Essen, municipality in Antwerp, Belgium
Essen is a small municipality in Antwerp province located directly on the Dutch border. It comprises several areas including the centre, Heikant, Horendonk, and Wildert, each with its own distinct character and neighbourhoods.
Archaeological findings show that people lived in the area thousands of years ago. During the Middle Ages, Tongerlo Abbey influenced the settlement and supported growth and farming in the region.
The town's name reflects its historical roots in the region. Local traditions remain visible through community gatherings at churches and halls, where residents celebrate special occasions and maintain connections passed down through generations.
The train line ends here at the last Belgian station before crossing into the Netherlands, making the town easy to access by rail and bus. From here you can easily reach larger cities like Antwerp or travel to the neighbouring country.
The railway arrived here in the 1800s and turned it into a busy crossing point between Belgium and the Netherlands. The old station building and railway infrastructure remain, telling the story of this important connection between the two countries.
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