Schwalm-Eder-Kreis

Schwalm-Eder-Kreis is a rural district in northern Hesse that spreads across rolling hills, forests and farmland between Kassel and the Vogelsberg mountains. The administrative seat sits in Homberg, overseeing 27 municipalities that range from small villages to compact market towns.

The district was formed in 1974 when several smaller administrative units merged during a territorial reform across Hesse. Before that, the area belonged to different historical territories including the Electorate of Hesse and smaller counties.

The region takes its name from the Schwalm river that shapes the landscape and daily routines of villages along its course. Many communities still celebrate harvest festivals and market days that bring together farmers and craftspeople from across the countryside.

Vehicle license plates in the area carry codes HR, FZ, MEG or ZIG depending on which part of the territory the owner registered in. Most public offices and services can be found in Homberg, which sits near the middle of the district.

Willingshausen has been home to working painters since the 19th century, many of whom capture scenes from the surrounding countryside in their studios. Several galleries and workshops in the village remain open to visitors who want to see how local artists work today.

Location: Kassel Government Region

Inception: 1974

Capital city: Homberg (Efze)

Elevation above the sea: 181 m

Shares border with: Landkreis Kassel, Werra-Meißner-Kreis, Hersfeld-Rotenburg, Vogelsbergkreis, Marburg-Biedenkopf, Waldeck-Frankenberg

Website: https://schwalm-eder-kreis.de

GPS coordinates: 51.03500,9.40083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:23