Rheine Facts for Kids

Rheine is a city located in the Steinfurt area of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is the largest city in this district. A district is like a county or a region that groups several towns and villages together.

Where is Rheine Located?
- What are the Parts of Rheine?
- Which Towns are Near Rheine?
A Look Back: The History of Rheine
- How the Thirty Years' War Affected Rheine
- Rheine's Economy Through Time
Rheine's Sister Cities
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Where is Rheine Located?

Rheine is situated right on the Ems River. It is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Münster. The city is also around 45 kilometers (28 miles) west of Osnabrück and 45 kilometers (28 miles) east of Enschede in the Netherlands.

What are the Parts of Rheine?

Rheine is divided into 15 different areas, often called districts or neighborhoods. These parts make up the whole city. Some of these areas include:

Altenrheine
Bentlage
Catenhorn
Dorenkamp
Dutum
Elte
Eschendorf (Kiebitzheide)
Gellendorf
Hauenhorst
Rheine (city center)
Mesum
Rodde
Schleupe
Schotthock
Wadelheim

Which Towns are Near Rheine?

Rheine has several neighboring towns and municipalities. These are the towns that are close by:

Salzbergen
Spelle
Hörstel
Emsdetten
Neuenkirchen

A Look Back: The History of Rheine

People have lived in the area around Rheine for a very long time, even before recorded history. However, the city of Rheine was first officially mentioned in a document in the year 838. This document was signed by a ruler named Louis the Pious.

On August 15, 1327, Rheine was given its official town charter. This important document was granted by Louis II, Bishop of Münster, which meant Rheine could now act as a proper town with its own rules.

The settlement of Rheine began because two important old trading roads crossed nearby. There was also a place where people could cross the Ems River easily. At first, Frankish soldiers built a barrack yard to protect this important spot. Later, a church and more buildings were added, and the outpost grew into a town.

How the Thirty Years' War Affected Rheine

Towards the end of the Thirty Years' War, a very difficult time for Germany, the city of Rheine was almost completely destroyed by fire. Swedish and Hessian soldiers were fighting against imperial soldiers who had taken shelter in Rheine. On September 20-21 and October 19, 1647, cannonballs that were glowing hot set the city on fire. A total of 365 houses were burned to the ground.

Rheine's Economy Through Time

During the time of the Industrial Revolution, the textile industry (making clothes and fabrics) became very successful in Rheine. This industry remained a major part of Rheine's economy until the second half of the 20th century. Today, Rheine's economy mostly relies on engineering industries and different types of services.

Rheine's Sister Cities

Rheine has special partnerships with other cities around the world. These are called "twin towns" or "sister cities." They work together to share culture and ideas.