Oldendorf (Samtgemeinde)

Oldendorf is a Samtgemeinde (collective municipality) in the district of Stade, in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is situated approximately 40 km west of Hamburg. The administrative seat of the Samtgemeinde is in the village of Oldendorf itself.

The Samtgemeinde Oldendorf consists of the following municipalities:

• Börgerende-Rethwisch
• Himmelpforten
• Kranenburg
• Oldendorf

The Samtgemeinde structure provides a framework for inter-municipal cooperation, allowing the member municipalities to share resources and coordinate services, such as infrastructure, administration, and emergency services. This structure helps smaller communities to maintain a higher level of service than they might be able to achieve individually. The Samtgemeinde also acts as an intermediary between the local municipalities and the district administration.

The region is largely agricultural, with fruit growing and tourism also playing a role in the local economy. Historically, the area has been shaped by its proximity to the Elbe River and the port city of Hamburg.