Rheine

Rheine is a town in the district of Steinfurt in Westphalia, Germany. It is the largest town in the district and the location of Rheine Air Base.GeographyRheine is on the river Ems, approx. north of Münster, approx. west of Osnabrück and east of Enschede (Netherlands).Division of the townRheine consists of 15 districts:Transport Rheine railway station Rheine-MesumNeighbouring municipalities Salzbergen Spelle Hörstel Emsdetten NeuenkirchenHistoryAlthough the region around the city has been populated since prehistoric times, Rheine was first mentioned in a document signed by Louis the Pious in 838. On 15 August 1327 it received its town charter from Louis II, Bishop of Münster.The settlement was near to the crossing of two old merchant roads and a ford over the river Ems. Frankish soldiers initially secured this strategic point by a barrack yard. Later a church and more buildings were added to this outpost.