Sonneberg (district)

The Sonneberg district (German: Landkreis Sonneberg) is a district in Thuringia, Germany. It is located in the south of the state, bordering Bavaria to the south and the districts of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt and Hildburghausen to the north.

The district's administrative seat is Sonneberg, its namesake city. Other significant towns include Neuhaus am Rennweg and Lauscha. The district is characterized by the Thuringian Forest and the Thuringian Slate Mountains.

Historically, the Sonneberg area was known for its toy manufacturing industry. This legacy continues to influence the region's identity and economy. The district's economy also includes forestry, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing.

The district has a population of approximately 56,000 inhabitants (as of recent estimates), and its area covers roughly 433 square kilometers. The district council (Kreistag) is the main political body, and the district administrator (Landrat) is the chief executive.

The district's vehicle registration code is SON. It is served by the Bundesautobahn 73 and several Bundesstraßen (federal highways).