Aartselaar

Aartselaar (, old spelling: Aertselaer) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Antwerp. The municipality only comprises the town of Aartselaar proper. In 2021, Aartselaar had a total population of 14,455 people. The total area is 10.93 km2. The municipality of Aartselaar is located in the southern outskirts of Antwerp. It is known for its 1801 windmill (Heimolen) as well as the cycling race called Memorial Rik Van Steenbergen and Aartselaar BBC, the official basketball club of the town.

Etymology
The origin of the name of the town is obscure; the most probable etymology refers to "Arcelar", a clearing in the woods (laar) located near a border (archas).

Education
The International School of Belgium is located in this municipality and offers the international IB curriculum.

Famous residents
Well-known persons who were born or reside in Aartselaar or have any other significant connection with the municipality:


 * Frans Cools (1918 - 1999), cyclist
 * Sophie De Wit (1973), politician and current mayor of Aartselaar
 * Camille Paulus (1943), politician
 * Karel Thijs (1918), cyclist
 * Geo Verbanck (1881 - 1961), sculptor