Olfen

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For the anti-inflammatory drug, see Diclofenac.
Olfen

Coat of arms
Olfen
Coordinates: 51°43′N 7°23′E / 51.717°N 7.383°E / 51.717; 7.383Coordinates: 51°43′N 7°23′E / 51.717°N 7.383°E / 51.717; 7.383
Country Germany
State North Rhine-Westphalia
Admin. region Münster
District Coesfeld
Government
 • Mayor Josef Himmelmann (CDU)
Area
 • Total 52.43 km2 (20.24 sq mi)
Elevation 45 - 80 m (−217 ft)
Population (2012-12-31)[1]
 • Total 12,134
 • Density 230/km2 (600/sq mi)
Time zone CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Postal codes 59399
Dialling codes 02595
02592 (part of Vinnums)
Vehicle registration COE
Website www.olfen.de

Olfen is a municipality in the district of Coesfeld, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is sometimes called the "Gate to the Ruhr Area". It is also considered the "horse-friendliest town in North Rhine-Westphalia." Interesting sights include a castle and historic sawmill.

History

Bishop Wolfhelm, who originated from the Ulfloa Oberhof, gave the small town its name. It was in the year 889. Wolfhelm was the fourth Bishop of "Mimingardeford", today called Münster.

The fire disaster of 1857, in which 142 houses were destroyed, has gone down as the "Great Fire of Olfen" in Olfen's history books.

[See the German version for more details.]

Towns and municipalities in Coesfeld (district)

References

  1. ↑ "Amtliche Bevölkerungszahlen". Landesbetrieb Information und Technik NRW (in German). 31 July 2013. 
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