Osnabr�ck (district)

Osnabr�ck is a Kreis (district) in the southwestern part of Lower Saxony, Germany. Area 2121 km², population 355,900 (2001). The administrative centre of the district is Osnabr�ck, although the city is not part of the district.

The district was established in 1972 by merging four former districts (Osnabr�ck, Melle, Bersenbr�ck, Wittlage). The landscape is characterised by two mountain chains: the Wiehengebirge[?] in the north and the northern foothills of the Teutoburg Forest in the south. These chains enclose the city of Osnabr�ck.

Towns in the district: F�rstenau[?], Bersenbr�ck[?], Bramsche, Melle, Georgsmarienh�tte[?], Bad Iburg[?], Dissen[?].