Craving a journey through time and landscape? Let’s explore Kreis Unna. It is a district brimming with history and natural beauty.
Kreis Unna is located right in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia. It exists since October 17, 1930. Before that it was known as the district of Hamm. The Kreis Unna assumed its current form on January 1, 1975. The city of Unna is its administrative center.
The Kreis Unna is part of the Ruhr region. It also borders the Sauerland and Münsterland regions. The Ardeygebirge and the Haarstrang hills are located within Kreis Unna. The rivers Ruhr, Lippe and Seseke flow through the district. Even the Emscher River has its source here.
Let’s rewind to the past. Most of the Kreis Unna once belonged to the County of Mark. Later it became part of Brandenburg/Prussia. Only parts of Lünen, Schwerte, Selm, and Werne were exceptions. In 1753, local government reforms led to the creation of the first district of Hamm. During Napoleon’s rule, it was part of the Ruhr district. After the French occupation the district of Hamm was re-established.
In 1901, Hamm became a separate urban authority. However, the district administration remained in Hamm. In 1929, the administration moved to Unna. The district was renamed Kreis Unna in 1930. Later reforms changed the district’s boundaries. In 1975, Lünen, Schwerte, Werne and Selm were incorporated into the Kreis Unna.
Now, let’s talk numbers. As of December 31, 2023, Kreis Unna has 396,283 residents. The population has decreased by about 7% since 2000. It was around 430,000 back then.
Kreis Unna shares borders with several districts and cities. These include Kreis Coesfeld, the city of Hamm, Kreis Soest, and others.
The district’s coat of arms combines symbols of the Counts of Mark. It features the red and silver checkered bar. It also shows the red lion of Berg. The flag of Kreis Unna is divided into red and white with the coat of arms in the center.
Since 1967, Kreis Unna has been partnered with the Kirklees Metropolitan Council in England. After German reunification, a partnership with Kreis Templin was established. Since 1997, there has been a partnership with Powiat Nowosądecki in Poland.
Kreis Unna is connected to the European air network. It is accessible via Dortmund Airport near Holzwickede. Düsseldorf Airport is also about an hour away by car or train.
The Kreis Unna is well-connected by rail. Ten railway lines serve the district. Several regional express and regional railway lines operate here.
The Verkehrsgesellschaft Kreis Unna mbH (VKU) operates the local bus services. Four express bus lines connect the towns and municipalities. There are also city, regional, and taxi buses.
Kreis Unna is a blend of history, nature, and modern connections. It is a district that has evolved over centuries. It offers a unique glimpse into the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia.