The good parlour of Arnsberg

Arnsberg - that ist he history of South-Westphalia. Since about 1060 seat of the counts of Arnsberg, than capital of cologne's electorate Sauerland, later on seat of the Prussian government and today seat of the district government. All these eras have formed Arnsberg and left their heritage.

Since at least1238, Arnsberg owns its town charter. Due to the childlessness of their marriage, the last count of Arnsberg, Gottfried IV and his wife, sell the town and county to the arch diocese of cologne in the year 1368. The county becomes part of the Duchy of Westphalia and therefore gains new importance: From Arnsberg - where they set up their summer residence in the castle, the prince electors of cologne govern and manage the Duchy of Westphalia. Even after the disbandment of the Cologne electorate Arnsberg remains the capital of the Duchy of Westphalia.

In 1816 the duchy became Prussian and Arnsberg became the seat of the Prussian government. By doing this, the Prussians laid the foundations for a long tradition. During the following over 180 years Arnsberg has remained the seat of the district government.

Not only has the variety of historical eras, the unique landscape made the town unmistakable. The Ruhr bend, which meanders itself around the hill with the historical part of the town and the forest "Eichholz" (oak wood), characterize the picture of "old" Arnsberg just as much as the densely wooded slopes around the town.