Genneps

Genneps is a town and municipality in the Netherlands, usually spelled Gennep in Dutch. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, in the province of Limburg, and includes the town and several surrounding villages. The town sits along the Meuse (Maas) river valley and is connected by regional roads and rail links to larger centers such as Nijmegen to the north and Venlo to the east.

Gennep's origins date to the Middle Ages, when the settlement formed around a river crossing and local market activity. The name is believed to derive from a word meaning crossing or ford, reflecting its historic role as a crossing point between territories.

The municipality encompasses rural countryside, farmland, and small forests and waterways, illustrating the borderland character of the region. The area has been influenced by both Dutch and cross-border traditions over centuries.

The local economy combines agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and services. The town has access to railway and road networks that facilitate commuting and freight, contributing to its role as a local hub for surrounding communities.

Gennep retains a historic town center with traditional Dutch houses, churches, and civic buildings. Local markets and cross-border cultural activities contribute to the town’s regional identity.

Governance is provided by a municipal council and a mayor, with participation in intermunicipal and cross-border cooperation within the Netherlands and with neighboring Germany.

The municipality's population is in the tens of thousands, with a mix of residents reflecting rural and commuter communities.