Rhein-Erft-Kreis

Infobox German district
name=Rhein-Erft-Kreis
state=North Rhine-Westphalia
capital=Bergheim
regierungsbezirk=Cologne
area=704.5
population=455,487
population_as_of=2001
density=647
carsign=BM
url=http://www.rhein-erft-kreis.de

The Rhein-Erft-Kreis is a district in the west of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Neighboring districts are Neuss, district-free Cologne, Rhein-Sieg, Euskirchen, Düren.

History

The district in its current borders was created in 1975, when the previous districts Bergheim and Cologne were merged. Becoming effective on November 1, 2003 the district was renamed from "Erftkreis" to "Rhein-Erft-Kreis".

Geography

The main river in the district is the Erft, which also gave it the name. The Erft flows through the foothills of the Eifel, on the left side of the Rhine river.

Towns and municipalities

Coat of arms

External links

* [http://www.rhein-erft-kreis.de Official website] (German)