Eupen, Belgium

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continuous belt of meadow and pasture stretches from the hills of the Aachener Wald to the banks of the Meuse. Eupen has, despite its modest altitude of 300m/984ft, a cool highland climate which has contributed to its reputation as a popular health resort. Visitors can among other things enjoy the Kneipp water cure. Most of the inhabitants of the town are employed in the textile industry and manufacture of man-made fibers, with 25% of the workforce commuting from the surrounding countryside. Eupen is the headquarters of the council, the executive and administration of the German-speaking part of Belgium and the German language Belgian radio station is here.

Eupen, which once belonged to the Duchy of Limburg, is first mentioned in the Chronicles in 1213. The Duchy's location proved to be a frequent drawback for the town. As a result of the Battle of Worringen (1288) Limburg, and therefore Eupen, became part of the Duchy of Brabant.

But in 1387 Joanna of Brabant handed over Limburg to Burgundy. Only 90 years later (1477) the Duchy of Limburg was acquired by the Austrian Habsburgs, but their domination only lasted until 1555. The Duchies of Limburg and Brabant were then taken over by Spain. In 1674 Eupen received its town charter. After the Peace Treaty of Utrecht (1713) the Austrian Habsburgs became its rulers for the second time. Eupen became prosperous during this period and by 1721 had a population 13,000. The famous cloth industry of Eupen exported its products to the whole world. In 1795 the district of Eupen was annexd by France, but after the defeat of Napoleon it became part of Prussia (Congress of Vienna 1815). Until 1920 Eupen was the westernmost district of Germany. In the Treaty of Versailles the town was given to the Kingdom of Belgium, but was again part of Germany between 1940 and 1945.