Recklinghausen

Recklinghausen is a Kreis in the centre of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is surrounded by the neighbouring districts of Borken, Coesfeld, Unna, Gelsenkirchen, Bottrop, and Wesel. The district administration is located in the city of the same name.Apart from the Region Hannover, Kreis Recklingshausen is the largest non-city district in Germany by population.HistoryDuring medieval times, the area surrounding present-day Recklinghausen was known as Vest Recklinghausen, a territory which belonged to the Electorate of Cologne. From 1446 to 1576, this area was leased to the lordship of Gemen (now a part of the city Borken) and Schaumburg-Lippe. In 1811, the territory was added to the Grand Duchy of Berg, and in 1815 it became part of the Prussian Province of Westphalia.The district was created in 1816. After several changes it obtained its present borders with the last reorganizations of 1975-76. It is also one of the oldest districts located in Germany.GeographyThe district Recklinghausen is located at the north of the Ruhr area with the urban parts of Ruhr area to the south and the rural Münsterland to the north. The Lippe River flows through the district.