Stemwede

Stemwede is a municipality in the Minden-Lübbecke district, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is located in the Ravensberg Land region, near the border with Lower Saxony. The municipality was formed in 1973 through the merger of several previously independent villages. Stemwede is characterized by its rural landscape, featuring agricultural land, forests, and small streams.

The administrative center of Stemwede is in the village of Stemwede itself. Other constituent villages include Dielingen, Gühlen, Haldem, Oppendorf, and Wehdem. Each village retains some of its own local character and history. The economy of Stemwede is primarily agricultural, with a focus on farming and livestock. There are also small and medium-sized enterprises in various sectors, contributing to local employment.

Geographically, Stemwede lies within the Westphalian Bight. The Stemweder Berg, a low ridge of hills, gives the municipality its name and is a prominent natural feature. The area is well-connected by road infrastructure, facilitating transport and local commuting. Stemwede offers residents a quiet, rural lifestyle while being within reasonable reach of larger towns and cities for services and amenities. The municipality is part of the wider Minden-Lübbecke district, which provides regional administrative functions.