Niedenstein

Niedenstein is a small town and an officially recognized climatic spa in the Schwalm-Eder district in northern Hesse, Germany.GeographyLocationNiedenstein's main settlement lies to the southeast of the Habichtswald Nature Park, right on the western slope of the Langenberge, a low mountain range reaching 557 m. The nearest city is Kassel, about 15 km to the northeast.Neighbouring communitiesIn the north, Niedenstein abuts Schauenburg, in the east beyond the Langenberge it adjoins Baunatal and Edermünde, and in the southeast its constituent community of Metze on Gudensberg. In the south, the constituent community of Kirchberg, through which flows the river Ems, borders on Fritzlar, whose main town lies about 11 km away from Niedenstein. In the west, Niedenstein borders on Bad Emstal.Constituent communitiesThe town has five centres. Besides the main town, also called Niedenstein, there are Ermetheis, Metze (about 1000 inhabitants), Kirchberg (about 900 inhabitants) and Wichdorf.HistoryNiedenstein Castle had its first documentary mention in 1254.PoliticsTown councilNiedenstein's town council is made up of 23 members. SPD 11 seatsCDU 5 seatsFWG (citizens' coalition) 5 seatsGreens 2 seats(as of municipal elections held on 26 March 2006)