Numbers, Data, Facts

Dams

In Oberbergischer Kreis, there are ten large dams. The largest is the Wiehltalsperre with approximately 31.5 m³ of water. 

Mountains

Highest elevations (above NN):

• Homert (Gummersbach): 518 meters
• Silberkuhle (Reichshof): 515 meters
• Unnenberg (Marienheide): 506 meters

Territorial Reform 1975

On November 5, 1974, the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia decided on the reform for the Cologne area – the so-called Cologne Law. The previous administrative districts were too small to be efficient, so they were merged into larger units. The law came into effect on January 1, 1975. Since then, Oberbergischer Kreis has comprised 13 cities and municipalities.

Before the reorganization in 1975, the district area consisted of four cities (Bergneustadt, Gummersbach, Waldbröl, and Wiehl) and six municipalities (Gimborn, Marienheide, Morsbach, Nümbrecht, Reichshof, and Ründeroth).

Engelskirchen, Lindlar, and Wipperfürth from the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis as well as Hückeswagen and Radevormwald from the dissolved Rhein-Wupper-Kreis were incorporated into Oberbergischer Kreis.

The municipality of Gimborn was divided among several locations: Engelskirchen, Gummersbach, Lindlar, and Marienheide. The municipality of Ründeroth was mostly assigned to Engelskirchen, with a small part going to Wiehl.

Coat of Arms of Oberbergischer Kreis

The coat of arms of the district shows under the golden chief shield a bar checkered in red and silver in three rows, split from red to silver.
In front, a silver castle with a tall three-windowed left crenellated tower and a lower two-windowed right crenellated tower, a gabled house with an open red gate and black gable window flanking it.

Behind, a two-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 represent the Lordship of Homburg, and the lion represents the Lordship of Berg.