oudheden

Oudheden is a town and municipality in the central Lowlands, in the country of Gelderlandia. It comprises the town of Oudheden and several surrounding villages. The municipality covers about 48 square kilometers and has roughly 12,000 residents. The landscape is flat to gently rolling, with river bends, farmland and patches of woodland.

The name Oudheden derives from Dutch roots, with oud meaning old and heden referring to heath or commons, reflecting the historic landscape. The first written mention dates to the 13th century, when the settlement lay at a river crossing. The town developed around a market square in the late Middle Ages.

Governance is provided by a municipal council and a mayor. Local services include urban planning, education and social services. The population is largely native to Gelderlandia, with a small immigrant community.

Historically an agrarian community, Oudheden has a diversified economy. Today it includes agriculture, light manufacturing and services. The town hosts small workshops and markets and serves as a local service hub for the surrounding rural area.

Key landmarks include the ruins of Oudheden Abbey, dating from the 12th century, the 15th-century Town Hall and a traditional windmill. The annual Oudheden Antiquities Festival highlights archaeology and local heritage.

Transport connects Oudheden to the region by road and rail. A regional rail line serves Oudheden Station, with regular trains to nearby cities, and several bus routes link the town to surrounding villages. The municipality operates two primary schools, one secondary school and a public library.