Stendal is a district (Kreis) in the north-east of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Neighboring districts are (from south clockwise) Jerichower Land, Ohrekreis, Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, the district Lüchow-Dannenberg in Lower Saxony, and the districts Prignitz, Ostprignitz-Ruppin and Havelland in Brandenburg.

History

In the administrative reform of 1994 the previous district Stendal was merged with the districts Osterburg and Havelberg.

Geography

The district is located in the Altmark region. The highest elevation is the 132,8 m high Landsberg. Main rivers in the district are the Elbe and the Havel.

Partnerships

In 1990 a friendship with the Russian district Yarzevo was started, which grew into a partnership in 1996. In 1994 a partnership with the Lithuanian district Mazeikiai was started. Further partnerships exist with the district Lippe in North Rhine-Westphalia, and the Swedish municipality Vårgårda.

Coat of arms

The red eagle in the left of the coat of arms is the symbol of Brandenburg, representing that historically the Altmark was part of Brandenburg. It also stands for the district Havelland. The golden trefoil with three oak leaves symbolizes the old district Stendal, and is taken from the coat of arms of the family Bismarck. The three golden diamonds on black ground come from the coat of arms of the dukes of Osterburg, representing the former district Osterburg.

Towns and municipalities

External links

• Official website (German)