Amel - where dwarves once dwelt

Amel, rooted in the Celtic word for water - "amblava", takes its name from the local river Amel (or Amblève, where it runs through francophone territory). The village of Amel is the oldest inhabited locality in East Belgium. It was already mentioned in a charter dating from 670 A.D. As half the district of Amel is forested, timber represents the lion's share of the local economy. The wood from these forests passes from sawmills to carpenters before being sold.