# Study in Heidenheim district, Baden-Württemberg

> Heidenheim is a rural district (Landkreis) in Baden-Württemberg with 135,235 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Heidenheim (Heidenheim an der Brenz). Summers average 17 °C and winters -0.1 °C, with about 836 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Heidenheim is a district of industrial towns and Swabian Alb countryside, with dual study, regional rail links and walking routes.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,235 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 627.13 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Graduate Campus Hochschule Aalen, Aalen, Württemberg (20 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 8.4 °C (summer 17 °C, winter -0.1 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 836 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,595 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Heidenheim district

Heidenheim combines industrial towns with the countryside of the eastern Swabian Alb. Heidenheim an der Brenz, Giengen and Herbrechtingen are useful starting points for exploring the district, while Steinheim am Albuch sits within a meteorite crater. ([District tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/unsere-region/staedte-und-gemeinden))

Engineering and outdoor life sit close together here: Voith has its headquarters in Heidenheim, while the surrounding Brenzregion offers wooded valleys, karst springs and walking routes. Hellenstein Castle and Giengen’s Steiff Museum are distinctive local landmarks. ([Voith](https://www.voith.com/corp-en/about-us/markets-locations/germany/heidenheim.html), [Brenzregion tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/))

- **Heidenheim an der Brenz**: An industrial town whose landmark is Hellenstein Castle. ([District tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/unsere-region/staedte-und-gemeinden))
- **Giengen an der Brenz**: Home to the Steiff Museum, with historic toys and demonstrations of how Steiff animals are made. ([City of Giengen](https://www.giengen.de/de/Freizeit-Tourismus/Sehen-Staunen/Steiff-Museum))
- **Herbrechtingen**: A town surrounded by wooded hills and karst rocks, with access to the Eselsburger Tal landscape. ([District tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/unsere-region/staedte-und-gemeinden), [Eselsburger Tal](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/tour/eselsburger-tal-zu-den-steinernen-jungfrauen-cbe7d8dc2d))
- **Steinheim am Albuch**: A municipality within a meteorite crater on the eastern Swabian Alb. ([District tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/unsere-region/staedte-und-gemeinden))

## Universities

DHBW Heidenheim is the district’s university. Its dual model combines academic study with workplace training; degree applicants need a contract with a partner employer and appropriate German proficiency. ([DHBW](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/about-us)) Nearby university options include Aalen, Ulm and Schwäbisch Gmünd. Direct trains connect Heidenheim with Aalen and Ulm, but check the complete journey to your campus before choosing housing. ([Brenzbahn timetable](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/uploads/timetable/download/90/757_Brenzbahn_ab_14.12.2025.pdf)) This is worth considering if you want employer-linked study and easy access to walking country.

- **Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Heidenheim** (Heidenheim an der Brenz) — 0 courses

## Housing

Do not assume that a smaller town means an effortless housing search. DHBW says affordable student rooms are in high demand and advises securing accommodation before arrival. Its International Office offers information and forwards landlord offers, but cannot arrange accommodation for you. ([DHBW housing guidance](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/study-program/faq))

**How to find a place**

- Search the Heidenheim private-room listings linked by Studierendenwerk Ulm; its private accommodation matching service is free. ([Studierendenwerk Ulm](https://studierendenwerk-ulm.de/wohnen/kompakt/))
- Check DualHome and WG-Gesucht, both recommended by DHBW for accommodation searches. ([DHBW accommodation information](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/study-program/tabs/7855/0))
- Use the Heidenheimer Zeitung housing advertisements and the rental links on the city’s housing page. ([City of Heidenheim](https://www.heidenheim.de/leben/bauen-wohnen))
- Ask DHBW’s International Office for housing advice and any landlord offers it has received. ([DHBW International Office guidance](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/study-program/faq))
- Before signing, check which bills are included. KARLS includes electricity, water, heating and internet in its all-inclusive rent, but excludes the broadcasting contribution. ([KARLS FAQ](https://www.karls23-heidenheim.de/faq/))

**Student residences**

- [3&20 KARLS](https://www.karls23-heidenheim.de/) (Xaver Kling GmbH): Private student apartments at Karlstraße 23, opposite DHBW, furnished with their own kitchen and bathroom. The provider identifies Xaver Kling GmbH in its legal notice. ([Residence](https://www.karls23-heidenheim.de/), [Operator](https://www.karls23-heidenheim.de/impressum/))

## Cost of living

For transport, the Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026. ([htv](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/fahrscheine-preise/deutschlandticket)) Eligible students under 27 can use the €45 monthly D-Ticket JugendBW; htv specifies a minimum one-year contract, which matters for short exchange stays. ([htv JugendBW](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/fahrscheine-preise/jugendticketbw)) Compare complete housing offers, including utilities, deposits and travel costs. The sources checked do not establish a reliable overall saving compared with a large German city.

## Jobs & employers

Engineering and healthcare products provide concrete places to look for student work. Voith’s Heidenheim site includes its Hydro, Paper and Turbo divisions and offers dual study and vocational training. HARTMANN is headquartered in the town and recruits students. These are useful starting points for applications, rather than a guarantee of a suitable vacancy. ([Voith](https://www.voith.com/corp-en/about-us/markets-locations/germany/heidenheim.html), [HARTMANN careers](https://careers.hartmann.info/IVF/))

- Technical sales and transformation-related working-student roles at Voith in Heidenheim. ([Voith careers overview](https://www.voith.com/corp-en/about-us/markets-locations/germany.html?locations%5B%5D=12))
- Engineering, research and development internships at Voith in Heidenheim. ([Voith careers overview](https://www.voith.com/corp-en/about-us/markets-locations/germany.html?locations%5B%5D=12))
- Marketing working-student roles at HARTMANN in Heidenheim. ([HARTMANN student vacancies](https://careers.hartmann.info/search/?d=15&locale=en_US&optionsFacetsDD_department=Studenten&q=&searchby=location&sortColumn=referencedate&sortDirection=desc))
- Temporary holiday work at HARTMANN in Heidenheim. ([HARTMANN student vacancies](https://careers.hartmann.info/search/?d=15&locale=en_US&optionsFacetsDD_department=Studenten&q=&searchby=location&sortColumn=referencedate&sortDirection=desc))

- **Voith** (Engineering and industrial technology): Headquarters in Heidenheim, with Hydro, Paper and Turbo operations represented locally. ([Voith location page](https://www.voith.com/corp-en/about-us/markets-locations/germany/heidenheim.html))
- **PAUL HARTMANN AG** (Healthcare products): The healthcare group has its headquarters in Heidenheim and provides a dedicated graduate and student recruitment route. ([HARTMANN careers](https://careers.hartmann.info/IVF/))
- **Margarete Steiff GmbH** (Toys and plush animals): The toy manufacturer remains based in Giengen an der Brenz, as confirmed in its June 2026 company announcement. ([Steiff announcement](https://corporate.steiff.com/assets/teaser/PM_Steiff-gewinnt-Ravensburger-AG-als-Mehrheitsgesellschafter_20260617.pdf), [Careers](https://corporate.steiff.com/de/karriere/))

## Getting around

The Brenzbahn connects Aalen, Heidenheim, Giengen and Ulm. Published 2026 services take approximately 18–24 minutes from Heidenheim to Aalen Hbf and 32–47 minutes to Ulm Hbf, depending on the train; these are station-to-station times. ([Brenzbahn timetable](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/uploads/timetable/download/90/757_Brenzbahn_ab_14.12.2025.pdf)) htv publishes the town and district bus timetables, so check evening and weekend journeys for any prospective address. ([htv timetables](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/fahrplaene/verbundfahrplaene)) The Deutschlandticket covers local and regional public transport; long-distance journeys need separate consideration. ([htv](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/fahrscheine-preise/deutschlandticket))

- Station: Heidenheim — regional services towards Aalen and Ulm. ([Brenzbahn timetable](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/uploads/timetable/download/90/757_Brenzbahn_ab_14.12.2025.pdf))
- Station: Giengen (Brenz) — regional services on the same corridor. ([Brenzbahn timetable](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/uploads/timetable/download/90/757_Brenzbahn_ab_14.12.2025.pdf))
- Station: Outside the district: Ulm Hbf for ICE connections and Aalen Hbf for IC connections. ([Heidenheim travel information](https://hdh.mobi/service/nh/))
- Nearest airport: Memmingen Airport (FMM), by road from Heidenheim town — Heidenheim’s visitor guide lists approximately 93 km by road to Memmingen Airport, compared with 115 km to Stuttgart Airport. ([Travel information](https://hdh.mobi/service/nh/)) A public-transport option is to travel to Ulm and connect with the airport coach at Ulm-Böfingen; this coach stop is separate from Ulm Hbf. ([Airport Express](https://allgaeu-airport-express.de/en))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: -0.1 °C, 68 mm rain a month, 1.7 h sun a day
- Spring: 8.3 °C, 65 mm rain a month, 5.3 h sun a day
- Summer: 17 °C, 84 mm rain a month, 7.2 h sun a day
- Autumn: 8.2 °C, 62 mm rain a month, 3.1 h sun a day

Bring layers, a waterproof jacket and shoes with good grip: winters are cold and frequently frosty, while summers are generally mild but still wet enough to interrupt outdoor plans. Spring and autumn suit walking between study days, and summer brings the opera festival. ([Opernfestspiele](https://www.opernfestspiele.de/)) In the Eselsburger Tal, caves must not be entered from October to March to protect overwintering bats. ([Official walking guide](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/tour/eselsburger-tal-zu-den-steinernen-jungfrauen-cbe7d8dc2d))

## Culture & language

Local identity brings together industrial history and the Swabian Alb’s countryside, including shepherding and walking traditions. The summer opera festival adds a substantial cultural programme to this setting. ([Brenzregion tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/), [Opernfestspiele](https://www.opernfestspiele.de/)) For student social life, DHBW’s Connect-Team pairs incoming exchange students with German student buddies and organises meetings and trips. ([DHBW](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/study-program/faq))

Plan evenings around specific events and student activities. The regional calendar includes concerts, poetry slams and theatre; check what is scheduled during your stay rather than assuming a large-city nightlife scene. ([Regional events calendar](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/veranstaltungen))

DHBW offers English-taught classes through its international exchange programme, but its regular degree admission guidance requires proof of German proficiency, with telc C1 Hochschule among the examples accepted. ([Exchange programme](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/study-program/tabs/7855/0), [Degree admission guidance](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/about-us)) For housing calls, everyday errands and workplace conversations, aim to build practical German rather than relying entirely on English. Swabian is part of the local linguistic identity; standard German is the useful starting point for learners. ([Local background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidenheim_an_der_Brenz))

## Local food

- **Maultaschen**: A regional dish to look for locally: Hotel Restaurant Hirsch in Heidenheim-Mergelstetten serves homemade Maultaschen in traditional and contemporary versions. ([District tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/uebernachtung/hotel-restaurant-hirsch-s-56594b0066))
- **Spätzle**: The regional pasta also appears among local farm-shop products: the Hörger family in Sontheim an der Brenz sells homemade Spätzle. ([District tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/direktvermarkter/freilandeier-familie-hoerger-973ddb2b42))

## Events

- **Opernfestspiele Heidenheim** (June–July): The recurring summer festival presents opera, concerts and additional events; its current website describes a season from mid-June to late July. ([Official festival website](https://www.opernfestspiele.de/))
- **Steiff Sommer** (June; next announced dates: 25–27 June 2027): Annual family and collectors’ festival in Giengen, with activities and Steiff-related displays. The organiser has announced the next edition. ([Steiff](https://corporate.steiff.com/de/museum/events/steiff-sommer-familienfest/))

## Places to see

- **Schloss Hellenstein** (Castle): Heidenheim’s landmark castle is a natural starting point for exploring the town. ([District tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/unsere-region/staedte-und-gemeinden))
- **Eselsburger Tal** (Nature): Follow the walking route to the Steinerne Jungfrauen rock formations. Respect the nature reserve’s restrictions and keep dogs on a lead. ([Official walking guide](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/tour/eselsburger-tal-zu-den-steinernen-jungfrauen-cbe7d8dc2d))
- **Steiff Museum** (Museum): Giengen’s museum combines historic Steiff animals with demonstrations of their manufacture. ([City of Giengen](https://www.giengen.de/de/Freizeit-Tourismus/Sehen-Staunen/Steiff-Museum))
- **Charlottenhöhle** (Cave): A show cave with stalactite formations in Giengen-Hürben. The city recommends warm clothing and sturdy shoes for a visit. ([City of Giengen](https://www.giengen.de/de/Freizeit-Tourismus/Sehen-Staunen/HoehlenErlebnisWelt/Charlottenhoehle))
- **Steinheimer Becken** (Geology): Explore the unusual setting of Steinheim am Albuch within a meteorite crater. ([District tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/unsere-region/staedte-und-gemeinden))

## FAQ

### Is Heidenheim a good place to live as a student?

Heidenheim is worth considering for employer-linked study and access to countryside. DHBW offers a dual study model, and the surrounding Brenzregion has walking and cycling routes. ([DHBW](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/about-us), [District tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/))

### Is there a university in Heidenheim district?

Yes. DHBW Heidenheim is in Heidenheim an der Brenz and combines academic study with workplace training. Degree applicants need a contract with a partner employer. ([DHBW](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/about-us))

### Can I commute from Heidenheim to Aalen or Ulm?

Yes. Direct regional trains take approximately 18–24 minutes to Aalen Hbf and 32–47 minutes to Ulm Hbf in the published 2026 timetable. Allow additional time between home, the stations and your campus. ([Brenzbahn timetable](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/uploads/timetable/download/90/757_Brenzbahn_ab_14.12.2025.pdf))

### Is student accommodation easy to find in Heidenheim?

DHBW warns that affordable rooms are in high demand and recommends securing a room before arrival. Its International Office can provide advice and forward landlord offers, but does not arrange accommodation. ([DHBW](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/study-program/faq))

### What jobs can students find in Heidenheim?

Verified examples include technical working-student roles and engineering internships at Voith, plus marketing working-student roles and holiday work at HARTMANN. Check their careers portals for current openings and language requirements. ([Voith](https://www.voith.com/corp-en/about-us/markets-locations/germany.html?locations%5B%5D=12), [HARTMANN](https://careers.hartmann.info/search/?d=15&locale=en_US&optionsFacetsDD_department=Studenten&q=&searchby=location&sortColumn=referencedate&sortDirection=desc))

### Can I study in Heidenheim in English?

DHBW offers English-taught classes for its international exchange programme. Its regular degree admission guidance requires German proficiency, so do not treat the exchange offering as evidence of a fully English-taught degree. ([Exchange programme](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/study-program/tabs/7855/0), [Admission guidance](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/about-us))

## Sources

- [District tourism: towns and municipalities](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/unsere-region/staedte-und-gemeinden)
- [Heidenheimer Brenzregion tourism](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/)
- [DHBW: dual study and admissions](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/about-us)
- [DHBW: international study and accommodation](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/study-program/tabs/7855/0)
- [DHBW: international student FAQ](https://www.heidenheim.dhbw.de/en/home/study-program/faq)
- [Studierendenwerk Ulm: private accommodation services](https://studierendenwerk-ulm.de/wohnen/kompakt/)
- [City of Heidenheim: housing search](https://www.heidenheim.de/leben/bauen-wohnen)
- [KARLS student apartments](https://www.karls23-heidenheim.de/)
- [KARLS: included costs](https://www.karls23-heidenheim.de/faq/)
- [KARLS: operator legal notice](https://www.karls23-heidenheim.de/impressum/)
- [htv: Deutschlandticket](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/fahrscheine-preise/deutschlandticket)
- [htv: D-Ticket JugendBW](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/fahrscheine-preise/jugendticketbw)
- [htv: bus and rail timetables](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/fahrplaene/verbundfahrplaene)
- [Brenzbahn 2026 timetable](https://www.htv-heidenheim.de/uploads/timetable/download/90/757_Brenzbahn_ab_14.12.2025.pdf)
- [Heidenheim visitor guide: transport](https://hdh.mobi/service/nh/)
- [Allgäu Airport Express: routes and stops](https://allgaeu-airport-express.de/en)
- [Voith: Heidenheim location](https://www.voith.com/corp-en/about-us/markets-locations/germany/heidenheim.html)
- [Voith: German locations and careers](https://www.voith.com/corp-en/about-us/markets-locations/germany.html?locations%5B%5D=12)
- [HARTMANN careers](https://careers.hartmann.info/IVF/)
- [HARTMANN student vacancy portal](https://careers.hartmann.info/search/?d=15&locale=en_US&optionsFacetsDD_department=Studenten&q=&searchby=location&sortColumn=referencedate&sortDirection=desc)
- [Steiff careers](https://corporate.steiff.com/de/karriere/)
- [Steiff: June 2026 company announcement](https://corporate.steiff.com/assets/teaser/PM_Steiff-gewinnt-Ravensburger-AG-als-Mehrheitsgesellschafter_20260617.pdf)
- [Opernfestspiele Heidenheim](https://www.opernfestspiele.de/)
- [Steiff Sommer festival](https://corporate.steiff.com/de/museum/events/steiff-sommer-familienfest/)
- [Regional events calendar](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/veranstaltungen)
- [City of Giengen: Steiff Museum](https://www.giengen.de/de/Freizeit-Tourismus/Sehen-Staunen/Steiff-Museum)
- [Eselsburger Tal walking route and conservation guidance](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/tour/eselsburger-tal-zu-den-steinernen-jungfrauen-cbe7d8dc2d)
- [City of Giengen: Charlottenhöhle](https://www.giengen.de/de/Freizeit-Tourismus/Sehen-Staunen/HoehlenErlebnisWelt/Charlottenhoehle)
- [District tourism: Restaurant Hirsch and Maultaschen](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/uebernachtung/hotel-restaurant-hirsch-s-56594b0066)
- [District tourism: Hörger farm shop and Spätzle](https://www.heidenheimer-brenzregion.de/direktvermarkter/freilandeier-familie-hoerger-973ddb2b42)
- [Heidenheim local linguistic background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidenheim_an_der_Brenz)
- [Commons: Hellenstein Castle photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Das_Schloss_Hellenstein.jpg)
- [Commons: Giengen town hall photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Giengen_a_d_Br_-_Rathaus_v_S.JPG)
- [Commons: Falkenstein photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eselsburger-Tal_Herbrechtingen_Baden-W%C3%BCrttemberg_Germany_Burg-Falkenstein-03.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/heidenheim-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).