Hildesheim (district)

The District of Hildesheim (German: Landkreis Hildesheim) is a district (Landkreis) in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is bounded by (from the north and clockwise) the Hanover Region, the districts of Peine, Wolfenbüttel, Goslar, Northeim and Holzminden, and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (district of Lippe).

Geography

The district is located in the southern part of Lower Saxony. The Weser Uplands occupy the western part of the district. The northern and eastern parts belong to the North German Plain. The Leine river enters the district in the south, runs through the city of Hildesheim and leaves in the northwest to join the Aller river.

History

The district was established in 1885. In 1946, the city of Hildesheim became a district-free city, but it was reintegrated into the district in 1974.

Coat of arms

The coat of arms displays:

• The rose, a symbol of Hildesheim.
• The bars, taken from the arms of the Counts of Hallermund.
• The black lion, representing the House of Welf.

Cities and municipalities

The district consists of:

• Cities: Alfeld (Leine), Bad Salzdetfurth, Bockenem, Elze, Hildesheim, Sarstedt
• Municipalities: Algermissen, Diekholzen, Freden (Leine), Giesen, Harsum, Holle, Nordstemmen, Schellerten, Sibbesse, Söhlde, Wendeburg

Politics

The current Landrat (district administrator) is Olaf Levonen (SPD).

Economy

The economy of the district is mainly based on agriculture and manufacturing. The city of Hildesheim is also a service center.