Elten

Elten is a village in western Germany, located in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is part of the town of Hünxe in the district of Wesel, near the border with the Netherlands. The community lies in the Lower Rhine region and is one of several localities that form the town of Hünxe.

Geography and land use: Elten sits on the eastern edge of the Rhine valley, characterized by rural landscapes, agricultural fields, and small woodlands. It is connected by regional roads to nearby towns such as Wesel and Emmerich, and to the Dutch border to the east. The surrounding countryside reflects the agricultural character of the Rhine region.

History: The area has medieval origins and has long been part of the borderlands of the Holy Roman Empire. Through the centuries, Elten experienced various changes in sovereignty as regional powers shifted. In the modern era it became part of Prussia and, after World War II, part of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. During territorial reforms in the 20th century, Elten was incorporated into the municipality of Hünxe.

Landmarks and culture: The village preserves a historic center with traditional architecture and a parish church that serves the local community. The surrounding countryside displays the rural heritage of the Rhine region, including cycling routes and hedgerows typical of the area. The border location has also contributed to cross-border cultural exchange over the years.

Economy and people: Elten has a small, local economy anchored by agriculture and regional services, with residents who commute to larger towns in the region. The community participates in cross-border tourism and cultural exchange common to the Dutch-German border area.