# Study in Alb-Donau-Kreis district, Baden-Württemberg

> Alb-Donau-Kreis is a rural district (Landkreis) in Baden-Württemberg with 202,354 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Alb-Donau-Kreis district itself; the nearest is Ulm University of Applied Sciences in Ulm, about 8 km away. Summers average 17.2 °C and winters 0.2 °C, with about 742 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Alb-Donau-Kreis is a rural district near Ulm, with small towns, Swabian Alb countryside and practical options for commuting students.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,354 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,358.54 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Ulm (8 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €9.51/m² base cold rent — Published benchmark for a 40 m² apartment in Ehingen’s 2024 qualified Mietspiegel, effective December 2024; before adjustments for building age, location and amenities. Excludes utilities and heating. This is not a current asking-rent average or a student-room price. | [source](https://www.ehingen.de/fileadmin/Dateien/Cross7/Vorseite/Services_BW/Burgerserviceportal/Wohnen_%26_Bauen/Themenubersicht/Mietspiegel/Mietspiegelbroschure_Ehingen_2024_mit_neuer_Adresse-2.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 8.6 °C (summer 17.2 °C, winter 0.2 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 742 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,715 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Alb-Donau-Kreis district

Alb-Donau-Kreis stretches across the Swabian Alb and Danube countryside in eastern Baden-Württemberg. Ulm is a separate city, so living in the district means choosing a surrounding town or village rather than an Ulm neighbourhood. ([District background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alb-Donau-Kreis))

Its character combines countryside with working towns: Ehingen has a strong brewing tradition, while Blaubeuren is known for the Blautopf spring and prehistoric discoveries. Walking, cycling and exploring caves are prominent local activities. ([Ehingen tourism](https://www.bierkulturstadt-ehingen.de/de/bierkulturstadt-ehingen/53-biere-5-brauereien), [Blaubeuren](https://www.blaubeuren.de/Blautopf), [Alb-Donau tourism](https://www.tourismus.alb-donau-kreis.de/))

- **Ehingen (Donau)**: An industrial and brewing town, home to Liebherr’s mobile and crawler crane works and independent breweries. ([Liebherr](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/ehingen-profil-3705387), [Ehingen tourism](https://www.bierkulturstadt-ehingen.de/de/bierkulturstadt-ehingen/53-biere-5-brauereien))
- **Blaustein**: Immediately west of Ulm, with neighbourhoods extending through the Blau and Lauter valleys towards the Alb plateau. ([Blaustein background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blaustein))
- **Blaubeuren**: Home to the Blautopf spring and the Museum of Prehistory and Ice Age Art, with direct trains to Ulm. ([City](https://www.blaubeuren.de/Blautopf), [Museum](https://www.urmu.de/), [DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_695.pdf))
- **Langenau**: A base for exploring the Langenauer Ried wetlands, whose nature trail and observation tower introduce the local landscape and wildlife. ([Langenau tourism](https://www.langenau.de/de/Erleben/Zu-Besuch/Die-Region-erleben/Donauried))

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Alb-Donau-Kreis. The nearest study options include Ulm University, Ulm University of Applied Sciences and Hochschule Neu-Ulm. Treat living here as a commuting choice: Blaubeuren has direct trains to Ulm, but Ulm University requires an onward journey towards the Wissenschaftsstadt, including tram line 2. Check the complete route to your particular campus before choosing a flat. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_695.pdf), [University directions](https://www.uni-ulm.de/in/es/institut/anreise/)) This can suit students who prefer countryside and small-town life. Employer-based study is also a real option: Liebherr in Ehingen offers apprenticeships and dual study programmes, including routes with TH Ulm. ([Liebherr training](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/ehingen-karriere/ausbildung-studium-3374880))

- **Ulm University of Applied Sciences** (Ulm) — 8 km away, 32 courses
- **Ulm University** (Ulm) — 10 km away, 89 courses
- **Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Neu-Ulm** (Neu-Ulm) — 14 km away, 39 courses
- **Biberach University of Applied Sciences** (Biberach an der Riß) — 34 km away, 24 courses
- **Hochschule Esslingen** (Göppingen) — 36 km away, 42 courses

## Housing

Plan primarily around private rooms, shared flats and apartments. No student residence inside the district was verified in the Studierendenwerk Ulm directory. ([Residence directory](https://studierendenwerk-ulm.de/wohnen/wohnhaeuser/)) Ehingen has an official rent guide, but its apartment benchmarks should not be mistaken for current furnished-room prices: individual rooms within larger apartments are outside its direct scope. ([Official rent guide](https://www.ehingen.de/fileadmin/Dateien/Cross7/Vorseite/Services_BW/Burgerserviceportal/Wohnen_%26_Bauen/Themenubersicht/Mietspiegel/Mietspiegelbroschure_Ehingen_2024_mit_neuer_Adresse-2.pdf))

**How to find a place**

- Search WG-Gesucht, ImmobilienScout24 and immowelt by individual town, including Blaustein and Blaubeuren. These portals are recommended in Studierendenwerk Ulm’s housing guidance. ([Housing guidance](https://studierendenwerk-ulm.de/wohnen/kompakt/))
- Check Studierendenwerk Ulm’s free private-room service and the Südwest Presse regional property marketplace; inspect each address carefully to distinguish district towns from Ulm itself. ([Local search channels](https://studierendenwerk-ulm.de/wohnen/kompakt/))
- For an apartment in Ehingen, use the city’s official Mietspiegel calculator to understand how size, age and amenities affect the comparison rent. ([Official calculator](https://mietspiegel-berechnen.de/eooe2024/ehingen-mietspiegelrechner-2024/))
- Before viewing a property, test its journey to your actual campus at morning, evening and weekend times in DING’s planner. ([DING journey planner](https://ding.eu/Fahrplanauskunft))

## Cost of living

The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month as listed by DING when checked in November 2026, providing a useful commuting budget for regional trains and local public transport. ([DING](https://ding.eu/Deutschlandticket)) Keep heating and other running costs separate when comparing cold rents; Ehingen’s official benchmark excludes these charges. ([Rent guide](https://www.ehingen.de/fileadmin/Dateien/Cross7/Vorseite/Services_BW/Burgerserviceportal/Wohnen_%26_Bauen/Themenubersicht/Mietspiegel/Mietspiegelbroschure_Ehingen_2024_mit_neuer_Adresse-2.pdf)) A cheaper advertised flat is only a saving if its transport costs also work for you. There is no verified basis here for promising a particular saving over a large city.

## Jobs & employers

Manufacturing offers concrete routes into technical work: Liebherr makes cranes in Ehingen, centrotherm has its machinery headquarters in Blaubeuren, and SCHWENK operates a cement works in Allmendingen. ([Liebherr](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/ehingen-profil-3705387), [centrotherm](https://www.centrotherm.de/de/karriere), [SCHWENK](https://www.schwenk.de/zementwerk/schwenk-zementwerk-allmendingen/)) For degree-related experience, centrotherm explicitly offers internships, thesis projects and working-student opportunities. Casual hospitality and conference-support work is another documented local option. ([centrotherm careers](https://www.centrotherm.de/de/karriere), [Tagungszentrum Blaubeuren](https://www.tagungszentrum-blaubeuren.de/stellenangebote/))

- Working-student roles and internships in technical or business departments at centrotherm in Blaubeuren; openings vary. ([centrotherm](https://www.centrotherm.de/de/karriere))
- Restaurant service and reception assistance at Tagungszentrum Blaubeuren. ([Employer careers page](https://www.tagungszentrum-blaubeuren.de/stellenangebote/))
- Conference logistics and event setup assistance at Tagungszentrum Blaubeuren. ([Employer careers page](https://www.tagungszentrum-blaubeuren.de/stellenangebote/))
- Kitchen, dishwashing and cleaning shifts at Tagungszentrum Blaubeuren. ([Employer careers page](https://www.tagungszentrum-blaubeuren.de/stellenangebote/))

- **Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH** (Crane manufacturing): Develops and manufactures mobile and crawler cranes in Ehingen. ([Official site profile](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/ehingen-profil-3705387))
- **centrotherm** (High-technology machinery and production equipment): Headquartered in Blaubeuren, with technologies serving semiconductor and other manufacturing applications; its careers page includes student opportunities. ([Official careers page](https://www.centrotherm.de/de/karriere))
- **SCHWENK Zement** (Cement and building materials): Operates the Allmendingen cement works, producing cement and specialist building materials. ([Official works profile](https://www.schwenk.de/zementwerk/schwenk-zementwerk-allmendingen/))

## Getting around

Use DING to plan local bus and rail journeys from your exact address. ([Journey planner](https://ding.eu/Fahrplanauskunft)) Blaubeuren–Ulm Hbf takes roughly 15–20 minutes on many direct trains in the published 2025/26 timetable; this is station-to-station time, not a campus commute. The same railway serves Schelklingen and Ehingen. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_695.pdf)) From Ulm Hbf, tram line 2 serves Universität Süd and the Wissenschaftsstadt. ([University directions](https://www.uni-ulm.de/in/es/institut/anreise/)) The Deutschlandticket covers local buses, trams and regional trains, but not ordinary ICE or IC journeys. Check current connections and disruption notices before travelling. ([DING ticket coverage](https://ding.eu/Deutschlandticket))

- Station: Blaubeuren — direct regional trains towards Ulm and Ehingen. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_695.pdf))
- Station: Ehingen (Donau) — regional rail connection through Schelklingen and Blaubeuren. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_695.pdf))
- Station: Ulm Hauptbahnhof — outside the district; a useful interchange for onward travel to Ulm University. ([University directions](https://www.uni-ulm.de/in/es/institut/anreise/))
- Nearest airport: Memmingen Airport (FMM) — A nearby commercial airport option for students travelling through Ulm. Allgäu Airport Express lists a direct connection from Ulm-Böfingen to the terminal; this departs from the coach stop, not Ulm Hbf. Compare the complete transfer from your town, since the closest airport depends on where in the district you live. ([Airport Express](https://allgaeu-airport-express.de/en))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 0.2 °C, 48 mm rain a month, 2.1 h sun a day
- Spring: 8.5 °C, 60 mm rain a month, 5.7 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.2 °C, 85 mm rain a month, 7.4 h sun a day
- Autumn: 8.5 °C, 55 mm rain a month, 3.5 h sun a day

Expect cold, frequently frosty winters, a gradual spring warm-up and generally mild summers with rain still possible. Pack waterproof layers for walking and cycling, and allow for slippery winter journeys. Summer brings outdoor events such as Ehingen’s market-square cinema; December offers its Christmas market. ([Ehingen seasonal events](https://www.ehingen.de/kultur-freizeit/entdecken/feste-maerkte-und-events))

## Culture & language

Local cultural life has a strong town-and-club focus. Langenau’s annual Kinderfest includes a school parade, while Ehingen’s calendar combines traditional celebrations with concerts, outdoor cinema and a Christmas market. These are useful starting points for meeting people beyond campus. ([Langenau festivals](https://www.langenau.de/feste), [Ehingen events](https://www.ehingen.de/kultur-freizeit/entdecken/feste-maerkte-und-events))

Plan for small-town evenings rather than a campus-centred social scene. Ehingen’s breweries offer one local focus, and the district tourism office also highlights small-scale cultural events in Blaubeuren. For university socialising, factor the journey home from Ulm into your housing decision. ([Ehingen brewing culture](https://www.bierkulturstadt-ehingen.de/de/bierkulturstadt-ehingen/53-biere-5-brauereien), [District tourism](https://www.tourismus.alb-donau-kreis.de/))

Even if your degree is taught in English, plan to use German in daily life; DAAD’s student guidance explicitly recommends learning it alongside an English-language course. ([Study in Germany](https://www.study-in-germany.com/en/germany/discover-germany/german-language/)) As a practical learning target, aim towards B1 for everyday independence and B2 for more demanding workplace conversations; these are recommendations, not universal admission or employment requirements. Swabian is part of the regional dialect landscape, so local speech may sound different from classroom German. ([Baden-Württemberg dialect guide](https://www.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/unser-land/traditionen/dialekte-in-baden-wuerttemberg))

## Local food

- **Maultaschen**: Swabian filled pasta parcels, traditionally with a savoury filling. They also appear on the menu at Berg Brauerei in Ehingen-Berg. ([Swabian cuisine](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schw%C3%A4bische_K%C3%BCche), [Berg menu](https://www.bergbier.de/media/569/download?inline=))
- **Linsen mit Spätzle**: Lentils with Swabian egg noodles, a regional staple also served at Berg Brauerei. ([Swabian cuisine](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schw%C3%A4bische_K%C3%BCche), [Berg menu](https://www.bergbier.de/media/569/download?inline=))
- **Ehingen beer**: Locally brewed beer is part of the town’s identity, with independent breweries and visitor experiences centred on brewing. ([Ehingen tourism](https://www.bierkulturstadt-ehingen.de/de/bierkulturstadt-ehingen/53-biere-5-brauereien))

## Events

- **Langenau Kinderfest** (Summer, on the last weekend before the school summer holidays): An annual town tradition featuring a school parade with a changing theme. ([City of Langenau](https://www.langenau.de/feste))
- **Ehingen Marktplatz Kino** (Beginning of the summer holidays): The market square becomes an outdoor cinema each year, with food and drink alongside the screenings. ([City of Ehingen](https://www.ehingen.de/kultur-freizeit/entdecken/feste-maerkte-und-events))
- **Ehingen Weihnachtsmarkt** (December): An annual central Christmas market with stalls, hot drinks and performances; the published 2026 dates are 11–20 December. ([City of Ehingen](https://www.ehingen.de/kultur-freizeit/entdecken/feste-maerkte-und-events))

## Places to see

- **Blautopf, Blaubeuren** (Nature): The blue karst spring is Blaubeuren’s signature landmark. Its surroundings are undergoing redevelopment: access remains possible, but the temporary approach is currently not step-free. Check the project page before visiting. ([City of Blaubeuren](https://www.blaubeuren.de/Blautopf), [Access updates](https://www.blautopf-sanierung.de/willkommen))
- **Hohle Fels, Schelklingen** (UNESCO): Visit a cave associated with the UNESCO-listed Ice Age art of the Swabian Alb. Consult the town’s visitor information for current access arrangements and wear secure footwear. ([City of Schelklingen](https://www.schelklingen.de/freizeit-tourismus/sehenswuerdigkeiten/unesco-welterbe-hohle-fels))
- **Museum für Urgeschichte und Eiszeitkunst, Blaubeuren** (Museum): The URMU introduces prehistoric life through Ice Age artworks and early musical instruments from the region. ([Official museum website](https://www.urmu.de/))
- **Langenauer Ried** (Nature): Wetlands, meadows and small lakes with an educational walking trail and observation tower for watching birds. ([Langenau tourism](https://www.langenau.de/de/Erleben/Zu-Besuch/Die-Region-erleben/Donauried))

## FAQ

### Is Alb-Donau-Kreis a good place to live as a student?

It can suit students who enjoy countryside and are comfortable commuting. Choose accommodation by its complete campus journey: direct trains from Blaubeuren reach Ulm, but Ulm University requires an onward connection. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_695.pdf), [University directions](https://www.uni-ulm.de/in/es/institut/anreise/))

### Is there a university in Alb-Donau-Kreis?

No. Nearby options include Ulm University, Ulm University of Applied Sciences and Hochschule Neu-Ulm. Local employer-based routes also exist, including Liebherr’s dual study programmes in Ehingen. ([Liebherr](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/ehingen-karriere/ausbildung-studium-3374880))

### How do I get from Alb-Donau-Kreis to Ulm University?

From Blaubeuren, take a regional train to Ulm Hbf and continue towards the Wissenschaftsstadt, for example on tram line 2 to Universität Süd. Other towns need different routes, so use your actual address and campus building in the journey planner. ([University directions](https://www.uni-ulm.de/in/es/institut/anreise/), [DING](https://ding.eu/Fahrplanauskunft))

### Is Alb-Donau-Kreis expensive for students?

Costs depend on the particular rental and commute; there is no verified district-wide student budget here. Ehingen publishes an official apartment rent guide, while the standard Deutschlandticket is listed at €63 per month when checked in November 2026. ([Ehingen rent guide](https://www.ehingen.de/services-bw/buergerserviceportal/wohnen-bauen/themenuebersicht/mietspiegel), [DING](https://ding.eu/Deutschlandticket))

### What student jobs are available in Alb-Donau-Kreis?

Documented options include working-student roles and internships at centrotherm in Blaubeuren, plus service, kitchen, cleaning and conference-support shifts at Tagungszentrum Blaubeuren. Availability changes, so use the employers’ careers pages. ([centrotherm](https://www.centrotherm.de/de/karriere), [Tagungszentrum](https://www.tagungszentrum-blaubeuren.de/stellenangebote/))

### Can I live in Alb-Donau-Kreis without a car?

A car-free arrangement is possible where your accommodation connects well with regional trains and local buses. Test evening and weekend journeys before signing a lease, and remember that reaching Ulm Hbf is only part of the trip to Ulm University. ([DING planner](https://ding.eu/Fahrplanauskunft), [University directions](https://www.uni-ulm.de/in/es/institut/anreise/))

## Sources

- [Alb-Donau-Kreis geographical background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alb-Donau-Kreis)
- [Alb-Donau district tourism](https://www.tourismus.alb-donau-kreis.de/)
- [Blaustein geographical background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blaustein)
- [City of Blaubeuren: Blautopf](https://www.blaubeuren.de/Blautopf)
- [Blautopf redevelopment and access](https://www.blautopf-sanierung.de/willkommen)
- [Langenau: Donauried](https://www.langenau.de/de/Erleben/Zu-Besuch/Die-Region-erleben/Donauried)
- [Studierendenwerk Ulm residence directory](https://studierendenwerk-ulm.de/wohnen/wohnhaeuser/)
- [Studierendenwerk Ulm housing search guidance](https://studierendenwerk-ulm.de/wohnen/kompakt/)
- [Ehingen official Mietspiegel information](https://www.ehingen.de/services-bw/buergerserviceportal/wohnen-bauen/themenuebersicht/mietspiegel)
- [Ehingen qualified Mietspiegel 2024](https://www.ehingen.de/fileadmin/Dateien/Cross7/Vorseite/Services_BW/Burgerserviceportal/Wohnen_%26_Bauen/Themenubersicht/Mietspiegel/Mietspiegelbroschure_Ehingen_2024_mit_neuer_Adresse-2.pdf)
- [Ehingen official rent calculator](https://mietspiegel-berechnen.de/eooe2024/ehingen-mietspiegelrechner-2024/)
- [DING Deutschlandticket](https://ding.eu/Deutschlandticket)
- [DING journey planner](https://ding.eu/Fahrplanauskunft)
- [DB Blaubeuren departure timetable 2025/26](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_695.pdf)
- [Ulm University public transport directions](https://www.uni-ulm.de/in/es/institut/anreise/)
- [Allgäu Airport Express routes](https://allgaeu-airport-express.de/en)
- [Liebherr Ehingen site profile](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/ehingen-profil-3705387)
- [Liebherr Ehingen apprenticeships and dual study](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/ehingen-karriere/ausbildung-studium-3374880)
- [centrotherm careers and Blaubeuren headquarters](https://www.centrotherm.de/de/karriere)
- [SCHWENK Allmendingen cement works](https://www.schwenk.de/zementwerk/schwenk-zementwerk-allmendingen/)
- [Tagungszentrum Blaubeuren careers](https://www.tagungszentrum-blaubeuren.de/stellenangebote/)
- [Ehingen brewing culture](https://www.bierkulturstadt-ehingen.de/de/bierkulturstadt-ehingen/53-biere-5-brauereien)
- [Swabian cuisine background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schw%C3%A4bische_K%C3%BCche)
- [Berg Brauerei food menu](https://www.bergbier.de/media/569/download?inline=)
- [Langenau recurring festivals](https://www.langenau.de/feste)
- [Ehingen festivals, markets and events](https://www.ehingen.de/kultur-freizeit/entdecken/feste-maerkte-und-events)
- [Schelklingen: UNESCO Hohle Fels](https://www.schelklingen.de/freizeit-tourismus/sehenswuerdigkeiten/unesco-welterbe-hohle-fels)
- [Museum of Prehistory and Ice Age Art](https://www.urmu.de/)
- [DAAD Study in Germany: German in daily life](https://www.study-in-germany.com/en/germany/discover-germany/german-language/)
- [Baden-Württemberg dialect guide](https://www.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/unser-land/traditionen/dialekte-in-baden-wuerttemberg)
- [Commons: Blautopf photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:201707_Blautopf_Blaubeuren_02.jpg)
- [Commons: Ehingen town hall photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rathaus_Ehingen_(Donau)_I.jpg)
- [Commons: Hohle Fels photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hohler_Fels_Achtal_Schelklingen.jpg)

---

Published by [Where Is My Uni?](https://whereismyuni.com) — every German university on one map. Canonical page: https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/baden-wurttemberg/alb-donau-kreis-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).