Schwerte | |
---|---|
Location of Schwerte within Kreis Unna district | |
Coordinates: 51°26′45″N 7°33′55″E / 51.44583°N 7.56528°E | |
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 (2022-12-31)[1] | |
• Total | 46,658 |
• Density | 830/km2 (2,200/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
Postal codes | 58239 |
Dialling codes | 02304 |
Vehicle registration | UN |
Website | www |
Schwerte is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. About 48,000 people live there.[when?] 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]
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]
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]
Media related to Schwerte at Wikimedia Commons