# Study in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district, Baden-Württemberg

> Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald is a rural district (Landkreis) in Baden-Württemberg with 272,558 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district itself; the nearest is University of Education Freiburg in Freiburg im Breisgau, about 7 km away. Summers average 17.9 °C and winters 2.2 °C, with about 1,486 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald is a rural district around Freiburg, with Black Forest lakes, small towns and options for student commuters.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 272,558 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,378.32 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | University of Education Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau (7 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €8.63–11.02/m² basic rent — Published base-rent values for apartments of 40 to under 50 m² in Müllheim, across the construction-age categories in Table 1 of the official Mietspiegel 2025, valid January 2026–December 2027. Before property-specific adjustments and operating costs; not an asking-rent average or WG-room price. | [source](https://www.muellheim.de/media/mietspiegel-stadt-muellheim-i-m-2025.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 9.8 °C (summer 17.9 °C, winter 2.2 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 1,486 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,762 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district

Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald stretches from the Rhine and the French border into the Black Forest in southwestern Baden-Württemberg. It almost surrounds Freiburg im Breisgau, but Freiburg is a separate city and is not part of the district ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald)).

The district brings together very different settings: Breisach beside the Rhine, Müllheim in the Markgräflerland, and Titisee-Neustadt in the Black Forest. These towns also host district administration offices. Lakes such as Titisee and Schluchsee give the eastern part a strong outdoor recreation focus ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald), [Hochschwarzwald tourism](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/erleben/ausflugsziele/natur-highlights)).

- **Breisach am Rhein**: Rhine-side town on the French border, with St Stephen’s Minster above the town ([Breisach background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breisach_am_Rhein)).
- **Müllheim im Markgräflerland**: A town in the district’s southern part and a location of district administration offices ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald)).
- **Bad Krozingen**: Spa town with the Vita Classica thermal baths and a Kurpark used for summer concerts ([Bad Krozingen tourism](https://www.bad-krozingen.info/), [Open Air im Park](https://www.bad-krozingen.info/veranstaltungen/open-air-im-park)).
- **Kirchzarten**: A practical commuter option: scheduled trains reach Freiburg Hauptbahnhof in approximately 11–14 minutes ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_3206.pdf)).
- **Titisee-Neustadt**: Black Forest town with the lake at Titisee and a local base for measurement-technology company Testo ([Hochschwarzwald tourism](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/erleben/ausflugsziele/natur-highlights), [Testo](https://www.testo.com/de-DE/unternehmen/karriere/aktuelle-stellenangebote)).

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald. The nearest universities are in Freiburg, including the University of Freiburg, University of Education Freiburg and Hochschule für Musik Freiburg. Treat living here as a commuting choice: Kirchzarten has a short direct train journey to Freiburg, while any home requiring a connecting bus needs a careful door-to-door timetable check ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_3206.pdf)). The district may suit you if access to lakes and countryside matters more than living beside campus. Employer-based study is another possibility: IKA offers dual-study programmes combining work in Staufen with study at universities elsewhere ([IKA training](https://trainee-ikajobs.career.softgarden.de/)).

- **University of Education Freiburg** (Freiburg im Breisgau) — 7 km away, 78 courses
- **Hochschule für Musik Freiburg im Breisgau** (Freiburg) — 8 km away, 32 courses
- **ISBA Internationale Studien- und Berufsakademie gGmbH** (Freiburg im Breisgau) — 10 km away, 5 courses
- **University of Freiburg** (Freiburg) — 10 km away, 210 courses
- **Katholische Hochschule Freiburg, staatlich anerkannte Hochschule - Catholic University of Applied Sciences** (Freiburg) — 10 km away, 10 courses

## Housing

Start searching early and do not assume that living outside Freiburg guarantees an easy housing search. The Studierendenwerk describes limited supply around semester starts and explicitly recommends looking in surrounding communities, including Gundelfingen and Kirchzarten ([SWFR housing advice](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/faqs-zur-zimmer-und-wohnungssuche)). Müllheim publishes its own official rent index, but this is a reference for qualifying apartments, not a student-room price guide ([City of Müllheim](https://www.muellheim.de/stadtentwicklung-wirtschaftsfoerderung/wohnungswirtschaft/)).

**How to find a place**

- Include Gundelfingen and Kirchzarten in your search; both are specifically suggested by the local Studierendenwerk ([SWFR housing advice](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/faqs-zur-zimmer-und-wohnungssuche)).
- Register for SWFR’s private accommodation service and upload your admission or enrolment evidence to access offers ([SWFR housing service](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/faqs-zur-zimmer-und-wohnungssuche)).
- Search WG-Gesucht and the Badische Zeitung’s Wohnverdient property portal using individual town names. Both appear in SWFR’s local housing guidance ([SWFR search resources](https://www.swfr.de/fileadmin/bilder/wohnen/Stand_06_2025_Hilfreiche_Infos_fuer_die_Zimmersuche_Dt._Engl_UEberarb__002_.pdf)).
- Before accepting a room, check the journey to your actual campus and the return journey after evening activities. Use the regional rail network as a starting point ([DB regional network](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/partner/netz-breisgau-ost-west)).

## Cost of living

Transport is one expense you can price before moving: RVF currently lists its regional Semesterticket at €98 per semester for eligible students, while the standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month; prices checked in November 2026 ([RVF Semesterticket](https://www.rvf.de/en/fahrkarten/abos-monatskarten/semesterticket), [RVF Deutschlandticket](https://www.rvf.de/fahrkarten-tarife/monatskarten-abos/deutschlandticket)). For housing, distinguish basic rent from the total including additional charges: Müllheim’s official index excludes operating costs ([Müllheim rent index](https://www.muellheim.de/media/mietspiegel-stadt-muellheim-i-m-2025.pdf)). Compare actual room offers and transport needs rather than assuming the district is cheaper than a large city.

## Jobs & employers

Tourism supports hospitality, retail and health-related services, while local industrial employers provide technical and business experience ([district tourism report](https://www.breisgau-hochschwarzwald.de/pb/site/Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald/get/params_E372755971/2099609/Tourismusbericht%20%20Landkreis%20Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald%202024.pdf)). Testo explicitly offers internships, working-student positions and thesis projects. IKA offers apprenticeships and dual study, so the district has options beyond casual tourism work ([Testo students](https://www.testo.com/de-DE/unternehmen/karriere/studenten), [IKA training](https://trainee-ikajobs.career.softgarden.de/)).

- Restaurant service and hospitality assistance, including casual service work advertised by Hotel Mühle Schluchsee ([hotel careers](https://muehle-schluchsee.de/jobs/)).
- Part-time reception and temporary assistance at Badeparadies Schwarzwald in Titisee-Neustadt ([Badeparadies careers](https://badeparadiesschwarzwald.jobs.personio.com/)).
- Technical working-student roles and internships in IT, research, development or production at Testo ([Testo students](https://www.testo.com/de-DE/unternehmen/karriere/studenten)).
- Business-related working-student roles and internships in marketing, purchasing, logistics or controlling at Testo ([Testo students](https://www.testo.com/de-DE/unternehmen/karriere/studenten)).

- **Testo SE & Co. KGaA** (Measurement technology): Operates in Titisee-Neustadt and Lenzkirch; its careers portal covers technical, production and business functions ([Testo careers](https://www.testo.com/de-DE/unternehmen/karriere/aktuelle-stellenangebote)).
- **IKA** (Laboratory and process equipment): Industrial employer in Staufen with engineering and business careers, apprenticeships and dual-study pathways ([IKA careers](https://ikajobs.career.softgarden.de/), [IKA training](https://trainee-ikajobs.career.softgarden.de/)).
- **Helios Klinik Titisee-Neustadt** (Healthcare): Hospital in Titisee-Neustadt with medical, nursing, technical and administrative occupations; eligibility depends on the role ([Helios employer profile](https://www.helios-gesundheit.de/karriere/standorte/titisee-neustadt/das-sind-wir/)).

## Getting around

The Breisgau S-Bahn connects Freiburg with Breisach, Kirchzarten, Titisee, Neustadt and the route towards Seebrugg ([DB regional network](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/partner/netz-breisgau-ost-west)). As a useful commuting benchmark, Kirchzarten–Freiburg Hauptbahnhof takes approximately 11–14 minutes on scheduled trains, before walking or onward campus travel ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_3206.pdf)). The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local buses, S-Bahn and regional trains in second class, but not ICE, IC or EC services ([RVF ticket rules](https://www.rvf.de/fahrkarten-tarife/monatskarten-abos/deutschlandticket)). Check your precise address and evening connections before choosing accommodation.

- Station: Breisach — western end of the regional route towards Freiburg ([DB network](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/partner/netz-breisgau-ost-west)).
- Station: Kirchzarten — direct regional connections into Freiburg ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_3206.pdf)).
- Station: Titisee — junction for routes towards Neustadt and Seebrugg ([DB network](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/partner/netz-breisgau-ost-west)).
- Station: Freiburg Hauptbahnhof — outside the district, with onward rail connections and the adjacent airport-bus stop ([EuroAirport transport](https://www.euroairport.com/en/transport)).
- Nearest airport: EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg — A practical international airport for the Freiburg area. Its official transport page lists a direct bus between the French terminal sector and Freiburg’s central bus station, taking approximately one hour; add your local journey within the district ([EuroAirport](https://www.euroairport.com/en/transport)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2.2 °C, 133 mm rain a month, 2.2 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.5 °C, 120 mm rain a month, 5.6 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.9 °C, 121 mm rain a month, 7.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10 °C, 121 mm rain a month, 4 h sun a day

Expect cool winters, a gradual spring warm-up and summer weather suited to outdoor breaks, with rain possible throughout the year. Carry waterproof layers for countryside trips rather than planning around uninterrupted sunshine. Summer brings Bad Krozingen’s outdoor concert season; late autumn leads into the Ravennaschlucht Christmas market ([summer programme](https://www.bad-krozingen.info/veranstaltungen/open-air-im-park), [Christmas market](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/weihnachtsmarkt-ravennaschlucht)).

## Culture & language

Fasnet, the local carnival tradition, is an accessible introduction to regional culture. In the Hochschwarzwald it includes masked processions, local carnival guilds and verses in Alemannic dialect; Löffingen is one of the district’s examples ([Hochschwarzwald Fasnet](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/veranstaltungen-hochschwarzwald/Fasnet-veranstaltungen)).

For social life, think in terms of particular towns and events rather than one district-wide student scene. Bad Krozingen hosts summer concerts and its Lichterfest, while Breitnau hosts the Ravennaschlucht Christmas market. If frequent campus evenings are a priority, make the return journey from Freiburg part of your housing decision ([Open Air im Park](https://www.bad-krozingen.info/veranstaltungen/open-air-im-park), [Ravennaschlucht market](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/weihnachtsmarkt-ravennaschlucht)).

English-language practical help is available, including SWFR’s bilingual housing guidance, but do not assume every landlord or employer can handle everything in English ([SWFR housing guide](https://www.swfr.de/fileadmin/bilder/wohnen/Stand_06_2025_Hilfreiche_Infos_fuer_die_Zimmersuche_Dt._Engl_UEberarb__002_.pdf)). As a practical learning goal, aim for conversational German around B1 and keep progressing towards B2 for work and more independent daily life; these are recommendations, not district-wide admission requirements. Alemannic dialect is part of local culture, especially in Fasnet traditions ([regional dialect examples](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/veranstaltungen-hochschwarzwald/Fasnet-veranstaltungen)).

## Local food

- **Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte**: Black Forest cake combines chocolate sponge, cherries and cream, traditionally flavoured with Kirschwasser, a cherry spirit ([regional tourism guide](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/erleben/kulinarik/schwarzwaelder-kirschtorte)).
- **Schwarzwälder Schinken**: Cured, smoked Black Forest ham, often eaten thinly sliced with bread; local farm shops sell it throughout the Hochschwarzwald ([regional tourism guide](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/erleben/kulinarik/schwarzwaelder-schinken)).

## Events

- **Open Air im Park and Lichterfest, Bad Krozingen** (Summer): The Kurpark hosts outdoor concerts and a festival of lights. Check the organiser’s programme for the next edition’s dates and ticket arrangements ([official programme](https://www.bad-krozingen.info/veranstaltungen/open-air-im-park)).
- **Ravennaschlucht Christmas market** (Late November–December): Annual Christmas market below the railway viaduct in Breitnau. The organiser confirms a 2026 edition and requires advance online tickets; check availability before travelling ([official market information](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/weihnachtsmarkt-ravennaschlucht)).

## Places to see

- **Titisee** (Lake): A Black Forest lake for a waterside outing, swimming or boating ([Hochschwarzwald nature guide](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/erleben/ausflugsziele/natur-highlights)).
- **Schluchsee** (Lake): Another district lake highlighted for water-based recreation, with regional rail access along the route towards Seebrugg ([Hochschwarzwald nature guide](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/erleben/ausflugsziele/natur-highlights), [DB network](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/partner/netz-breisgau-ost-west)).
- **Breisach Münsterberg** (Old town): Explore the elevated old-town area around St Stephen’s Minster above the Rhine ([Breisach background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breisach_am_Rhein)).
- **Staufen old town and castle ruins** (Castle): Staufen combines a protected historic town centre with the ruined castle above it ([Staufen background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staufen_im_Breisgau)).

## FAQ

### Is Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald a good place to live as a student?

It can suit students who prefer a smaller-town home and accept commuting to Freiburg. Kirchzarten is worth considering because its scheduled train journey to Freiburg Hauptbahnhof takes approximately 11–14 minutes ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_3206.pdf)).

### Is there a university in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald?

There is no university in the district. The nearest institutions are in Freiburg, including the University of Freiburg, University of Education Freiburg and Hochschule für Musik Freiburg; Freiburg is administratively separate from the district ([district geography](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald)).

### How do I commute from Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald to Freiburg?

Regional trains connect Freiburg with towns including Breisach, Kirchzarten, Titisee and Neustadt. Choose accommodation using the full journey to your campus, including any connecting bus and evening return service ([DB regional network](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/partner/netz-breisgau-ost-west)).

### Is Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald cheap for student housing?

Do not assume that it is cheap simply because it is outside Freiburg. SWFR recommends searching surrounding towns because accommodation supply is limited, while Müllheim’s official apartment rent index should not be treated as a WG-room price guide ([SWFR advice](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/faqs-zur-zimmer-und-wohnungssuche), [Müllheim rent index](https://www.muellheim.de/media/mietspiegel-stadt-muellheim-i-m-2025.pdf)).

### What student jobs can I find in Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald?

Options include restaurant assistance and working-student positions in technical or business departments. Hotel Mühle Schluchsee advertises casual service work, and Testo explicitly offers internships and working-student opportunities ([hotel careers](https://muehle-schluchsee.de/jobs/), [Testo students](https://www.testo.com/de-DE/unternehmen/karriere/studenten)).

### Does the Deutschlandticket cover travel to Freiburg?

Yes, it covers ordinary local buses, S-Bahn and regional trains in second class. It does not cover ICE, IC or EC trains; RVF currently lists the standard subscription at €63 per month, checked in November 2026 ([RVF Deutschlandticket](https://www.rvf.de/fahrkarten-tarife/monatskarten-abos/deutschlandticket)).

## Sources

- [District geography and towns](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald)
- [Breisach background and landmarks](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breisach_am_Rhein)
- [Staufen background and landmarks](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staufen_im_Breisgau)
- [Bad Krozingen tourism](https://www.bad-krozingen.info/)
- [SWFR housing advice](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/faqs-zur-zimmer-und-wohnungssuche)
- [SWFR residence directory](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/)
- [SWFR bilingual housing-search resources](https://www.swfr.de/fileadmin/bilder/wohnen/Stand_06_2025_Hilfreiche_Infos_fuer_die_Zimmersuche_Dt._Engl_UEberarb__002_.pdf)
- [Müllheim official housing and rent-index page](https://www.muellheim.de/stadtentwicklung-wirtschaftsfoerderung/wohnungswirtschaft/)
- [Müllheim Mietspiegel 2025, valid 2026–2027](https://www.muellheim.de/media/mietspiegel-stadt-muellheim-i-m-2025.pdf)
- [RVF Semesterticket](https://www.rvf.de/en/fahrkarten/abos-monatskarten/semesterticket)
- [RVF Deutschlandticket prices and validity](https://www.rvf.de/fahrkarten-tarife/monatskarten-abos/deutschlandticket)
- [DB Kirchzarten departure timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_3206.pdf)
- [DB Breisgau east–west regional network](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/partner/netz-breisgau-ost-west)
- [EuroAirport ground transport](https://www.euroairport.com/en/transport)
- [District tourism report](https://www.breisgau-hochschwarzwald.de/pb/site/Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald/get/params_E372755971/2099609/Tourismusbericht%20%20Landkreis%20Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald%202024.pdf)
- [Testo careers and locations](https://www.testo.com/de-DE/unternehmen/karriere/aktuelle-stellenangebote)
- [Testo student opportunities](https://www.testo.com/de-DE/unternehmen/karriere/studenten)
- [IKA careers](https://ikajobs.career.softgarden.de/)
- [IKA apprenticeships and dual study](https://trainee-ikajobs.career.softgarden.de/)
- [Helios Klinik Titisee-Neustadt employer profile](https://www.helios-gesundheit.de/karriere/standorte/titisee-neustadt/das-sind-wir/)
- [Hotel Mühle Schluchsee careers](https://muehle-schluchsee.de/jobs/)
- [Badeparadies Schwarzwald careers](https://badeparadiesschwarzwald.jobs.personio.com/)
- [Hochschwarzwald natural attractions](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/erleben/ausflugsziele/natur-highlights)
- [Hochschwarzwald Fasnet traditions](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/veranstaltungen-hochschwarzwald/Fasnet-veranstaltungen)
- [Black Forest cake](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/erleben/kulinarik/schwarzwaelder-kirschtorte)
- [Black Forest ham](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/erleben/kulinarik/schwarzwaelder-schinken)
- [Bad Krozingen Open Air im Park](https://www.bad-krozingen.info/veranstaltungen/open-air-im-park)
- [Ravennaschlucht Christmas market](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/weihnachtsmarkt-ravennaschlucht)
- [Commons: Hochfirst panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hochfirst_Panorama.JPG)
- [Commons: Breisach minster](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Breisach_Blick_aufs_M%C3%BCnster.jpg)
- [Commons: Staufen castle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Castle_of_Staufen.jpg)

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