Herford

Herford is an administrative district in North Rhine-Westphalia comprising nine municipalities spread across rolling countryside between two major forest ranges. The area features a mix of woodlands, farmland, and small villages connected by rural roads and local pathways.

The district originated in 1816 through administrative reorganization from the Minden region and has since developed as a center of local administration and rural life. Over the centuries, the area became known for its farming traditions and small manufacturing communities.

The communities here keep local customs alive through seasonal markets, village celebrations, and regional sports events that bring people together.

This area is best explored by car since the municipalities are spread across the countryside with limited public transportation between them. The city of Herford itself serves as the main hub and offers accommodations and services for visitors exploring the broader region.

The territory sits within the Ravensberger Hills, a landscape of gentle slopes and fertile soil shaped for generations by small craft workshops and specialized manufacturers. This tradition of local craftsmanship remains visible today through the numerous small workshops and businesses that still characterize the villages.

Location: Detmold Government Region

Inception: 1816

Capital city: Herford

Elevation above the sea: 59 m

Shares border with: Minden-Lübbecke District, Lippe, Bielefeld, Gütersloh, Osnabrück

Website: https://kreis-herford.de

GPS coordinates: 52.16667,8.58333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:00