Kulmbach (kreis)

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)

KULMBACH (KU)

State : Bayern
Additions : 1973 Stadtsteinach

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on August 28, 1975

The new arms show in the first half the arms of the State of Bamberg, derived from the old arms of the Stadtsteinach district. The eagle remained from the old arms, whereas the point shows the arms of the Zollern dynasty, which also played a major role in the history of the district.

The old arms were granted on March 6, 1967.

The upper part of the old arms shows a white eagle, taken from the arms of both the arms of the Counts of Andechs-Meranien and the Counts of Orlamünde, and the red eagle of Brandenburg. The former two families ruled a major part of the area before and after 1248 respectively. The eagle of Brandenburg symbolises the rule of the Markgraves of Nürnberg and the Counts of Kulmbach-Bayreuth, who originated from the Brandenburg area. These families also played a major role in the history of the area.

The lower part of the old arms shows the red and white Main rivers that flow through the area. The background colours of the lower part are taken from the arms of Bavaria and symbolise the fact that the area belongs to Bavaria since 1810.

Literature : Stadler,1964-1971, 8 volumes; Stadler, 1990