RheinischBergischer

Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, commonly referred to as Rheinisch-Bergischer, is a district (Kreis) in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It lies in the Cologne region, within the Bergisches Land east of the Rhine, and is part of the Cologne metropolitan area. The district seat is Bergisch Gladbach.

Geography: The area comprises rolling hills, forests and river valleys in the Bergisches Land, with many towns interspersed among farmland and woodland. Its western boundary is determined by the Rhine, and the district provides a suburban–rural mix.

History and administration: The district is governed by a district council (Kreistag) and a district administrator (Landrat). It was formed during the North Rhine-Westphalia district reform in the late 1960s/early 1970s by combining several former districts to create a single administrative unit. The name reflects its location between the river Rhine and the Berg region.

Economy and demographics: The Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis has a diversified economy with a strong service sector, small and medium-sized enterprises in manufacturing and logistics, and a high rate of commuting to Cologne and other cities in the Rhine-Ruhr area. The population is in the hundreds of thousands.

Culture and landmarks: Notable sites include Altenberger Dom, a historic cathedral in Odenthal, and Schloss Bensberg, a Baroque palace near Bergisch Gladbach. The district also offers outdoor recreation in the Bergisches Land, with parks, trails and nature reserves.

Transport and infrastructure: The district is served by regional rail and road connections, with access to major motorways such as the A3 and A4 and regular public transport to the Cologne region. It maintains a network of buses and regional trains linking its towns.