Boekel

Boekel is a municipality located in the province of North Brabant in the southern Netherlands. It is situated in the eastern part of the province, near the border with Germany. The municipality encompasses the town of Boekel and the villages of Venhorst, Handel, and Huize Padua. The total land area is approximately 75 square kilometers, with a population of around 10,500 inhabitants.

Historically, the area around Boekel has been inhabited for centuries, with evidence of agricultural activity dating back to Roman times. The town of Boekel itself developed around a church, with its origins traceable to the medieval period. The economy of Boekel has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly dairy farming and crop cultivation. In recent decades, there has been diversification into small and medium-sized enterprises.

The natural environment around Boekel is characterized by a rural landscape with farmlands, forests, and small nature reserves. The Peel, a former heathland area, is located nearby and offers recreational opportunities. Boekel has a number of amenities, including schools, shops, and sports facilities. The municipality is well-connected by road, with the A50 motorway providing easy access to larger cities like Eindhoven and Nijmegen. The cultural life of Boekel is shaped by local traditions and community events, including annual festivals and markets.