Sellingen
Sellingen (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈsɛlɪŋən]; Gronings: Zèlng [ˈzɛːɫŋ̍]) is a village in the Dutch province of Groningen. It is a part of the municipality of Westerwolde, and lies about 25 kilometres (16 mi) northeast of Emmen. In 2021, statistical area "Sellingen", which also includes the surrounding countryside, had a population of 1,880, and the village of Sellingen had 1,045.[1] OverviewSellingen was founded in the 12th century on a sandy ridge along the River Ruiten Aa . The church dates from the 1300s,[3] however a church in Sellingen was already mentioned around 1150 on a list of possession of the Diocese of Osnabrück.[4]: 30 In the 15th century, the Ter Apel Monastery was part of the parish of Sellingen.[5] In 1665, the bishop of Münster secretly constructed a road through the moor from Walchum in Lower Saxony to Sellingen as part of a planned invasion of Groningen. At neighbouring Jipsinghuizen, the Münster Army was attacked by the Dutch Republic, and had to retreat after the Battle of Jipsinghuizen. The road was removed afterwards.[4]: 33 Around 1750, the first school was built in Sellingen.[6] In October 1964, a road was opened between Sellingen and Walchum. Despite protests by both municipalities, the border remained fenced off, because Germany did not want to establish a border post.[7] Sellingen used to be part of the municipality of Bourtange. In 1821, it became part of Vlagtwedde.[4]: 9 Many people desired a more central location of the municipal council. In 1889, the council voted to move the seat to Sellingen.[4]: 11 In 2017, Vlagtwedde merged into Westerwolde, however Sellingen is still one of the two seats.[6] NatureThere was still a raised bog to the west of Sellingen. In the 1930s, the heath was cultivated, however 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of forest remained, and is known as the Sellingerbossen.[8] It is somewhat random landscape with forests, meadows and swamps, and is known for its variety of damselflies.[9] The Hasseberg is located near the German border, and is the highest point in Groningen at 14.6 metres (48 ft).[10] Notable people
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