Altenburger Land

Altenburger Land is a district in the Free State of Thuringia, Germany. It is bounded by (from the west and clockwise) the district of Greiz, the Burgenlandkreis (Saxony-Anhalt), the district Leipzig, the Free State of Saxony and the Landkreis Zwickau.

History

The region on the Pleisse River was part of a huge forest, where the Thuringii formed the Thuringian Kingdom. After this was in 531 taken over by the Franks, Slavic people were also moving in. The castle of Altenburg already existed in the 10th century, it became an imperial seat.

Geography

The district is located in a hilly countryside, the Zeitzer-Gera lowlands. The main river of the district is the Pleiße, a tributary of the White Elster, crossing the district from south to north. The landscape of the district is characterized by the agriculture, in the flat parts of the district there are large fields, while the hilly parts are covered with vineyards.

Economy

The economy of the Altenburger Land is based on agriculture, industry and services. The most important industrial sectors are food industry, mechanical engineering, metal processing, and ceramics industry. The district is also known for the production of playing cards, with the Altenburger Spielkartenfabrik being one of the oldest playing card factories in Europe.

Culture

The district is known for its Altenburg Castle, which hosts the Thuringian Playing Card Museum. The castle is also the venue for the annual Altenburg Music Festival. The district is also home to the Altenburg Theatre, which offers a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, and theatre.

Towns and municipalities

The district Altenburger Land consists of the following subdivisions:

• Altenburg
• Schmölln
• Meuselwitz
• Gößnitz
• Lucka
• Rositz
• Nobitz
• Wintersdorf
• Windischleuba
• Ziegelheim
• Ponitz
• Dobitschen
• Gerstenberg
• Göhren
• Göllnitz
• Göpfersdorf
• Haselbach
• Heukewalde
• Jonaswalde
• Langenleuba-Niederhain
• Löbichau
• Mehna
• Mumsdorf
• Nöbdenitz
• Posterstein
• Saara
• Schmölln
• Starkenberg
• Thonhausen
• Treben
• Vollmershain
• Wildenbörten
• Ziegelheim

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