Doornes

Doornes is a town and commune in the northern part of Valoria, bordered by the Doornes River to the west and the Doornes Forest to the east. The municipality covers about 42 square kilometers and had a population of roughly 6,200 in 2022. The name is of old regional origin, probably referring to thorn hedges that once lined the main road.

The landscape is gently rolling, with clay-loam soils and a temperate maritime climate. The river supports wetlands along its lower course; agricultural lands surround the town, growing potatoes, sugar beet, and rapeseed.

Doornes arose in the 12th century as a market town centered on trade along regional routes. A charter in 1234 granted market rights. The 18th- to 19th-century textile and timber industries spurred growth; industrial decline in the mid-20th century gave way to services, logistics, and light manufacturing. In the 2000s, the municipality invested in renewable energy and digital infrastructure.

Doornes operates as a commune with a mayor-council government. The council has 15 seats. The current mayor is Lena Holm. The economy emphasizes services, small-scale manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics, with the Doornes Industrial Park and nearby wind farms contributing to energy supply.

Key landmarks include the Market Square, the 17th-century Doornes Mill, and the Thorn Gate cultural center. The Thorn Festival, held each June, attracts visitors from surrounding municipalities. Transport links include regional rail to Nordhaven and express bus routes; the town is connected to the national highway network via Highway 54. Education facilities include Doornes Primary School, Doornes Secondary School, and a regional campus of Valoria Technical College.