Wernigerode

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

WERNIGERODE

State : Sachsen-Anhalt
District (Kreis) : Harz (until 2007 Wernigerode)
Additions : 1907 Hasserode; 1929 Nöschenrode; 1993 Benzingerode, Minsleben, Silstedt; 2009 Schierke; 2010 Reddeber

Official blazon

In Silber eine rote Burg mit gezinnter Mauer, einem höheren zweifenstrigen Mittelturm mit Spitzdach und Knauf zwischen zwei einfenstrigen gezinnten Türmen, im kleeblattförmigen Tor mit aufgezogenem Fallgatter eine rote Forelle.

Origin/meaning

Wernigerode developed around the estate built in 1112 by a family, who named themselves after the area, as Counts of Wernigerode. The village received city rights in 1229. In 1429 the city and surrounding area was acquired by the Counts of Stolberg and in 1449 it became part of Brandenburg.

The arms are based on the oldest known seal, which dates from 1309. The arms show a city with below the gate a fish taken of the arms of the Counts of Wernigerode. They used two red trout in a silver field.