Wittenberg District: Towns and Municipalities
The district of Wittenberg is composed of a diverse array of urban centers and local administrative units. These municipalities serve as the primary hubs for governance, commerce, and community life within the region, reflecting a blend of historical significance and modern administrative structure.
Key Facts
- The district comprises nine primary towns.
- A significant expansion occurred on July 1, 2007, following a 2005 resolution.
- The district integrated 27 towns and municipalities from the former Anhalt-Zerbst district.
- The expansion included the Verwaltungsgemeinschaften (administrative collectives) of Coswig and Wörlitzer Winkel.
Administrative Composition
The current administrative landscape of the Wittenberg district is defined by its key towns. These municipalities manage local infrastructure and public services for their respective populations.
The towns within the district include:
- Annaburg
- Bad Schmiedeberg
- Coswig
- Gräfenhainichen
- Jessen (Elster)
- Kemberg
- Oranienbaum-Wörlitz
- Wittenberg
- Zahna-Elster

Municipal Reform and Expansion
The boundaries of the Wittenberg district were significantly altered as part of a broader municipal reform. On October 6, 2005, a resolution was passed to reorganize local governance to improve efficiency and service delivery.
As a result of this decision, on July 1, 2007, the district absorbed 27 towns and municipalities. These areas were previously part of the Anhalt-Zerbst district and were organized into Verwaltungsgemeinschaften—a form of joint administrative cooperation where several small municipalities share a single administration to reduce overhead.
Specifically, the administrative collectives of Coswig and Wörlitzer Winkel were transferred to the Wittenberg district, expanding its geographic and demographic reach.
District Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Towns | Annaburg, Bad Schmiedeberg, Coswig, Gräfenhainichen, Jessen (Elster), Kemberg, Oranienbaum-Wörlitz, Wittenberg, Zahna-Elster |
| Reform Date | July 1, 2007 (Effective date of transfer) |
| Former District Source | Anhalt-Zerbst |
| Integrated Collectives | Coswig and Wörlitzer Winkel |
| Number of Added Municipalities | 27 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which towns are located in the Wittenberg district?
The district includes Annaburg, Bad Schmiedeberg, Coswig, Gräfenhainichen, Jessen (Elster), Kemberg, Oranienbaum-Wörlitz, Wittenberg, and Zahna-Elster.
When did the Wittenberg district expand its boundaries?
The expansion took place on July 1, 2007, following a resolution passed on October 6, 2005.
What are Verwaltungsgemeinschaften?
Verwaltungsgemeinschaften are administrative collectives where multiple municipalities share a common administration to manage local government tasks more efficiently.
Which areas were transferred from the Anhalt-Zerbst district?
The 27 towns and municipalities belonging to the Verwaltungsgemeinschaften of Coswig and Wörlitzer Winkel were transferred from Anhalt-Zerbst to the Wittenberg district.