# Study in Emmendingen district, Baden-Württemberg

> Emmendingen is a rural district (Landkreis) in Baden-Württemberg with 169,787 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Emmendingen district itself; the nearest is Katholische Hochschule Freiburg, staatlich anerkannte Hochschule - Catholic University of Applied Sciences in Freiburg, about 16 km away. Summers average 18.8 °C and winters 2.6 °C, with about 1,122 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Emmendingen combines small towns, vineyards and Black Forest countryside with rail connections to Freiburg’s universities.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,787 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 679.8 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Katholische Hochschule Freiburg, staatlich anerkannte Hochschule - Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Freiburg (16 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 10.3 °C (summer 18.8 °C, winter 2.6 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 1,122 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,741 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Emmendingen district

Emmendingen district stretches from the Rhine plain and Kaiserstuhl vineyards into the Black Forest. Its landscape changes from wine-growing foothills to wooded valleys and the heights around the Kandel ([district tourism](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/tourismus/tourismus-im-landkreis)).

Emmendingen town is the district capital; Waldkirch is associated with organ building, while Endingen offers a historic town centre and access to the Kaiserstuhl. Alongside these small-town settings, the district has a substantial economy of medium-sized industrial businesses ([Emmendingen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmendingen), [Elztalmuseum](https://www.elztalmuseum.de/s.html), [Endingen](https://www.endingen.de/startseite), [economic development agency](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/fuer-unternehmen/wirtschaftsstandort/struktur)).

- **Emmendingen**: The district capital, with a central railway station and direct regional trains to Freiburg ([city travel information](https://tourismus.emmendingen.de/planen-buchen/anreise-parken), [town background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmendingen)).
- **Waldkirch**: An Elz valley town whose Elztalmuseum explores local history and the tradition of mechanical organ building ([Elztalmuseum](https://www.elztalmuseum.de/s.html)).
- **Denzlingen**: A useful commuting location served by the Elztalbahn and Rhine valley railway routes to Freiburg ([S2 timetable](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/s2.pdf), [Rhine valley timetable](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/rb26.pdf)).
- **Endingen am Kaiserstuhl**: A wine town with a historic centre and walking and cycling opportunities around the Kaiserstuhl ([Town of Endingen](https://www.endingen.de/startseite)).
- **Elzach**: An upper Elz valley town known for its Schuttig carnival tradition and connected to Freiburg by the S2 ([Town of Elzach](https://www.elzach.de/,Lde/startseite/leben%20_%20erleben/maerkte%20_%20feste.html), [S2 timetable](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/s2.pdf)).

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Emmendingen district. The nearest institutions are in Freiburg, including the University of Freiburg, the Catholic and Protestant universities of applied sciences, ISBA and the University of Music. Living here therefore means planning a commute: Emmendingen and Denzlingen have direct regional trains, while Waldkirch and Elzach use the S2; allow additional time from Freiburg station to your actual campus ([Rhine valley timetable](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/rb26.pdf), [S2 timetable](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/s2.pdf)). This is worth considering if you prefer a small-town home and countryside access. Employer-linked study is another genuine option: SICK and Faller Packaging advertise dual-study programmes in Waldkirch ([SICK](https://berufsorientierung.sick.com/Home/Overview), [Faller Packaging](https://www.faller-packaging.com/de/karriere/schueler-und-studenten/studium)).

- **Katholische Hochschule Freiburg, staatlich anerkannte Hochschule - Catholic University of Applied Sciences** (Freiburg) — 16 km away, 10 courses
- **ISBA Internationale Studien- und Berufsakademie gGmbH** (Freiburg im Breisgau) — 17 km away, 5 courses
- **University of Freiburg** (Freiburg) — 18 km away, 210 courses
- **Evangelische Hochschule Freiburg, staatlich anerkannte Hochschule der Evangelischen Landeskirche in Baden** (Freiburg) — 18 km away, 8 courses
- **Hochschule für Musik Freiburg im Breisgau** (Freiburg) — 18 km away, 32 courses

## Housing

Do not assume that moving outside Freiburg guarantees an easy housing search. Emmendingen and Waldkirch are included in Baden-Württemberg’s designated rent-control areas for 2026, which cover pressured housing markets ([state regulation](https://www.landesrecht-bw.de/bsbw/document/jlr-NNLBW00007D67NN00000000002), [housing ministry](https://mlw.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/bauen-wohnen/wohnungsbau/mietpreisbremse)). Plan primarily around private rooms and flats: the Studierendenwerk Freiburg residence directory does not list accommodation in this district ([SWFR residences](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime)). Compare the full rent and journey to campus for each address.

**How to find a place**

- Search WG-Gesucht and property portals separately for Emmendingen, Denzlingen and Waldkirch; these portals are among the channels recommended by Studierendenwerk Freiburg ([SWFR housing-search guide](https://www.swfr.de/fileadmin/bilder/wohnen/Stand_06_2025_Hilfreiche_Infos_fuer_die_Zimmersuche_Dt._Engl_UEberarb__002_.pdf)).
- Register for SWFR’s private accommodation service and check offers in the surrounding area ([SWFR private housing](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/freier-wohnungsmarkt/freier-wohnungsmarkt)).
- Check Schnapp and the Badische Zeitung classifieds, both identified in SWFR’s local housing-search guidance ([SWFR housing-search guide](https://www.swfr.de/fileadmin/bilder/wohnen/Stand_06_2025_Hilfreiche_Infos_fuer_die_Zimmersuche_Dt._Engl_UEberarb__002_.pdf)).
- Before accepting a room, test the complete journey to your faculty, including the return trip after evening classes, using the regional journey planner ([RVF](https://www.rvf.de/fahrplan-netz/fahrplanauskunft)).

## Cost of living

Budget for rent, utilities and commuting separately; a reliable district-specific student budget or saving against Freiburg was not established. As checked in November 2026, the standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month and covers second-class local and regional public transport ([RVF](https://www.rvf.de/fahrkarten-tarife/monatskarten-abos/deutschlandticket)). At the nearby University of Freiburg, the regular semester contribution is €190. Many students from outside the EU/EEA additionally pay €1,500 tuition per semester, subject to programme rules and exemptions; these are University of Freiburg costs, not a district-wide fee ([University of Freiburg](https://uni-freiburg.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/semester-fees-and-tuition/)).

## Jobs & employers

The district has a broad industrial economy rather than relying only on tourism or agriculture. Its economic development agency identifies measurement technology, electrical engineering, machinery and packaging among the local sectors ([WFG employer directory](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/fuer-unternehmen/wirtschaftsstandort/unternehmen-im-landkreis)). For students, this creates relevant leads in technical and commercial work: HUMMEL’s careers portal lists working-student categories, while SICK and Faller offer employer-linked degree routes. Availability depends on your subject and the current recruitment cycle ([HUMMEL careers](https://jobs.hummel.com/stellenangebote.html), [SICK study options](https://berufsorientierung.sick.com/Home/Overview), [Faller study options](https://www.faller-packaging.com/de/karriere/schueler-und-studenten/studium)).

- IT working-student roles, represented on HUMMEL’s local careers portal ([HUMMEL careers](https://jobs.hummel.com/stellenangebote.html)).
- Finance working-student roles ([HUMMEL careers](https://jobs.hummel.com/stellenangebote.html)).
- Product-development and technical working-student roles ([HUMMEL careers](https://jobs.hummel.com/stellenangebote.html)).

- **SICK** (Industrial sensing and measurement technology): A major local measurement-technology employer with technical and business dual-study options in Waldkirch ([district employer directory](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/fuer-unternehmen/wirtschaftsstandort/unternehmen-im-landkreis), [SICK](https://berufsorientierung.sick.com/Home/Overview)).
- **Faller Packaging** (Pharmaceutical packaging): Waldkirch hosts the company’s main administration and production facilities specialising in folding cartons and related pharmaceutical packaging ([Faller’s Waldkirch site](https://www.faller-packaging.com/de/ueber-uns/standorte/standort-waldkirch)).
- **HUMMEL AG** (Electrical connection technology and building-services components): Based in Denzlingen, HUMMEL supplies cable glands, circular connectors and components for heating and drinking-water systems ([HUMMEL](https://www.hummel.com/de/)).

## Getting around

The main commuting routes are RE7/RB26 through Emmendingen and the S2 through Denzlingen, Waldkirch and Elzach. Typical published journeys from Emmendingen to Freiburg Hbf take about 10–15 minutes; Waldkirch to Freiburg takes roughly 20 minutes on the S2. These are station-to-station times, and individual services vary ([Rhine valley timetable](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/rb26.pdf), [S2 timetable](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/s2.pdf)). Choose housing with the station or connecting bus in mind, and check evening journeys before relying on a car-free commute. The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local buses and regional trains, but not ICE, IC or EC services ([RVF ticket rules](https://www.rvf.de/fahrkarten-tarife/monatskarten-abos/deutschlandticket)).

- Station: Emmendingen — regional trains towards Freiburg and Offenburg ([RVF](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/rb26.pdf)).
- Station: Denzlingen — interchange for Rhine valley and Elztalbahn services ([RVF](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/rb26.pdf)).
- Station: Waldkirch — S2 services towards Freiburg and Elzach ([RVF](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/s2.pdf)).
- Station: Freiburg Hbf, outside the district — a practical connection to ICE services ([Emmendingen travel information](https://tourismus.emmendingen.de/planen-buchen/anreise-parken)).
- Nearest airport: EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg — A practical international airport option via Freiburg, rather than the closest airport to every district town. The airport lists a direct coach connection to Freiburg’s central bus station beside the main railway station, taking about an hour; continue by regional train ([EuroAirport](https://www.euroairport.com/en/transport)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2.6 °C, 80 mm rain a month, 2 h sun a day
- Spring: 10.1 °C, 89 mm rain a month, 5.7 h sun a day
- Summer: 18.8 °C, 110 mm rain a month, 7.6 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.2 °C, 95 mm rain a month, 3.7 h sun a day

Expect cool winters, a gradual spring warming and warm summers with occasional hot days. Rain is relevant throughout the year, so waterproof layers are useful for station walks and outdoor trips. Spring and summer suit exploring the countryside; autumn brings local onion-tart festivities, while December offers Endingen’s Christmas market ([Kaiserstuhl calendar](https://www.endingen.de/fileadmin/Website/Dateien/Tourismus/Flyer___Downloads/NGK_Event_Highlights_2026.pdf), [Endingen programme](https://www.endingen.de/fileadmin/Website/Dateien/Tourismus/Flyer___Downloads/VA-Highlights-END-2026.pdf)).

## Culture & language

Local traditions are particularly visible in Elzach’s Fasnet, with its distinctive Schuttig carnival figure, and in Waldkirch’s mechanical-organ heritage ([Town of Elzach](https://www.elzach.de/,Lde/startseite/leben%20_%20erleben/maerkte%20_%20feste.html), [Elztalmuseum](https://www.elztalmuseum.de/s.html)). Endingen’s calendar includes book markets, evening shopping events and Christmas festivities ([Town of Endingen](https://www.endingen.de/stadt-wirtschaft/wirtschaft/gewerbe-handelsvereinigung)).

For student life, think of the district as a small-town home base and plan campus socialising around your Freiburg commute. Emmendingen also hosts the African Music Festival, with open-air performances, a bazaar and workshops ([festival organiser](https://festival.afrikaba.de/)). Check the last connection before an evening out.

Plan to use German for housing enquiries, paperwork and local job applications rather than relying on English throughout daily life. As a practical learning target, aim for B1 everyday German and work towards B2 for a wider choice of jobs; these are recommendations, not universal entry requirements. Alemannic dialect is part of the local linguistic setting—Emmendingen’s dialect name is Emmedinge—but standard German is the useful language to learn ([Emmendingen background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmendingen)).

## Local food

- **Schwarzwälder Speck**: Black Forest pork specialities have a concrete local connection: Emmendingen’s official market directory lists an Elzach butcher producing ham and bacon specialities from regional pork ([Emmendingen market](https://www.emmendingen.de/kultur-freizeit/wochenmarkt)).
- **Zwiebelkuchen**: Onion tart is celebrated at autumn food festivals in district villages, including Sasbach-Leiselheim and Endingen-Kiechlinsbergen ([Kaiserstuhl event calendar](https://www.endingen.de/fileadmin/Website/Dateien/Tourismus/Flyer___Downloads/NGK_Event_Highlights_2026.pdf)).
- **Kaiserstuhl and Breisgau wines**: Wine-growing shapes the district’s foothills and Kaiserstuhl landscape; Endingen is a useful starting point for exploring local wine producers ([district tourism](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/tourismus/tourismus-im-landkreis), [Endingen](https://www.endingen.de/startseite)).

## Events

- **African Music Festival, Emmendingen** (August; the 2026 edition was listed for 7–9 August.): An annual open-air music festival with African and international acts, accompanied by a bazaar and workshops ([2026 festival listing](https://www.festivalhopper.de/festival/african-music-festival-2026), [organiser](https://festival.afrikaba.de/)).
- **Endinger Büchermarkt** (Spring; 16–17 May in the 2026 programme.): A recurring book market in Endingen, useful for browsing German-language books and spending time in town ([2026 programme](https://www.endingen.de/fileadmin/Website/Dateien/Tourismus/Flyer___Downloads/VA-Highlights-END-2026.pdf), [recurring town events](https://www.endingen.de/stadt-wirtschaft/wirtschaft/gewerbe-handelsvereinigung)).
- **Endingen Christmas market** (December; 12–13 December in the 2026 programme.): The town’s recurring Christmas market takes place over a weekend during Advent ([2026 programme](https://www.endingen.de/fileadmin/Website/Dateien/Tourismus/Flyer___Downloads/VA-Highlights-END-2026.pdf), [town event information](https://www.endingen.de/stadt-wirtschaft/wirtschaft/gewerbe-handelsvereinigung)).

## Places to see

- **Hochburg** (Castle): Extensive castle ruins near Emmendingen, with a small museum in the upper castle’s vaulted cellar; check museum and tour availability separately ([district castle guide](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/tourismus/ausflugsziele/burgen)).
- **Kastelburg** (Castle): The ruined castle above Waldkirch’s old town, reached by a walking route that includes a themed knights’ trail ([district castle guide](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/tourismus/ausflugsziele/burgen)).
- **Elztalmuseum, Waldkirch** (Museum): Regional history and mechanical musical instruments, including fairground organs, displayed in a former religious residence ([Elztalmuseum](https://www.elztalmuseum.de/s.html)).
- **Endingen old town** (Old town): Historic streets and buildings in a wine town at the Kaiserstuhl, with options for town tours and exploring the surrounding vineyards ([Town of Endingen](https://www.endingen.de/startseite)).
- **Kandel** (Nature): The district’s highest mountain and a landmark of its Black Forest landscape ([district tourism](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/tourismus/tourismus-im-landkreis)).

## FAQ

### Is Emmendingen district a good place to live as a student?

It is worth considering if you prefer small-town surroundings and are comfortable commuting to Freiburg. Emmendingen, Denzlingen and Waldkirch have direct rail connections; assess the journey to your actual faculty before choosing a room ([Rhine valley timetable](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/rb26.pdf), [S2 timetable](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/s2.pdf)).

### Is there a university in Emmendingen district?

There is no university in the district. The nearest institutions are in Freiburg, including the University of Freiburg, the Catholic and Protestant universities of applied sciences, ISBA and the University of Music.

### How long does the train from Emmendingen to Freiburg take?

Typical regional trains take about 10–15 minutes from Emmendingen station to Freiburg Hbf. Add the journey from your accommodation to the station and from Freiburg Hbf to campus ([RVF timetable](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/rb26.pdf)).

### Is Emmendingen cheaper than Freiburg for students?

A reliable like-for-like student rent comparison was not verified. Compare individual offers carefully: Emmendingen and Waldkirch are included in the state’s rent-control areas for 2026, so neither should be assumed to have an easy rental market ([state regulation](https://www.landesrecht-bw.de/bsbw/document/jlr-NNLBW00007D67NN00000000002), [housing ministry](https://mlw.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/bauen-wohnen/wohnungsbau/mietpreisbremse)).

### What student jobs are available in Emmendingen district?

Local examples include working-student roles in IT, finance and product development at HUMMEL in Denzlingen. Its careers portal is the appropriate place to check current openings and requirements ([HUMMEL careers](https://jobs.hummel.com/stellenangebote.html)).

### Are there student dormitories in Emmendingen district?

No residence in the district was identified in Studierendenwerk Freiburg’s current directory. Students choosing to live here should investigate private rooms and flats; SWFR also provides a private accommodation service ([residence directory](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime), [private housing service](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/freier-wohnungsmarkt/freier-wohnungsmarkt)).

## Sources

- [District tourism: landscape and geography](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/tourismus/tourismus-im-landkreis)
- [District economic structure](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/fuer-unternehmen/wirtschaftsstandort/struktur)
- [District employer directory](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/fuer-unternehmen/wirtschaftsstandort/unternehmen-im-landkreis)
- [Emmendingen background and dialect name](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmendingen)
- [Emmendingen official travel information](https://tourismus.emmendingen.de/planen-buchen/anreise-parken)
- [RVF Rhine valley railway timetable, 2026](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/rb26.pdf)
- [RVF Elztalbahn S2 timetable, 2026](https://www.rvf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/fahrplansuche/ausfuehrlich/fahrplanjahr_26/regio_fahrplan/s2.pdf)
- [RVF journey planner](https://www.rvf.de/fahrplan-netz/fahrplanauskunft)
- [RVF Deutschlandticket price and validity](https://www.rvf.de/fahrkarten-tarife/monatskarten-abos/deutschlandticket)
- [EuroAirport public transport connections](https://www.euroairport.com/en/transport)
- [University of Freiburg semester contribution and tuition](https://uni-freiburg.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/semester-fees-and-tuition/)
- [Baden-Württemberg rent-control areas for 2026](https://www.landesrecht-bw.de/bsbw/document/jlr-NNLBW00007D67NN00000000002)
- [State housing ministry: pressured rental markets](https://mlw.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/bauen-wohnen/wohnungsbau/mietpreisbremse)
- [SWFR residence directory](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime)
- [SWFR housing-search guide, June 2025](https://www.swfr.de/fileadmin/bilder/wohnen/Stand_06_2025_Hilfreiche_Infos_fuer_die_Zimmersuche_Dt._Engl_UEberarb__002_.pdf)
- [SWFR private accommodation service](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/freier-wohnungsmarkt/freier-wohnungsmarkt)
- [SICK training and dual-study options](https://berufsorientierung.sick.com/Home/Overview)
- [Faller Packaging dual-study options](https://www.faller-packaging.com/de/karriere/schueler-und-studenten/studium)
- [Faller Packaging Waldkirch facilities](https://www.faller-packaging.com/de/ueber-uns/standorte/standort-waldkirch)
- [HUMMEL products and Denzlingen address](https://www.hummel.com/de/)
- [HUMMEL careers and working-student roles](https://jobs.hummel.com/stellenangebote.html)
- [Elztalmuseum Waldkirch](https://www.elztalmuseum.de/s.html)
- [Elzach markets and Fasnet](https://www.elzach.de/,Lde/startseite/leben%20_%20erleben/maerkte%20_%20feste.html)
- [Town of Endingen: old town and wine](https://www.endingen.de/startseite)
- [Endingen recurring town events](https://www.endingen.de/stadt-wirtschaft/wirtschaft/gewerbe-handelsvereinigung)
- [Endingen event highlights, 2026](https://www.endingen.de/fileadmin/Website/Dateien/Tourismus/Flyer___Downloads/VA-Highlights-END-2026.pdf)
- [Kaiserstuhl event calendar, 2026](https://www.endingen.de/fileadmin/Website/Dateien/Tourismus/Flyer___Downloads/NGK_Event_Highlights_2026.pdf)
- [African Music Festival organiser](https://festival.afrikaba.de/)
- [African Music Festival 2026 dates](https://www.festivalhopper.de/festival/african-music-festival-2026)
- [District castle guide](https://www.wfg-landkreis-emmendingen.de/tourismus/ausflugsziele/burgen)
- [Emmendingen market and regional food producers](https://www.emmendingen.de/kultur-freizeit/wochenmarkt)
- [Commons: Hochburg aerial photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20160726-00815-Hochburg.jpg)
- [Commons: Emmendingen market square](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emmendingen_Marktplatz_mit_Rathaus.jpg)
- [Commons: Waldkirch market square](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marktplatz_(Waldkirch)_jm7740.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/emmendingen-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).