Schwerte
| Schwerte | |
|---|---|
 Schwerte | |
| Country | Germany |
| State | North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Admin. region | Arnsberg |
| District | Kreis Unna |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Heinrich Böckelühr (CDU) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 56.2 km2 (21.7 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 120 m (390 ft) |
| Population (2015-12-31)[1] | |
| • Total | 46,723 |
| • Density | 830/km2 (2,200/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2) |
| Postal codes | 58239 |
| Dialling codes | 02304 |
| Vehicle registration | UN |
| Website | www.schwerte.de |
Schwerte is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. About 48,000 people live there. Schwerte is in the Ruhr valley just north of the mountainous Sauerland region. The Ruhr river runs through the center of Schwerte.[2] Schwerte is a popular cycling destination for tourists.[2]
History[change | change source]
Schwerte received civic rights in the 12th century. It was a member of the medieval Hanseatic League. During World War II Schwerte housed a branch of the Buchenwald concentration camp. The camp held 710 prisoners.[3]
Controversy[change | change source]
In 2015 Schwerte officials have proposed housing refugees at the site of the former concentration camp.[4] The plan has been criticized as a bad idea by many Germans including the premier of North Rhine-Westphalia.[4] Officials say the buildings were built after the war and should not be a problem. Refugees coming to Germany include those from Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Kosovo and Serbia.[4]
References[change | change source]
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Schwerte. |
- ↑ "Amtliche Bevölkerungszahlen". Landesbetrieb Information und Technik NRW (in German). 18 July 2016.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Schwerte". .Ruhr Tourismus. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
- ↑ "Schwerte". Förderverein Buchenwald. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Soraya Nelson. "A German Plan: House Refugees In An Old Concentration Camp". NPR. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
Other websites[change | change source]
- Official site (German)
- Heimatverein Ergste Internet site of the local history society of Ergste
