Peine

Peine is a town in Lower Saxony, Germany, situated on the river Fuhse and approximately 25 kilometers east of Hanover. It is the capital of the district Peine.

History

The town of Peine was first mentioned in a document in 1130 and received its town charter in 1223. It was a member of the Hanseatic League, a confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe.

Geography

Peine is situated on the western edge of the old river valley of the Fuhse, which now runs 2 to 3 km west of the town. The river has been straightened and flows north of the town centre.

Economy

Peine is known for its steel industry and for the production of Peine sausage, a type of German sausage. The largest employer in the town is the steel mill, Peine Salzgitter AG, which employs approximately 5,000 people.

Culture

Peine hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the traditional Peine Schützenfest, a marksmen's fun fair which is the largest in the region.

Education

Peine has several primary and secondary schools, and is also home to the Peine Campus of the Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences.

Transport

Peine is connected to the German motorway network by the nearby A2 and has several railway stations on the Hanover–Brunswick line.

Notable people

Notable people from Peine include the philosopher Ernst Cassirer and the footballer Horst Szymaniak.

See also

• List of cities in Lower Saxony
• Hanseatic League
• Peine sausage