Steinfurt is a Kreis (district) in the northern part of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Neighboring districts are Bentheim, Emsland, district-free Osnabrück and the Osnabrück district, Warendorf, district-free Münster, Coesfeld, Borken.

Geography

The district is situated at the Lower Saxonian border, north of Münster. The Ems river runs through the district from south to north. Highest elevation is the Westerbecker Berg with 234m, lowest point is the Bentlage castle at 32m.

History

In late medieval times Steinfurt became an independent earldom. Originally it was a part of the earldom of Bentheim, before it became independent in 1454. 1804 Steinfurt was reunited with Bentheim, before it became a part of the Prussian province of Westphalia in 1815. The new government in 1816 created the districts Steinfurt and Tecklenburg.

In 1975 the old district Steinfurt was merged with the district Tecklenburg, and together with Greven and Saerbeck from the former district Münster the current district was formed.

Coat of arms

The coat of arms combines elements from the coat of arms of the former districts Steinfurt, Tecklenburg and Münster. The swan in the middle comes from the earldom Steinfurt, the center of the district. The red bar around the swan symbolizes the clerical state Münster, which lay around the dukedom Steinfurt. The red water lily leaves were symbol of the dukes of Tecklenburg.

Towns and municipalities

External links

• Official website (German)