Kelmis/ La Calamine - the independent
Kelmis (from calaminis: calamine-bearing rocks) lies right in the North of the DG. At the three countries triangle nearby the frontiers of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet.
The district of Kelmis gained notoriety from its unusual political status in the 19th century. On account of its rich deposits of calamine, Holland and Prussia had fallen out over the area around "Altenberg". The valuable zinc-ore is necessary to the production of brass. Kelmis provided for the brass production of Dinant, Namur and Aachen.
Independent … and confused?
As no solution to the issue could be found at the Congress of Vienna in 1815, this small fleck of land remained independent, under the name of "Neutral Moresnet" until 1919, being jointly administered by the Netherlands (later by Belgium) and Germany. Legend has it that many dubious figures of regional history enjoyed the ambiguity that this status gave their affairs. Among other profitable enterprises, illegitimate children of the nobility were also conveniently removed to the neutral mini-state.
Where violets bloom...
Not to be missed: the Nature reserve with its calamine violets, the Göhl Valley Museum and the Hammerbrücke (Hammer Bridge) in Hergenrath. This bridge was built in 1840 as part of Belgium's first external rail connection. Destroyed in World War II, it has now been restored and renovated for the new high-speed rail line, the TGV.
A detour to Eynaburg castle, known in the local dialect as the "Emmaburg", is also recommended. This beautiful mediaeval structure is rumoured to have served as a trysting place for Charlemagne's daughter and her noble lover. Romantic the castle definitely is, and surely, we all need a little romance today?
Situation: the most northern and smallest of the DG district authorities
Population: 10,117 (P W-G)
Area: 18.1 km² (P W-G)
Localities: Hergenrath, Kelmis, Neu-Moresnet
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