# Study in Ortenaukreis district, Baden-Württemberg

> Ortenaukreis is a rural district (Landkreis) in Baden-Württemberg with 444,858 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has 2 universities: Offenburg University of Applied Sciences (Offenburg), Hochschule für öffentliche Verwaltung Kehl (Kehl, Rhein). Summers average 19.1 °C and winters 2.9 °C, with about 1,005 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Ortenaukreis combines Rhine-side towns with Black Forest countryside.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 444,858 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,860.29 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 2 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, Offenburg (7 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | From €365/month — Warm rent for a small single room in a five-person shared flat in the new Campus Offenburg buildings on St.-Martin-Straße, as listed by Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald; checked November 2026. Includes electricity, heating, water, refuse and internet. Stepped rent increases apply. | [source](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-offenburg/studierendenhaeuser-campus-offenburg) |
| Mean temperature | 10.8 °C (summer 19.1 °C, winter 2.9 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 1,005 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,729 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Ortenaukreis district

Ortenaukreis stretches from the Rhine into the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg. It combines towns on the Rhine plain with wooded valleys and mountain landscapes ([Ortenaukreis](https://www.ortenaukreis.de/Landkreis-Verwaltung/Der-Ortenaukreis/Zahlen-Fakten/)).

Your experience depends strongly on your town: Offenburg is a rail interchange, Kehl has direct links with Strasbourg, and Gengenbach offers a historic centre. Wine, fruit growing and Black Forest food are part of the region’s identity ([Offenburg](https://www.offenburg.de/de/arbeit-und-wirtschaft/wirtschaft/daten-fakten/verkehrsinfrastruktur/), [Kehl](https://marketing.kehl.de/zu%2Bgast%2Bin%2Bkehl/kehl%2Berleben), [Gengenbach](https://www.gengenbach.info/gengenbach-entdecken/adventskalender-1), [Ortenau Tourism](https://www.ortenau-tourismus.de/)).

- **Offenburg**: A university town and railway interchange with regional trains, ICE services and a TGV connection ([City of Offenburg](https://www.offenburg.de/de/arbeit-und-wirtschaft/wirtschaft/daten-fakten/verkehrsinfrastruktur/)).
- **Kehl**: A Rhine-side university town connected to Strasbourg by tram and by a pedestrian and cycle bridge ([Hochschule Kehl](https://www.hs-kehl.de/), [City of Kehl](https://marketing.kehl.de/zu%2Bgast%2Bin%2Bkehl/kehl%2Berleben), [Tram information](https://www.kehl.de/leben%2Bin%2Bkehl/mobilitaet/tram/faqs%2Btram)).
- **Gengenbach**: A Hochschule Offenburg campus town with a historic centre known for its annual Advent calendar display ([University](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/en/international/exchange-students), [Gengenbach Tourism](https://www.gengenbach.info/gengenbach-entdecken/adventskalender-1)).
- **Lahr**: Its historic centre hosts Chrysanthema, an autumn flower and cultural festival ([City of Lahr](https://www.lahr.de/chrysanthema.11651.htm)).

## Universities

The district has Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, with study locations in Offenburg and Gengenbach, and Hochschule für öffentliche Verwaltung Kehl, specialising in public administration ([Offenburg University](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/en/international/exchange-students), [Hochschule Kehl](https://www.hs-kehl.de/)). Choose housing around your actual teaching location: Gengenbach has a direct regional rail connection with Offenburg, while Kehl lies on the Offenburg–Strasbourg route ([DB](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/ueber-uns/swb_index/swb_fahrplan_strecke), [TGO](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/startseite/fahrplan/europabahn.html)). This is worth considering if you want town life with access to countryside; check the complete journey from any prospective room to campus before signing.

- **Offenburg University of Applied Sciences** (Offenburg) — 59 courses
- **Hochschule für öffentliche Verwaltung Kehl** (Kehl, Rhein) — 3 courses

## Housing

Start looking early. In September 2026, Hochschule Offenburg described housing in Offenburg and its surroundings as tight and reported that some incoming international students still lacked suitable, affordable accommodation ([University housing appeal](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/hochschule/news/artikel/internationale-studierende-suchen-zimmer-1)). The rent below is a residence example, not an average for the private market.

**How to find a place**

- Apply for Studierendenwerk accommodation through the SWFR Wohnportal; use the local residence pages to compare locations ([SWFR Wohnportal](https://www.swfr.de/wp)).
- Ask Hochschule Offenburg’s International Center about accommodation before arrival. Its private accommodation placement service is specifically for international master’s students and exchange students ([University accommodation support](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/en/international/exchange-students)).
- Use SWFR’s private housing service, which has a contact responsible for Offenburg, Kehl and Gengenbach ([SWFR private housing](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/freier-wohnungsmarkt/freier-wohnungsmarkt)).
- For Gengenbach-based study, search private rooms as well as nearby towns: the university states that there are no dormitories at its Gengenbach campus ([University accommodation information](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/en/international/exchange-students)).

**Student residences**

- [Studierendenhäuser Campus Offenburg](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-offenburg/studierendenhaeuser-campus-offenburg) (Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald): Accommodation near the university at Zähringerstraße 36 b and St.-Martin-Straße 4 D–F, offering shared flats and individual apartments ([SWFR](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-offenburg/studierendenhaeuser-campus-offenburg)).
- [Studierendenhaus Goldgasse](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/in-freiburg/studierendenhaus-goldgasse) (Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald): At Goldgasse 31 in central Offenburg, with shared kitchens and sanitary facilities; the operator describes the campus as a short cycle ride away ([SWFR](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/in-freiburg/studierendenhaus-goldgasse)).
- [Studierendenhäuser Kinzigallee](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/in-kehl/studierendenhaeuser-kinzigallee) (Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald): At Kinzigallee 3/3a near Hochschule Kehl. The operator lists renovations for 2026–2027, so check availability for your intended move-in date ([SWFR](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/in-kehl/studierendenhaeuser-kinzigallee)).

## Cost of living

Useful budget anchors, checked in November 2026, are the Campus Offenburg shared-room example from €365 per month and the Deutschlandticket at €63 per month ([SWFR](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-offenburg/studierendenhaeuser-campus-offenburg), [TGO](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/,Lde_DE/Startseite/Fahrkarten/deutschland-ticket.html)). Hochschule Offenburg lists a standard semester contribution of €170. Separate tuition of €1,500 per semester can apply to non-EU/EEA international students, with exemptions; international master’s programmes also have a listed service fee, so check your programme’s full charges ([University fees](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/studium/bachelor/medien-und-kommunikation)). These figures are not a complete monthly budget: allow separately for food, insurance and personal spending.

## Jobs & employers

Engineering, media and printing, and tourism are useful sectors to investigate. Herrenknecht’s Schwanau careers portal includes internships and working-student roles; Burda operates journalism and printing activities in Offenburg; Europa-Park’s Rust portal includes seasonal part-time hospitality work ([Herrenknecht](https://jobs.herrenknecht.com/), [Burda](https://www.burda.com/de/karriere/unsere-standorte/offenburg/), [Europa-Park](https://jobs.europapark.de/de/jobs)). Treat these as search routes rather than promises of a vacancy matching your timetable.

- Engineering working-student roles and technical internships in Schwanau ([Herrenknecht careers](https://jobs.herrenknecht.com/)).
- Human-resources working-student roles in Schwanau ([Herrenknecht careers](https://jobs.herrenknecht.com/)).
- Seasonal restaurant and bar service in Rust ([Europa-Park careers](https://jobs.europapark.de/de/jobs)).
- Seasonal kitchen assistance and catering cashier work in Rust ([Europa-Park careers](https://jobs.europapark.de/de/jobs)).
- Media internships and working-student opportunities; filter Burda’s offers for Offenburg ([Burda student careers](https://www.burda.com/en/career/students/)).

- **Herrenknecht** (Engineering and tunnelling technology): Its Schwanau careers portal lists manufacturing, engineering, technical internships and working-student opportunities ([Herrenknecht](https://jobs.herrenknecht.com/)).
- **Hubert Burda Media** (Media, publishing and printing): The Offenburg site combines journalism, publishing brands and printing operations ([Burda’s Offenburg site](https://www.burda.com/de/karriere/unsere-standorte/offenburg/)).
- **Europa-Park Erlebnis-Resort** (Tourism, leisure and hospitality): Operates resort, hotel and leisure activities in Rust; its careers portal includes seasonal full-time and part-time roles ([Europa-Park careers](https://jobs.europapark.de/de/jobs)).

## Getting around

Use TGO for local bus and rail information. The Schwarzwaldbahn connects Offenburg with Gengenbach and the Kinzig valley; the Europabahn connects Offenburg, Appenweier, Kehl and Strasbourg ([DB Schwarzwaldbahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/ueber-uns/swb_index/swb_fahrplan_strecke), [TGO Europabahn](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/startseite/fahrplan/europabahn.html)). DB’s November 2026 examples show approximately 29 minutes from Offenburg to Strasbourg by regional train and 27–31 minutes to Freiburg by ICE; the latter is not a regional-train commuting time ([DB Strasbourg](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/offenburg/strassburg.shtml), [DB Freiburg](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/offenburg/freiburg.shtml)). The Deutschlandticket covers German local and regional public transport, not ICE, IC or EC services. Do not assume it covers your journey into Strasbourg: TGO explicitly excludes the Tram D leisure extension and offers separate cross-border EUROPASS tickets ([Deutschlandticket](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/,Lde_DE/Startseite/Fahrkarten/deutschland-ticket.html), [EUROPASS](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/startseite/fahrkarten/europass.html)). Check the current timetable and the final bus or walk to campus.

- Station: Offenburg — regional and long-distance interchange ([City of Offenburg](https://www.offenburg.de/de/arbeit-und-wirtschaft/wirtschaft/daten-fakten/verkehrsinfrastruktur/)).
- Station: Appenweier — served by the Schwarzwaldbahn and the route towards Kehl and Strasbourg ([DB](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/ueber-uns/swb_index/swb_fahrplan_strecke), [TGO](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/startseite/fahrplan/europabahn.html)).
- Station: Kehl — regional rail station with access to Strasbourg’s tram network ([TGO](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/startseite/fahrplan/europabahn.html), [City of Kehl](https://www.kehl.de/leben%2Bin%2Bkehl/mobilitaet/tram/faqs%2Btram)).
- Nearest airport: Strasbourg Airport — A nearby international airport option; the most convenient airport depends on your town and flight. Offenburg lists both Strasbourg and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airports at roughly 45 minutes by car. Strasbourg Airport has a rail link to Strasbourg station taking about eight minutes, with a pedestrian connection between its station and terminal ([City of Offenburg](https://www.offenburg.de/de/arbeit-und-wirtschaft/wirtschaft/daten-fakten/verkehrsinfrastruktur/), [Strasbourg Airport](https://www.strasbourg.aeroport.fr/en/passengers/car-parks-and-access/shuttle-train/)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2.9 °C, 74 mm rain a month, 1.9 h sun a day
- Spring: 10.7 °C, 81 mm rain a month, 5.7 h sun a day
- Summer: 19.1 °C, 100 mm rain a month, 7.6 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.8 °C, 79 mm rain a month, 3.6 h sun a day

Expect warm summers, cool winters and rain throughout the year; pack both summer clothes and a waterproof layer. The supplied low-elevation climate record is best treated as a guide to valley conditions rather than every mountain outing. Autumn brings Offenburg’s wine festival and Lahr’s Chrysanthema, followed by Gengenbach’s Advent display as the winter semester progresses ([Weinfest](https://www.ortenauer-weinfest.de/weinfest/), [Chrysanthema](https://www.lahr.de/chrysanthema.11651.htm), [Gengenbach Advent](https://www.gengenbach.info/gengenbach-entdecken/adventskalender-1)).

## Culture & language

Local traditions include the Swabian-Alemannic carnival known as Fasend. Gengenbach’s celebrations feature named carnival figures, processions and gatherings in pubs; wine celebrations are another part of the calendar ([Gengenbach Tourism](https://www.gengenbach.info/gengenbach-entdecken/tradition-1/gengenbacher-fasend), [Ortenauer Weinfest](https://www.ortenauer-weinfest.de/weinfest/)).

For meeting people, Hochschule Offenburg organises World Café gatherings and a buddy programme. Beyond campus, Kehl’s summer cultural programme includes free concerts and cabaret at the Rosengarten’s lakeside stage ([University](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/en/international/exchange-students), [Kehl](https://marketing.kehl.de/zu%2Bgast%2Bin%2Bkehl/kehl%2Berleben)).

English-taught study options exist at Hochschule Offenburg, but they do not establish that everyday services or employers operate in English ([University](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/hochschule/news/artikel/internationale-studierende-suchen-zimmer-1)). As a practical learning target, work towards conversational German for housing, appointments and job applications; B1–B2 is useful preparation, not a district-wide admission requirement. Offenburg publishes local German-course and language-café options ([City language guide](https://www.offenburg.de/de/leben-in-offenburg/integration/willkommen-in-offenburg/sprachkurse-und-sprachangebote/?stichwortsuche=de,Online)).

## Local food

- **Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte**: Black Forest cherry cake is one of the regional specialities highlighted by Ortenau’s tourism board ([Ortenau Tourism](https://www.ortenau-tourismus.de/)).
- **Schwarzwälder Schinken**: Black Forest ham is another established regional speciality ([Ortenau Tourism](https://www.ortenau-tourismus.de/)).
- **Ortenau wines and fruit spirits**: Local wines and fruit brandies feature alongside the region’s fruit-growing tradition ([Ortenau Tourism](https://www.ortenau-tourismus.de/)).

## Events

- **Ortenauer Weinfest, Offenburg** (September; 25–28 September in 2026.): A wine festival with regional producers, food stands and live music; the 2026 edition took place along Hauptstraße ([Organiser](https://www.ortenauer-weinfest.de/weinfest/)).
- **Chrysanthema, Lahr** (October–November; 24 October–8 November in 2026.): Chrysanthemum displays decorate the historic centre, accompanied by music and cultural programming ([City of Lahr](https://www.lahr.de/chrysanthema.11651.htm)).
- **Gengenbach Advent calendar and market** (Late November–December.): Artworks illuminate the town-hall display during Advent. In 2026 the façade is being covered and recreated at full size for the presentation; the market runs from 27 November to 23 December ([Gengenbach Tourism](https://www.gengenbach.info/gengenbach-entdecken/adventskalender-1)).

## Places to see

- **Gengenbach old town** (Old town): Explore the historic streets, towers and gates around the town hall, which also provides the setting for the Advent display ([Gengenbach Tourism](https://www.gengenbach.info/gengenbach-entdecken/adventskalender-1)).
- **Garten der zwei Ufer and Passerelle des Deux Rives, Kehl** (Riverside park): A park spanning the German and French banks of the Rhine, linked by a pedestrian and cycle bridge ([City of Kehl](https://marketing.kehl.de/zu%2Bgast%2Bin%2Bkehl/kehl%2Berleben)).
- **Mummelsee and Hornisgrinde** (Nature): A glacial cirque lake beside the Black Forest High Road, with walking opportunities around the lake and towards the Hornisgrinde ([Tourist information](https://www.sasbachwalden.de/Natur-Panoramen/Der-Mummelsee)).

## FAQ

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

It is worth considering if your course is in Offenburg, Gengenbach or Kehl and you value access to countryside. Choose your town around the campus and transport route, and begin the housing search early: Hochschule Offenburg reported continuing accommodation pressure in September 2026 ([University](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/hochschule/news/artikel/internationale-studierende-suchen-zimmer-1)).

### Is there a university in Ortenaukreis?

Yes. Offenburg University of Applied Sciences has locations in Offenburg and Gengenbach, while Hochschule für öffentliche Verwaltung Kehl focuses on public administration ([Offenburg University](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/en/international/exchange-students), [Hochschule Kehl](https://www.hs-kehl.de/)).

### Can I commute between Offenburg and Gengenbach?

Yes. Both towns are served by the direct Schwarzwaldbahn regional service; include the journey between each station and your accommodation or campus when comparing housing ([Deutsche Bahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/ueber-uns/swb_index/swb_fahrplan_strecke)).

### How expensive is student housing in Offenburg?

SWFR lists a small single room in a five-person shared flat in its new Campus Offenburg buildings from €365 per month including utilities and internet, checked November 2026. This is a residence-specific starting price, not a private-market average, and stepped increases apply ([SWFR](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-offenburg/studierendenhaeuser-campus-offenburg)).

### Can I use the Deutschlandticket to visit Strasbourg?

Do not assume the German ticket covers your cross-border journey: TGO excludes the Tram D leisure extension from the Deutschlandticket. Its EUROPASS is a separate option covering the TGO area and Strasbourg Eurométropole ([Deutschlandticket conditions](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/,Lde_DE/Startseite/Fahrkarten/deutschland-ticket.html), [EUROPASS](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/startseite/fahrkarten/europass.html)).

### What student jobs can I look for in Ortenaukreis?

Useful starting points include technical and HR working-student roles at Herrenknecht in Schwanau and seasonal hospitality work at Europa-Park in Rust. Check each role’s location, hours and language requirements ([Herrenknecht careers](https://jobs.herrenknecht.com/), [Europa-Park careers](https://jobs.europapark.de/de/jobs)).

## Sources

- [Ortenaukreis: geographical context](https://www.ortenaukreis.de/Landkreis-Verwaltung/Der-Ortenaukreis/Zahlen-Fakten/)
- [Ortenau Tourism: region and specialities](https://www.ortenau-tourismus.de/)
- [Offenburg: transport infrastructure](https://www.offenburg.de/de/arbeit-und-wirtschaft/wirtschaft/daten-fakten/verkehrsinfrastruktur/)
- [Hochschule Offenburg: international student services](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/en/international/exchange-students)
- [Hochschule Offenburg: September 2026 housing appeal](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/hochschule/news/artikel/internationale-studierende-suchen-zimmer-1)
- [Hochschule Offenburg: published semester contributions and tuition](https://www.hs-offenburg.de/studium/bachelor/medien-und-kommunikation)
- [Hochschule Kehl](https://www.hs-kehl.de/)
- [SWFR: Campus Offenburg residences and rents](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-offenburg/studierendenhaeuser-campus-offenburg)
- [SWFR: Goldgasse residence in Offenburg](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/in-freiburg/studierendenhaus-goldgasse)
- [SWFR: Kinzigallee residences in Kehl](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/in-kehl/studierendenhaeuser-kinzigallee)
- [SWFR: housing application portal](https://www.swfr.de/wp)
- [SWFR: private housing service](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/freier-wohnungsmarkt/freier-wohnungsmarkt)
- [TGO: Deutschlandticket price and conditions](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/,Lde_DE/Startseite/Fahrkarten/deutschland-ticket.html)
- [TGO: cross-border EUROPASS](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/startseite/fahrkarten/europass.html)
- [TGO: Europabahn route](https://www.ortenaulinie.de/startseite/fahrplan/europabahn.html)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Schwarzwaldbahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/baden-wuerttemberg/ueb/ueber-uns/swb_index/swb_fahrplan_strecke)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Offenburg–Strasbourg](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/offenburg/strassburg.shtml)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Offenburg–Freiburg](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/offenburg/freiburg.shtml)
- [Kehl: tram information](https://www.kehl.de/leben%2Bin%2Bkehl/mobilitaet/tram/faqs%2Btram)
- [Strasbourg Airport: rail connection](https://www.strasbourg.aeroport.fr/en/passengers/car-parks-and-access/shuttle-train/)
- [Herrenknecht: careers portal](https://jobs.herrenknecht.com/)
- [Burda: Offenburg operations](https://www.burda.com/de/karriere/unsere-standorte/offenburg/)
- [Burda: student careers](https://www.burda.com/en/career/students/)
- [Europa-Park: careers portal](https://jobs.europapark.de/de/jobs)
- [Kehl: parks, bridge and cultural activities](https://marketing.kehl.de/zu%2Bgast%2Bin%2Bkehl/kehl%2Berleben)
- [Gengenbach: Fasend traditions](https://www.gengenbach.info/gengenbach-entdecken/tradition-1/gengenbacher-fasend)
- [Ortenauer Weinfest: official programme](https://www.ortenauer-weinfest.de/weinfest/)
- [Lahr: Chrysanthema](https://www.lahr.de/chrysanthema.11651.htm)
- [Gengenbach: Advent calendar and market](https://www.gengenbach.info/gengenbach-entdecken/adventskalender-1)
- [Sasbachwalden tourist information: Mummelsee](https://www.sasbachwalden.de/Natur-Panoramen/Der-Mummelsee)
- [Offenburg: German courses and language cafés](https://www.offenburg.de/de/leben-in-offenburg/integration/willkommen-in-offenburg/sprachkurse-und-sprachangebote/?stichwortsuche=de,Online)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Gengenbach town centre](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Obertor_und_Rathaus_Gengenbach_2016.jpeg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Offenburg market square](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Offenburg_Marktplatz.JPG)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Mummelsee](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2017-Mummelsee.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/ortenaukreis-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).