Saalekreis

Saalekreis was a district in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. It was formed in 2007 by the merger of the Merseburg-Querfurt and Saalkreis districts. The district was named after the Saale River, which flows through the region, and the historical term "Kreis" meaning district. The administrative seat of the district was the city of Merseburg.

The area of the former Saalekreis is characterized by its agricultural landscape and industrial heritage, particularly in the production of lignite and chemicals. Important cities within the former district included Merseburg, Querfurt, and Schkopau. The district was known for its historical sites, such as Merseburg Castle and Cathedral, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz, which bordered the district.

In 2015, as part of a municipal reform in Saxony-Anhalt, Saalekreis was merged with the Mansfelder Land district to form the new district of Saalekreis. This reform aimed to streamline administration and improve efficiency in the state. The new Saalekreis district continues to encompass much of the territory of the former district, maintaining its historical and economic significance.