Helmstedt is a Kreis (district) in the southeastern part of Lower Saxony, Germany. Area 674 km², population 99,900 (2001). The capital of the district is Helmstedt[?].
The district is bounded by the Elm (a hill chain) in the west and the Lappwald (a riparian forest) in the east. In the Elm limestone was mined in medieval times; limestone from the region was used for the tomb of Henry the Lion as well as for the imperial cathedral of Königslutter.
Towns in the district: Helmstedt[?], Königslutter[?], Schöningen[?].