Our District
The Oberbergischer Kreis combines a strong economy, high quality of life, and impressive nature. In 13 municipalities and 1,441 villages and hamlets, dedicated people actively shape life in the region. Modern companies, diverse educational opportunities, and a strong volunteer sector make the Oberbergischer Kreis an attractive place to live and work. Together with the municipalities, the district administration is sustainably developing the region for the future.
This page was translated from German using artificial intelligence. The translation may contain errors or inaccuracies. In case of doubt, the German original version prevails.
The Oberbergischer Kreis combines nature, quality of life, and economic strength. Between forests, meadows, and reservoirs lies a region that offers space for living, working, and taking a deep breath – close to nature and yet well connected to the metropolitan areas of Cologne-Bonn, Düsseldorf, and the Ruhr region.
In the 13 municipalities of the district, more than 274,000 people live. Particularly characteristic are the 1,441 villages and hamlets, where community and togetherness are highly valued. Numerous clubs, village communities, and volunteers actively shape local life – in sports, culture, social services, or joint projects for the home region. This strong sense of community makes Oberberg particularly livable.
At the same time, the Oberbergischer Kreis is one of the economically strong regions in North Rhine-Westphalia. International companies, innovative medium-sized businesses, and strong future industries – such as plastics, metal, automotive, or medical technology – offer diverse career opportunities. The technical university, vocational colleges, and modern educational opportunities provide the best conditions for the professionals of tomorrow.
To ensure the region remains livable and future-proof, the district administration of the Oberbergischer Kreis actively shapes many developments. Whether in education, health, mobility, environment, social services, economic development, or civil protection – the tasks of the district reach into almost all areas of life. Together with the municipalities, companies, associations, and the people on-site, the district administration works to develop Oberberg sustainably.
The Oberbergischer Kreis is a region with character. A home where people love to live.
Coat of Arms and Emblem
The district's coat of arms shows, under the golden chief of the shield, a bar checkered in three rows of red and silver, divided from red to silver.
In the front, a silver castle with a tall three-windowed left tower and a lower two-windowed right battlement tower, a pointed gable house with an open red gate and black gable window flanking it.
In the back, a double-tailed blue-crowned, blue-tongued, and blue-armed red lion.
The elements of the coat of arms recall the former territorial dominions. The checkered crossbar represents the County of Mark, the towers for the Lordship of Homburg, and the lion for the Duchy of Berg.
The coat of arms of the Oberberg District is a symbol that is fundamentally reserved for state authorities due to its historical and legal function. Therefore, its use has only been approved for a restricted group of users under certain conditions (Inquiry through the District Council Office). To meet the existing need to express a connection with the Oberberg District through the use of a symbol, a coat of arms emblem was developed that includes the essential elements of the district coat of arms but is visually distinct from it.
The Coat of Arms Symbol
In recent years, there has been a recurring desire, particularly from associations, clubs, and companies, to use or depict the district coat of arms, for instance, as a sign of affiliation to the Oberbergischer Kreis or connection with it, or as an origin marker for trade products.
The symbol is called "Coat of Arms Symbol for the Oberbergischer Kreis" and is available for use by everyone in various downloadable versions. To obtain the file, you can send a request to pressestelle@obk.de specifying the intended use.
It should be noted, however, that using the coat of arms emblem must not endanger or damage the reputation of the Oberberg District, and the appearance of an official character must be avoided. Violations of this are considered administrative offenses. Further details can be found in the "Ordinance on the Use of the Coat of Arms and the Coat of Arms Emblem of the Oberberg District dated March 14, 2013" .
