Lippe District
Memorandum of Cooperation dated November 28, 2014
Partnership Agreement dated September 6, 2015
Population: 349,201 residents
Area: 1,246.2 km²
Country: Germany
Federal State: North Rhine-Westphalia
Administrative Center: Detmold
Official Website: www.kreis-lippe.de
History
Lippe District covers nearly the same area as the historic County of Lippe. First mentioned in 1123, the region gradually developed over the following centuries. In 1528, it became a county, achieving principality status in 1789. Unlike many other regions of the Holy Roman Empire, Lippe maintained its independence during the Napoleonic era, and thus its lands were not subsequently incorporated into Prussia. It was one of the smallest member states of the German Empire. After Prince Woldemar's death in 1895, two Lippe dynasties contested the regency for over a decade.
The last Prince of Lippe was forced to abdicate in 1918 after World War I, when Germany became a republic; his country became an autonomous state within the German Republic. In 1932, the Free State of Lippe was divided into two districts—Detmold and Lemgo. They continued to exist until 1947, when Lippe lost its status as a German state and, by order of the British Army, was incorporated into the new federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia; this change was ratified by parliament in 1949. During the administrative reforms of 1969-70, 168 towns and municipalities were consolidated into 16; the second phase in 1973 merged the districts of Lemgo and Detmold into the Lippe district.
Geography
The Lippe district encompasses the northern part of the Teutoburg Forest, which includes the region's highest point—Köterberg, standing at 496 meters above sea level, near the town of Lügde. The lowest point is located on the Weser River at 45.5 meters. The main river in the area is the Werre, with the Weser forming the northern boundary. The eponymous Lippe River does not flow through the district; however, its source is located in Bad Lippspringe in the Paderborn district.
Education and Culture
Education is a key factor in the economic and social development of communities. A well-developed, conceptually cohesive, reliable, and interconnected educational infrastructure can promote greater public engagement and equal opportunities. The successful implementation of the "Learning Locally" program is crucial for the further development of the region's education; the program also has a strategic goal of making the area more dynamic.
Economy
Entrepreneurs and residents of Lippe demonstrate daily that they derive significant satisfaction from living and working in the region, thanks to favorable living conditions and career growth opportunities. Lippe is an ideal place for business enterprises. A stable economic structure provides a favorable environment for business; good transport connections and a high quality of life, combined with leisure, culture, and education, make the region attractive to professionals.
Tourism
With approximately 10 million visitors annually, the Teutoburg Forest is one of the leading tourist destinations in North Rhine-Westphalia. More than 230 companies offer a wide range of accommodation options. The network of trails extends about 2,000 miles and includes European hiking routes, notably those awarded "Hermann Heights" and "Hansaweg." Lippe boasts many attractions, such as the iconic Hermann Monument, seven historic town centers showcasing exquisite Renaissance architecture, Germany's largest open-air museum, as well as numerous palaces and castles. The Hermann region, home to Lippe's largest nature park, is considered one of the most beautiful areas in North Rhine-Westphalia.