalian moated-castles of the 18th century serving as models for the design. The gardens of the Castle provide the perfect backdrop for a classical outdoor concert in the summer.

The ruins of Hertefeld Castle

The third castle in the alliance, which one has to see, is Hertefeld Castle. It lies to the east of Weeze and is still owned by the family “zu Eulenburg und Hertefeld”. After major destruction in the Second World War only the neighbouring house from 1706 remains of the complex. However, the ruins of the Castle have been intensively bolstered so that the remaining historical walls will soon be able to host classical and theatrical events.

Economy and transport links

Welcome to Europe's Newest Airport

The airport in the Municipality of Weeze was formerly home to the Royal Air Force base at Laarbruch between 1954 and 1999. The airport was converted after the departure of the Royal Air Force and today it is the newly opened regional airport “Airport Weeze” which is helping to create jobs in the region and helping Weeze to become a household name throughout Europe.

The new airport commenced operations in May 2003 with regular-scheduled airline services. Situated right at the Autobahn 57 in the Municipality of Weeze near the City of Cleves, this new airport has been designed for low-cost airlines to operate efficiently in a modern and attractive environment. Airport Weeze is easily accessible and is an inexpensive alternative for approximately 11 million Dutch and German business travellers and tourists alike.

With the new passenger terminal, a highly motivated team and professional partners, Airport Weeze combines the advantages of a clear and stress-free regional airport with the amenities and services of an international airport.

Accessibility:

From the Rhineland (south) From Cologne / Duesseldorf via the autobahn A 57,exit Uedem / Weeze, follow the airport signs.

From the Ruhr area / Westphalia (east) Autobahn A 40 or A 42 to A57 direction of Nijmegen (Nimwegen), exit Uedem/Weeze, follow the airport signs

From The Netherlands (west) From Eindhoven on autobahn A 67 via Venlo to A 40 and to A 57, exit Uedem / Weeze, follow the airport signs. From North Holland via Nijmegen (Nimwegen) to A 73, A 77 and A 57, exit Goch/Weeze, follow the airport signs.

The building measures approximately 140 x 70 Meters and features useable space on two floors. The overall useable floor space totals about 13000 square meters. Apart from operational areas required for air operations; office space, shop space and floor space for restaurants is offered. The terminal building was developed out of an existing steel building dating back to 1933. The awe-inspiring assembly is visible within the building. The large-scale glass front, granite floor and a modern interior provide for an up-to-date appearance. A distinct structure enables an easy orientation within the building. Right in front of the terminal, parking spaces for 1000 vehicles (cars, busses and taxis) were built.

History 1954 - Royal Air Force Station Laarbruch (Weeze) 1993 - Airport Niederrhein Authority is established 1997- Use concepts for the airport are developed 1999 - Royal Air Force leaves Laarbruch/Weeze (loss of 400 jobs and approx. 5,000 British inhabitants in the Municipality of Weeze) 2001 - Approval and acceptance by investors 2002 - Construction of the airport passenger terminal begins 2003 - Commercial air operation commences on 1 May

For further information on airport facilities, operations and flight destinations visit the following website: www.airport-weeze.de

Weeze aspires to become a modern town

The departure of almost 40 percent of the local population with the withdrawal of British personnel and the closure of RAF Laarbruch 1n 1999 left Weeze’s politicians and inhabitants with a major challenge. However, the love of the townsfolk for their Municipality has helped to lead Weeze towards modernisation and a change for the better. Old housing “ghettos” and flats have been torn down to make way for friendlier and affordable housing. Industrial estates have been redesigned and extended so that companies have been able to expand and new companies have, as a result, chosen Weeze as a home base. The population has grown by almost 10 % since the departure of RAF personnel and their families. Now politicians are targeting a future population of 12,000.

With the positive economic perspective provided by Airport Niederrhein, which already employs in the region of 350 locals, the Municipality of Weeze will undergo many changes in its infrastructure. Roads to and from the airport will have to be extended and improved to meet future demand. Schools and kindergartens will to have grow in capacity for the targeted increase in population. The list of modernisation work is long, but with the same love and tireless work put into rebuilding the town after the extensive destruction caused during the Second World War, the Weeze townsfolk know that their town will be able to meet the demands put on it by modernisation.

The Municipality is ideally located and can easily be reached by road and rail: via Autobahn 57, via trunk road B 9 or by rail on the Cologne-Kleve link. Due to this fact and the easy accessibility from the Rhine-Ruhr Region, from Dusseldorf and Krefeld, as well as from the Netherlands, Weeze is an attractive site for commercial businesses. With recent state approval for the development of the former RAF Laarbruch airbase into a regional civilian airport with a logistical and industrial base, a projected 2,000 jobs will be created by the year 2010.

6 Sons and daughters of the Municipality of Weeze

7 References

8 External links