Communities

The County of Heinsberg came into existence as part of local government reform in 1972, when the district of Erkelenz and the Selfkant district of Geilenkirchen were merged. With seven towns and three municipalities, as well as an approx. 78 kilometre-long border with the neighbouring Dutch province of Limburg, the county has existed in its present form since 1975.

The capital of the county is the town of Heinsberg. This is where the county administration with central administrative bodies such as the vehicle licensing office, the county police authorities, the adult education centre, the land registry office, etc. is to be found. The county's municipalities have between approx. 10,000 (Selfkant) and 44,000 (Erkelenz) inhabitants and are therefore structured in different ways. All basic facilities are also provided in the smaller municipalities.

Find out more about the individual characteristics and attractions of the towns and municipalities by clicking on them on the map or in the list.