Vielsalm
| Vielsalm | ||
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| Municipality | ||
Vielsalm, reflected in the lake
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 Vielsalm
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Location of Vielsalm in Luxembourg province
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| Coordinates: 50°17′N 05°55′E / 50.283°N 5.917°ECoordinates: 50°17′N 05°55′E / 50.283°N 5.917°E | ||
| Country | Belgium | |
| Community | French Community | |
| Region | Wallonia | |
| Province | Luxembourg | |
| Arrondissement | Bastogne | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Elie Deblire (cdH) | |
| • Governing party/ies | cdH - MAYEUR | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 39.76 km2 (15.35 sq mi) | |
| Population (1 January 2016) | ||
| • Total | 7,689 | |
| • Density | 190/km2 (500/sq mi) | |
| Postal codes | 6690, 6692, 6698 | |
| Area codes | 080 | |
| Website | vielsalm.be | |
Vielsalm (Walloon: Li Viye Såm) is a Walloon municipality of Belgium located in the province of Luxembourg. The town is part of the Arrondissement of Bastogne. It is the place of origin of the House of Salm.
On 1 January 2007 the municipality had 7,339 inhabitants. The total area is 139.76 km2, giving a population density of 52.5 inhabitants per km2.
The village, like Salmchâteau, takes its name from the River Salm. The region is also called the Val de Salm, and Salm region. The word "Salm" comes from the Celtic salwa, meaning black or blurred. Vielsalm means literally "Old Salm" because, at some point, the Lord moved his castle which became the new town centre.
A different popular etymology says Salm and Vielsam are taken from the German Salm, meaning salmon. The arms of the ancient house of Salm and those of the town are based on this interpretation.
Vielsalm is located in the Ardennes mountain range and the highest point within the municipal boundary is the Baraque de Fraiture, 652 metres (2,139 ft) high and is the third highest peak of Belgium. The town is surrounded by forests and farmland. In the centre is a large lake.
The municipality consists of the following sub-municipalities: Vielsalm proper, Bihain, Grand-Halleux, and Petit-Thier. Other population centers include Commanster, Fraiture, Farnières, Hébronval, Ottré, Provèdroux, Jubiéval, Règné, Rencheux, Ville-du-Bois, Petit-Halleux and Salmchâteau.
The town is situated between two main motorways, the E25 (N30) from Liege to Bastogne and the E42 (N62) at St. Vith which leads to Bitburg just across the border in Germany.
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Wikipedia