Schwerte

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
Town
Schwerte
Flag Coat of arms
Location of Schwerte within Kreis Unna district
Schwerte Show map of Germany Schwerte Show map of North Rhine-Westphalia
Coordinates: 51°26′45″N 7°33′55″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  (2023-12-31)[1]
• Total	46,008
• Density	820/km2 (2,100/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.de

History

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]

Controversy

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]