Eckernförde district

Eckernförde
Port of Eckernförde in mid-October 2005
Coat of arms
Eckernförde
Location of Eckernförde within Rendsburg-Eckernförde district
Coordinates: 54°28′27″N 9°50′16″E / 54.47417°N 9.83778°E / 54.47417; 9.83778Coordinates: 54°28′27″N 9°50′16″E / 54.47417°N 9.83778°E / 54.47417; 9.83778
Country	Germany
State	Schleswig-Holstein
District	Rendsburg-Eckernförde
Government
• Mayor	Jörg Sibbel
Area
• Total	17.97 km2 (6.94 sq mi)
Elevation	0 - 42 m (−138 ft)
Population (2015-12-31)
• Total	21,859
• Density	1,200/km2 (3,200/sq mi)
Time zone	CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Postal codes	24340
Dialling codes	04351
Vehicle registration	ECK
Website	www.eckernfoerde.de

Eckernförde (Danish: Egernførde, sometimes also Egernfjord, Low German: Eckernför, sometimes also Eckernföör) is a German town in Schleswig-Holstein, Kreis Rendsburg-Eckernförde, on the coast of the Baltic Sea approximately 30 km northwest of Kiel. The population is about 23,000. Eckernförde is a popular tourist destination in northern Germany.

The name of Eckernförde is of mixed origin, but derived from the name of a Danish castle formerly located near the current town, which is also reflected in the name of the town district of Borby. This fortification is listed in the 13th century Liber Census Daniæ as Ykærnæburgh. In 1441, the town used an official seal listing its name as Eherneborgh. The first syllable corresponds to the modern Danish word "egern" meaning squirrel while "-förde" is Low German meaning fjord. The -förde ending is documented in Latinized form on two official seals used by the town in the 1602 and 1624. The etymology of the town's name is reflected in the presence of a squirrel in the town's coat of arms, a feature first documented by the 1441 seal.

In the early 20th century, Eckernförde was known for its harbour, fishing, trade in agricultural products, and manufacture of salt and iron goods.

All German Navy submarines are stationed in Eckernförde. It is the home of BEHN, an alcoholic beverage family company, founded in 1792. The headquarters of SIG Sauer are also located there.

Schools in the city include the Richard-Vosgerau-Schule. The Richard Vosgerau School is a public elementary school in Eckernförde. The address is 26 Bergstraße, 24340 Eckernförde. The current head of the school is Mrs. Koepke. The school building consists of a white main house and a small outbuilding. Also to find are a football field and a sports hall. In the schoolyard, the school children enjoy various activities, ranging from slides to climbing.