Located between the agglomerations of Cologne, Siegen and Frankfurt, Altenkirchen is the northernmost district of Rhineland-Palatinate. The engineering, metal and plastic processing, and automotive components sectors drive the local economy. Mining museums, show mines and parts of the vast Geopark Westerwald Lahn-Taunus bear witness to the historically important role played by the ore mining industry. Altenkirchen has maintained a partnership with the Polish district of Krapkowice since the year 2000 and supports many exchange projects.