# Study in Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis district, Baden-Württemberg

> Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis is a rural district (Landkreis) in Baden-Württemberg with 145,263 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (Mosbach). Summers average 17.7 °C and winters 1 °C, with about 910 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis is a rural district in Baden-Württemberg, with a university campus in Mosbach and countryside close by.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 145,263 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,125.95 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University, Mosbach (16 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €207–€325/month — Published rent range for a single room in a shared flat at Odenwaldstr. 16/1, Mosbach, on the undated Studierendenwerk Heidelberg residence page, checked 2 November 2026. This is a residence-specific figure, not a district average; the page labels it as rent without specifying utility inclusions. | [source](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/odenwaldstr-16-1/) |
| Mean temperature | 9.1 °C (summer 17.7 °C, winter 1 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 910 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,704 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis district

Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis combines three landscapes: the wooded Odenwald hills, the Neckar valley and the Bauland countryside. It is a rural district where choosing the right town matters as much as choosing the region. ([Landkreistag Baden-Württemberg](https://www.landkreistag-bw.de/landkreise/landkreis-portraits/Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis))

Mosbach is the local university town; Buchen has a historic market centre, Walldürn is associated with pilgrimage, and Osterburken preserves the area's Roman history. These give the district several distinct centres rather than one large urban core. ([Buchen](https://www.buchen.de/tourismus/sehenswuerdigkeiten/altes-rathaus.html), [Walldürn](https://www.wallduern.de/blutwunder), [Römerpfade](https://www.roemerpfade.de/detail/id=603f6e446939ff3f9e25c4ab))

- **Mosbach**: The district's university town, with DHBW facilities reachable on foot from Mosbach (Baden) station. ([DHBW](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/service-einrichtungen/education-support-center/wahl-seite/campuswegweiser-mosbach/anfahrt-und-uebernachtung-in-mosbach/))
- **Buchen**: A historic market town whose old town hall and surrounding streets reflect its trading history. ([City of Buchen](https://www.buchen.de/tourismus/sehenswuerdigkeiten/altes-rathaus.html))
- **Walldürn**: A pilgrimage town centred on the Holy Blood pilgrimage and its basilica. ([City of Walldürn](https://www.wallduern.de/blutwunder))
- **Osterburken**: A town associated with the Roman Limes, with a museum displaying local finds and preserved baths. ([Römerpfade](https://www.roemerpfade.de/detail/id=603f6e446939ff3f9e25c4ab))

## Universities

DHBW Mosbach gives the district its own university campus; the nearby university options also include Heilbronn, Heidelberg and Bad Mergentheim. For studying in Mosbach, begin your housing search there: the university describes a walk of around 15–20 minutes from Mosbach (Baden) station to its sites. ([DHBW travel guidance](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/service-einrichtungen/education-support-center/wahl-seite/campuswegweiser-mosbach/anfahrt-und-uebernachtung-in-mosbach/)) Commuting to Heidelberg is possible, but normal S-Bahn journeys from Mosbach West take roughly an hour before onward travel to campus. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_8052.pdf)) This is a sensible place to consider if you prefer a smaller study town and outdoor weekends; compare the complete journey before choosing a village address.

- **Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University** (Mosbach) — 2 courses

## Housing

Mosbach has Studierendenwerk accommodation and private furnished rooms aimed at students. ([Studierendenwerk Heidelberg](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/), [Wohnen in Mosbach](https://wohnen-in-mosbach.de/)) Do not assume that a rural location guarantees immediate availability: the city explicitly reports a long waiting list for its municipal and Hospitalfonds rental housing. That warning concerns those properties, rather than measuring the entire private market. ([City of Mosbach](https://www.mosbach.de/wirtschaft-und-entwicklung/stadtentwicklung/bauplaetze%2B_%2Bmietwohnungen))

**How to find a place**

- Start with Studierendenwerk Heidelberg's Mosbach residences and follow its housing application route; check availability for your actual arrival date. ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/))
- Compare private furnished rooms through Wohnen in Mosbach, which lists properties on Hauptstraße, Lohrtalweg and Wilhelm-Schwarz-Straße. ([Provider](https://wohnen-in-mosbach.de/))
- Use the Mosbach section of the Studierendenwerk's alternative-accommodation directory for additional providers; contact them directly to confirm current terms. ([Accommodation directory](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/wo-in-hd-andere-traeger-aussenstellen.pdf))
- Check the walk to your teaching site before signing. DHBW distinguishes Mosbach (Baden) station from the connecting station at Mosbach-Neckarelz. ([DHBW travel guidance](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/service-einrichtungen/education-support-center/wahl-seite/campuswegweiser-mosbach/anfahrt-und-uebernachtung-in-mosbach/))

**Student residences**

- [Odenwaldstr. 16/1](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/odenwaldstr-16-1/) (Studierendenwerk Heidelberg): Single rooms in shared flats, within walking distance of DHBW and the town centre. The operator lists the address as Odenwaldstraße 16a. ([Official residence page](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/odenwaldstr-16-1/))
- [Odenwaldstr. 16](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/odenwaldstr-16/) (Studierendenwerk Heidelberg): Furnished single apartments with internet, close to DHBW and opposite the Elzpark. ([Official residence page](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/odenwaldstr-16/))

## Cost of living

Housing and travel provide useful starting points for a budget: Studierendenwerk Heidelberg lists single apartments at Odenwaldstr. 16 for €390–€400 per month, checked in November 2026. ([Residence details](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/odenwaldstr-16/)) The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026 and covers local and regional public transport. ([VRN](https://www.vrn.de/tickets/ticketuebersicht/deutschlandticket/)) These are separate costs, not a complete living-cost estimate. Confirm rent inclusions and add food, insurance, study charges and any travel outside the ticket's coverage before deciding whether a cheaper room farther from campus saves money.

## Jobs & employers

Local employers span manufacturing software, consumer-product manufacturing and social care: MPDV operates in Mosbach, P&G manufactures shaving and epilation products in Walldürn, and Johannes-Diakonie provides care and support services. ([MPDV](https://jobs.mpdv.com/), [P&G](https://www.pgcareers.com/de/en/bewirb-dich-an-einem-unserer-standorte), [Johannes-Diakonie](https://jobs-johannes-diakonie.de/)) MPDV explicitly offers working-student, internship, thesis and dual-study routes, making its careers pages a useful starting point for relevant experience. ([MPDV student opportunities](https://jobs.mpdv.com/ausbildung)) Check the location, hours and language requirements of each vacancy.

- Working-student roles at a manufacturing-software company, through MPDV's dedicated Werkstudent route. ([MPDV](https://jobs.mpdv.com/ausbildung))
- Holiday-helper work in education and support services; Johannes-Diakonie lists Ferienhelfer among its recruitment categories. ([Johannes-Diakonie](https://jobs-johannes-diakonie.de/))
- Care and everyday-support assistant roles, where qualifications and shift requirements fit your studies. ([Johannes-Diakonie](https://jobs-johannes-diakonie.de/))

- **MPDV Mikrolab** (Manufacturing software): Mosbach employer developing IT solutions for factory operations, with student and early-career entry routes. ([MPDV](https://jobs.mpdv.com/))
- **Johannes-Diakonie** (Social care, education and healthcare): Based in Mosbach, with recruitment covering disability support, education, healthcare, administration and household services. ([Careers portal](https://jobs-johannes-diakonie.de/))
- **Procter & Gamble / Braun** (Consumer-product manufacturing): Its Walldürn site is a manufacturing competence centre for foil shavers and epilators. ([P&G locations](https://www.pgcareers.com/de/en/bewirb-dich-an-einem-unserer-standorte))

## Getting around

Mosbach is connected towards Heidelberg by the Rhein-Neckar S-Bahn and towards Heilbronn by the S41; DHBW also identifies Neckarelz and Osterburken as rail interchange points. ([DHBW](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/service-einrichtungen/education-support-center/wahl-seite/campuswegweiser-mosbach/anfahrt-und-uebernachtung-in-mosbach/)) As normal timetable examples, Mosbach West–Heidelberg Hbf takes about 56 minutes by S-Bahn, while Mosbach West–Heilbronn Hauptbahnhof/Willy-Brandt-Platz takes about 53 minutes by S41. These are station-to-station examples, not campus journey times. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_8052.pdf)) The Deutschlandticket covers local buses, S-Bahn, Stadtbahn and regional trains, but not ordinary long-distance rail services. ([VRN](https://www.vrn.de/tickets/ticketuebersicht/deutschlandticket/)) For a village address, check the connecting bus and last return separately. Check live departures before travelling: Mosbach publishes engineering-work notices affecting regional routes. ([City travel notices](https://www.mosbach.de/stadt-und-verwaltung/aktuelles/bahnarbeiten_2026))

- Station: Mosbach-Neckarelz — interchange for services towards Heidelberg and Heilbronn. ([DHBW](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/service-einrichtungen/education-support-center/wahl-seite/campuswegweiser-mosbach/anfahrt-und-uebernachtung-in-mosbach/))
- Station: Osterburken — interchange for trains towards Stuttgart and Würzburg and connections towards Mosbach. ([DHBW](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/service-einrichtungen/education-support-center/wahl-seite/campuswegweiser-mosbach/anfahrt-und-uebernachtung-in-mosbach/))
- Station: Mosbach (Baden) — the station to check for walking access to the university sites. ([DHBW](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/service-einrichtungen/education-support-center/wahl-seite/campuswegweiser-mosbach/anfahrt-und-uebernachtung-in-mosbach/))
- Nearest airport: Stuttgart Airport (STR) — DHBW names Stuttgart and Frankfurt as the nearby airport options for Mosbach. Its suggested rail connections run via Stuttgart Hbf from STR and via Mannheim Hbf from Frankfurt Airport; compare both against your destination and flight. ([DHBW arrival guidance](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/service-einrichtungen/education-support-center/wahl-seite/campuswegweiser-mosbach/anfahrt-und-uebernachtung-in-mosbach/))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 1 °C, 92 mm rain a month, 1.9 h sun a day
- Spring: 8.8 °C, 67 mm rain a month, 5.9 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.7 °C, 71 mm rain a month, 7.3 h sun a day
- Autumn: 8.9 °C, 73 mm rain a month, 3.6 h sun a day

Expect cold, frequently frosty winters, mild spring and autumn weather, and generally moderate summers with occasional hot days. Rain is relevant throughout the year, so bring waterproof layers as well as winter clothing. Summer offers the outdoor Mosbacher Sommer programme, while Buchen's carnival gives the colder part of the year a distinctive local occasion. ([Mosbach](https://www.mosbach.de/mosbacher%20sommer), [Buchen](https://www.buchen.de/tourismus/highlights-in-buchen/buchener-faschenacht.html))

## Culture & language

Local traditions are particularly visible in Buchen's Faschenacht carnival, including its Huddelbätz figures, and in Walldürn's annual Holy Blood pilgrimage. ([Buchen](https://www.buchen.de/tourismus/highlights-in-buchen/buchener-faschenacht.html), [Walldürn](https://www.wallduern.de/blutwunder)) For evenings in Mosbach, the city's student guide points to concerts, club evenings and other events at the Alte Mälzerei, alongside the summer cultural programme. That suggests an event-led social life: check the calendar rather than expecting a large university-city nightlife scene. ([Mosbach student guide](https://www.mosbach.de/leben-und-soziales/bildung%2B_%2Bbetreuung/duale%2Bhochschule%2Bbaden-wuerttemberg/infos%2Bfuer%2Bstudierende))

English is usable within DHBW's designated international exchange programmes, which are taught in English and include German language classes. ([Exchange guidance](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/en/international-office/international/application/)) Full-degree applicants should distinguish these from the regular bachelor route: the university's international full-degree guidance says its degree programmes are taught in German and require proof of proficiency. ([Full-degree guidance](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/international-1/information-for-full-degree-students/)) For everyday independence, build practical German for rental enquiries, appointments and work; B1–B2 is a useful personal learning target, not a statement of the university's admission requirement.

## Local food

- **Grünkernsuppe**: Soup made with Grünkern: spelt harvested before full ripeness and roasted over beechwood, a characteristic local ingredient. ([TG Odenwald](https://www.tg-odenwald.de/kulinarik/gruenkern))
- **Grünkernküchle**: Savoury Grünkern patties, featured by the regional tourism organisation in its Odenwald-Teller recipe. ([TG Odenwald](https://www.tg-odenwald.de/kulinarik/gruenkern))

## Events

- **Mosbacher Sommer** (July–September): An annual outdoor cultural programme with concerts, theatre, comedy and open-air cinema; the city published a full programme for 2026. ([City of Mosbach](https://www.mosbach.de/mosbacher%20sommer))
- **Buchener Schützenmarkt** (September): Buchen's annual fair combines market stalls, fairground attractions and shooting-club traditions. ([City of Buchen](https://www.buchen.de/tourismus/highlights-in-buchen/schuetzenmarkt.html))
- **Buchener Faschenacht** (Carnival season, especially the days before Ash Wednesday): Traditional carnival celebrations featuring local figures such as the Huddelbätz, with festivities beginning on Schmutziger Donnerstag. ([City of Buchen](https://www.buchen.de/tourismus/highlights-in-buchen/buchener-faschenacht.html))

## Places to see

- **Mosbach market square** (Old town): A central place to explore Mosbach's historic streets and half-timbered buildings around Badgasse and Schlossgasse. ([Documented Commons photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mosbach_-_Altstadt_-_Marktplatz_-_S%C3%BCdostseite_mit_Bad-_und_Schlossgasse.jpg))
- **Eberstadter Tropfsteinhöhle** (Nature): A show cave in Buchen-Eberstadt with stalactites, stalagmites and a visitor centre explaining the area's geology. ([TG Odenwald](https://www.tg-odenwald.de/detail/id=5f2ba25b63033a4560d99dab))
- **Katzenbuckel** (Nature): The volcanic landmark near Waldbrunn is one of the nature park's highlighted destinations; its lookout tower offers wide views across the Odenwald. ([Baden-Württemberg nature park guide](https://mlr.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/unsere-themen/wald-und-naturerlebnis/naturerlebnis/naturparke/sieben-naturparke/naturpark-neckartal-odenwald), [Commons panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_vom_Katzenbuckel.jpg))
- **Römermuseum Osterburken** (Museum): Explore finds from the Roman frontier, preserved baths and the relationship between Roman communities and their neighbours along the Limes. ([Römerpfade](https://www.roemerpfade.de/detail/id=603f6e446939ff3f9e25c4ab))

## FAQ

### Is Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis a good place to live as a student?

It is worth considering if you want a rural setting and a smaller university town. Mosbach is the practical starting point for DHBW students because university sites are walkable from Mosbach (Baden) station. ([DHBW](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/service-einrichtungen/education-support-center/wahl-seite/campuswegweiser-mosbach/anfahrt-und-uebernachtung-in-mosbach/))

### Is there a university in Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis?

Yes. Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University has its Mosbach campus in the district. Its international office distinguishes full-degree study from English-taught exchange programmes. ([DHBW](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/international-1/information-for-full-degree-students/))

### How much does student accommodation in Mosbach cost?

Studierendenwerk Heidelberg lists single rooms in shared flats at Odenwaldstr. 16/1 for €207–€325 per month, checked in November 2026. This is one residence's published range, not a private-market average or a guarantee of availability. ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/odenwaldstr-16-1/))

### Can I commute from Mosbach to Heidelberg or Heilbronn?

Yes. Normal timetable examples from Mosbach West take about 56 minutes to Heidelberg Hbf by S-Bahn and 53 minutes to Heilbronn Hauptbahnhof/Willy-Brandt-Platz by S41. Add travel to your campus and check live departures for alterations. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_8052.pdf))

### What jobs can students find in Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis?

Verified routes include working-student positions, internships and thesis placements at MPDV, plus holiday-helper and support roles at Johannes-Diakonie. Availability, location and qualification requirements depend on the vacancy. ([MPDV](https://jobs.mpdv.com/ausbildung), [Johannes-Diakonie](https://jobs-johannes-diakonie.de/))

### Can I study in Mosbach in English?

DHBW offers designated English-taught international exchange programmes. Its guidance for international full-degree applicants says the regular degree programmes are taught in German and require proof of German proficiency. ([Exchange programmes](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/en/international-office/international/application/), [Full-degree guidance](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/international-1/information-for-full-degree-students/))

## Sources

- [Landkreistag Baden-Württemberg: district portrait](https://www.landkreistag-bw.de/landkreise/landkreis-portraits/Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis)
- [Buchen: old town hall and market history](https://www.buchen.de/tourismus/sehenswuerdigkeiten/altes-rathaus.html)
- [Walldürn: pilgrimage](https://www.wallduern.de/blutwunder)
- [Römerpfade: Roman Museum Osterburken](https://www.roemerpfade.de/detail/id=603f6e446939ff3f9e25c4ab)
- [DHBW Mosbach: travel and airport connections](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/service-einrichtungen/education-support-center/wahl-seite/campuswegweiser-mosbach/anfahrt-und-uebernachtung-in-mosbach/)
- [Studierendenwerk Heidelberg: residence directory](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/)
- [Studierendenwerk Heidelberg: Odenwaldstr. 16/1](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/odenwaldstr-16-1/)
- [Studierendenwerk Heidelberg: Odenwaldstr. 16](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wohnen/wohnheime/odenwaldstr-16/)
- [Mosbach: municipal rental housing](https://www.mosbach.de/wirtschaft-und-entwicklung/stadtentwicklung/bauplaetze%2B_%2Bmietwohnungen)
- [Wohnen in Mosbach: private student accommodation](https://wohnen-in-mosbach.de/)
- [Studierendenwerk: alternative accommodation directory](https://www.stw.uni-heidelberg.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/wo-in-hd-andere-traeger-aussenstellen.pdf)
- [VRN: Deutschlandticket validity and 2026 price](https://www.vrn.de/tickets/ticketuebersicht/deutschlandticket/)
- [MPDV: careers and Mosbach presence](https://jobs.mpdv.com/)
- [MPDV: student and training opportunities](https://jobs.mpdv.com/ausbildung)
- [Johannes-Diakonie: careers](https://jobs-johannes-diakonie.de/)
- [P&G: German locations including Walldürn](https://www.pgcareers.com/de/en/bewirb-dich-an-einem-unserer-standorte)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Mosbach West scheduled departures](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_8052.pdf)
- [Mosbach: rail engineering-work notices](https://www.mosbach.de/stadt-und-verwaltung/aktuelles/bahnarbeiten_2026)
- [Mosbach: information for students](https://www.mosbach.de/leben-und-soziales/bildung%2B_%2Bbetreuung/duale%2Bhochschule%2Bbaden-wuerttemberg/infos%2Bfuer%2Bstudierende)
- [TG Odenwald: Grünkern](https://www.tg-odenwald.de/kulinarik/gruenkern)
- [Mosbach: Mosbacher Sommer](https://www.mosbach.de/mosbacher%20sommer)
- [Buchen: Schützenmarkt](https://www.buchen.de/tourismus/highlights-in-buchen/schuetzenmarkt.html)
- [Buchen: Faschenacht](https://www.buchen.de/tourismus/highlights-in-buchen/buchener-faschenacht.html)
- [TG Odenwald: Eberstadt cave](https://www.tg-odenwald.de/detail/id=5f2ba25b63033a4560d99dab)
- [Baden-Württemberg: Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park](https://mlr.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/unsere-themen/wald-und-naturerlebnis/naturerlebnis/naturparke/sieben-naturparke/naturpark-neckartal-odenwald)
- [DHBW: international exchange applications](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/en/international-office/international/application/)
- [DHBW: international full-degree guidance](https://www.mosbach.dhbw.de/international-1/information-for-full-degree-students/)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Mosbach market square photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mosbach_-_Altstadt_-_Marktplatz_-_S%C3%BCdostseite_mit_Bad-_und_Schlossgasse.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Buchen old town hall photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BuchenAltesRathaus01.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Katzenbuckel panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_vom_Katzenbuckel.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/neckar-odenwald-kreis-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).