Bielefeld
Bielefeld (German pronunciation: [ˈbiːləfɛlt] ⓘ) is a city in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe Region in the north-east of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With a population of 341,755, it is also the most populous city in the administrative region (Regierungsbezirk) of Detmold and the 18th largest city in Germany.
Bielefeld | |
|---|---|
City | |
Bielefeld as seen from Sparrenburg Castle | |
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Flag Coat of arms | |
Districts of Bielefeld: Bielefeld-Mitte (downtown), Brackwede, Dornberg, Gadderbaum, Heepen, Jöllenbeck, Schildesche, Senne, Sennestadt and Stieghorst | |
Bielefeld Bielefeld | |
| Coordinates: 52°01′16″N 08°32′05″E | |
| Country | Germany |
| State | North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Admin. region | Detmold |
| District | Urban district |
| Founded | 1214 |
| Subdivisions | 10 districts |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2020–25) | Pit Clausen (SPD) |
| Area | |
| • City | 257.8 km2 (99.5 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 118 m (387 ft) |
| Population (2022-12-31) | |
| • City | 338,332 |
| • Density | 1,300/km2 (3,400/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 591,862 |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| Postal codes | 33602–33739 |
| Dialling codes | 0521, 05202, 05203, 05205, 05206, 05208, 05209 |
| Vehicle registration | BI |
| Website | bielefeld.de |
The historical centre of the city is situated north of the Teutoburg Forest line of hills, but modern Bielefeld also incorporates boroughs on the opposite side and on the hills. The city is situated on the Hermannsweg, a hiking trail which runs for 156 km along the length of the Teutoburg Forest.
Bielefeld is home to a significant number of internationally operating companies, including Dr. Oetker, DMG Mori (former Gildemeister), Möller Group, Goldbeck and Schüco. It has a university and several technical colleges (Fachhochschulen). Bielefeld is also known for the Bethel Institution.