Südwestpfalz is a district (Kreis) in the south of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Neighboring districts are (from west clockwise) Saarpfalz, the district-free city Zweibrücken, the districts Kaiserslautern and Bad Dürkheim, the district-free city Landau (the Taubensuhl/Fassendeich forest part of the city), Südliche Weinstraße, and the French departement Bas-Rhin. The district-free city Pirmasens is completely surrounded by the district.

History

The district was created in 1818 as the Landkommisariat Pirmasens. During the communal reforms of 1968-72 several changes were made to the district. In 1969 the neighboring district Bad Bergzabern was dissolved and some part of it was added, while other municipalities were incorporated into the city Pirmasens. In 1972 the district Zweibrücken was dissolved and added into the district Pirmasens, which in 1997 renamed itself to Südwestpfalz.

Geography

The district is located in the hills of the Palatinate. The river Lauter has its spring near the city of Pirmasens.

Coat of arms

The three red bars on golden ground in the left half is the coat of arms of Hanau-Lichtenberg, while the lion in the right half is the lion of Palatinate. These marks the two historic states which were located on the districts area until the end of the 18th century.

Towns and municipalities

External links

• Official website (German)