Heusden-Zolder Live Cam

Although the Belgian automobile sport was developing in an extraordinary way in the 50-ties, only a few habitants and people in the immediate neighbourhood of the town knew the "Circuit of Zolder". The ‘Track’ consisted of a series of streets and roads leading to the parish church. It was perfect for fanatics of mechanical sports… on two wheels. In the late fifties, Piet Sermeus, the moving force behind this sport, decided to move his modest track away from the centre of Zolder.

At that very moment, another important person, Baron Henri de Villenfagne de Vogelsang, appears on the scene. They decide to call in the Dutchman builder HugenHolz – developer of the Zandvoort track – for help. A modern track was designed, fit for motor races and possible car races as well. The construction of the track was financed by amongst others, oil giant Shell, who already gave the Belgian National Team financial assistance for the purchase of its sports cars in the mid-fifties.

Heusden-Zolder History

Heusden-Zolder is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. The history of Heusden-Zolder dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements from the Neolithic period. The area was also home to the Celts and the Romans, and in the Middle Ages, it was part of the County of Loon.

In the 19th century, Heusden and Zolder were two separate municipalities. Heusden was known for its agriculture and textile industry, while Zolder was a rural area with a focus on mining. The coal mines of Zolder were among the most important in Belgium, and brought a period of growth and prosperity to the region.

During World War II, Heusden-Zolder was occupied by German forces, and the town suffered significant damage during the conflict. However, after the war, the region experienced a period of reconstruction and economic growth, with the coal mines and textile industry driving the local economy.

In the latter half of the 20th century, the coal mines began to decline, and eventually closed in the 1990s. This led to a shift in the local economy towards service industries and technology, with companies such as Nike establishing operations in the area.

Today, Heusden-Zolder is a diverse municipality with a population of around 34,000 people. It is known for its green spaces, including the Terlaemen Abbey Forest and the Bolderberg Nature Reserve, as well as its cultural attractions such as the Zolder Circuit racetrack and the Tenhaagdoornheide nature reserve.

Heusden-Zolder Top Tourist Attractions

There are several top tourist attractions in Heusden-Zolder that visitors can enjoy. Here are some of them:

• Circuit Zolder: This racetrack has hosted several international motor racing events, including the Belgian Grand Prix. Visitors can watch races, take a tour of the track, and even experience driving on the track themselves.
• Terlaemen Abbey Forest: This forest is a beautiful natural area with hiking and cycling trails, picnic areas, and a playground. It also includes the ruins of an ancient abbey.
• Bolderberg Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is known for its heathland, sand dunes, and pine forests. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bike, and see a variety of plant and animal species.
• Herkenrode Abbey: Located just outside Heusden-Zolder, this medieval abbey was founded in the 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the abbey.
• Mijnmuseum: This museum tells the story of the coal mining industry in the region and includes exhibits on the life and work of miners. Visitors can see artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays.
• Zwembad De Merel: This indoor swimming pool complex includes several pools, a sauna, a steam room, and a jacuzzi. It's a great place to relax and have fun with the family.
• Vogelsanck Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is home to a variety of bird species, including the black kite and the common buzzard. Visitors can observe the birds from designated viewing areas and learn about their habits and habitats.
• Paalse Plas: This lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and water sports. It also includes a sandy beach and picnic areas.

Heusden-Zolder Climate

Heusden-Zolder has a temperate maritime climate, which is typical for the region of Belgium. The climate is characterized by mild winters, cool summers, and relatively high levels of precipitation throughout the year. The average annual temperature in Heusden-Zolder is around 10°C (50°F), with temperatures ranging from around 2°C (36°F) in January to around 21°C (70°F) in July.

Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with an average of around 700-800mm (28-31 inches) per year. The wettest months are typically July and August, while the driest months are usually February and March.

The region can also be affected by Atlantic depressions, which can bring strong winds and heavy rainfall at times. Snowfall is relatively rare in Heusden-Zolder, although it can occur during the winter months. Overall, the climate in Heusden-Zolder is mild and moderate, making it a pleasant place to visit throughout the year.

Heusden-Zolder Geography

Heusden-Zolder is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. It covers an area of around 53 square kilometers (20.5 square miles) and is situated in the northeastern part of the province, bordering the municipalities of Hasselt, Lummen, and Houthalen-Helchteren.

The geography of Heusden-Zolder is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and open farmland. The terrain is generally flat, with elevations ranging from around 20 to 100 meters (65 to 330 feet) above sea level. The highest point in Heusden-Zolder is the Bolderberg, which reaches a height of around 100 meters (330 feet) and is a popular spot for hiking and cycling.

The municipality is also home to several bodies of water, including the Albert Canal, which runs through the northern part of the municipality, and several small lakes and ponds. The Paalse Plas is a popular recreational lake that offers swimming, fishing, and water sports.

Overall, the geography of Heusden-Zolder is a mix of urban and rural areas, with a diverse landscape that includes forests, farmland, and bodies of water.