Rheine Facts for Kids

Rheine is on the river Ems, about 40 kilometers north of Münster, about 45 kilometers west of Osnabrück and 45 kilometers east of Enschede (Netherlands).

Division of the town

Rheine consists of 15 districts:

Altenrheine
Bentlage
Catenhorn
Dorenkamp
Dutum

Elte
Eschendorf (Kiebitzheide)
Gellendorf
Hauenhorst
Rheine (city center)

Mesum
Rodde
Schleupe
Schotthock
Wadelheim

Neighbouring municipalities

Salzbergen
Spelle
Hörstel
Emsdetten
Neuenkirchen

History

Although a lot of people have lived in the area around the city since prehistorical times, Rheine was first mentioned in a document signed by Louis the Pious only in 838. On 15 August 1327 it got its town charter from Louis II, Bishop of Münster.

The settlement was founded by reason of two old merchant roads crossing nearby, as well as a ford crossing the river Ems. Frankish soldiers secured this strategic point by a barrack yard at first. Later a church and more buildings were added to this outpost.

In the end of Thirty Years' War the city burned down almost completely. Swedish and Hessian troops besieged imperial soldiers who entrenched themselves in Rheine. On 20th/21st September and 19th October 1647 glowing cannonballs set fire to the city, 365 houses got razed.

During the industrialisation textile industry prospered. It continued to be an important economical factor until the second half of the 20th century. Today engineering industries and services form the largest part of economy in Rheine.