Reutlingen District

Reutlingen District, nicknamed "Das Tor zur Schwäbischen-Alb" ("The Swabian Alb Gate"), is a district (Kreis) in the middle of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The former free imperial city (until 1802) reached the limit of 100,000 residents in 1989. It is the ninth biggest city of Baden-Württemberg. The neighboring districts are (from north clockwise) Esslingen, Göppingen, Alb-Donau, Ostalb, Biberach, Sigmaringen, Zollernalb and Tübingen.

History
The district dates back to the Oberamt Reutlingen, which was created in 1803 when the previously free imperial city Reutlingen became part of Württemberg. In 1934 it was converted into the district, in 1938 the district Urach was dissolved and split between the districts Reutlingen and Münsingen. In 1973 the district Münsingen was dissolved, and most part was merged into the district Reutlingen. A few municipalities from the districts Tübingen, Saulgau, Sigmaringen and Nürtingen were also added.

Geography
The district is located in the Swabian Alb (Schwäbische Alb). In the south it almost touches the river Danube.

Partnerships
The district had a friendship with the Czech district Chrudim. In 2002 the Czech districts were reformed and the region Pardubice became the successor of the district Chrudim.

The district also has a friendship with the Italian Province of Parma, as well as the district Sächsische Schweiz in the Free State of Saxony.