Kelmis used to have a railway station!
In the old days, into the 1950s, Kelmis was prospering due too its mining and refining industry. It in fact was in focus of the rich and successful, and the local population could not cover the needs in human resources. In the preáutomobile times, the situation called for a railway connection. This was provided by line 39A that was active from 1871 until 1951 to connect Kelmis with Moresnet (and the Aachen tram), and further on to the rest of the world. The line is sadly suspended, and the tracks are removed - but possibly, as in other regions, a new era of public transport via railway may arise from the needs of counteracting gentrification and keeping distinct places connected and alive. Belgium is still a railway country, and may re-expand its facilities in the future.
By 1871, a station was needed. With such an inportant local industry, the station should cover the needs for access of humans and materials to and from the place, and exhibit an adequate appearance, corresponding to the impact and reputation of the place. The local mining company identified their directorate as appropriate, and so it was done.
Until recently, the representative building was out of use until the commune of Kelmis, supported by the Eupen region, invested some 1.8million Euro to restore this architectural jewel of Art Nouvelle style and now opened its new museum MVM there (http://www.grenzrouten.eu/museen/2vieille_montagne/index.html) <\a>.
The region is rich in history, and as well naturally beautiful, with an exeptional Galmei related flora.
Today it is connected by busses to Eupen, Vaals, and Aachen. Bring your time to explore the region, take a walk or a hike, enjoy meeting the friendly locals: you can test their exceptional beers and foods, and visit the MVM (GC81TYZ). The village of Kelmis is most active, for example attending the local Karneval events, e.g. the parade, is highly recommended.
The cache is a small magnetic box (see new spoiler) and it bears no pencil.
Remarks: We travel a lot, we can understand texts in 6 languages, and we are home in three European countries, each of them using their own local/national language. We still decided to communicate in English in our caches since this is the current lingua franca, the most common option we share in communication across our diverse origins. We experienced ourselves how difficult caching may turn out for non-locals. Those who prefer their own language, please kindly consult with google translate (translate.google.com/?hl=de) .