Steinfurt (district)

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North rhine w st.png
Country  Germany
State North Rhine-Westphalia
Adm. region Münster
Capital Steinfurt
 • Total 1,792.097 km2 (691.933 sq mi)
Population (31 December 2012)[1]
 • Total 434,170
 • Density 240/km2 (630/sq mi)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Vehicle registration ST



The district is situated at the Lower Saxon 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.


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[edit]

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

Towns and municipalities[edit]

Towns Municipalities
  1. Emsdetten
  2. Greven
  3. Hörstel
  4. Horstmar
  5. Ibbenbüren
  6. Lengerich
  7. Ochtrup
  8. Rheine
  9. Steinfurt
  10. Tecklenburg
  1. Altenberge
  2. Hopsten
  3. Ladbergen
  4. Laer
  5. Lienen
  6. Lotte
  7. Metelen
  1. Mettingen
  2. Neuenkirchen
  3. Nordwalde
  4. Recke
  5. Saerbeck
  6. Westerkappeln
  7. Wettringen


External links[edit]

Media related to Kreis Steinfurt at Wikimedia Commons

Coordinates: 52°10′N 7°40′E﻿ / ﻿52.17°N 7.67°E﻿ / 52.17; 7.67