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Study in Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis district

Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis combines Black Forest university towns, industrial employers and rural landscapes, with campus location shaping student life.

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Historic buildings along Rietstraße in Villingen
Photo: Rudolphu (opens in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

In short

Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis is a rural district (Landkreis) in Baden-Württemberg with 214,065 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has 4 universities: Furtwangen University (Villingen-Schwenningen), Hochschule Furtwangen (Villingen-Schwenningen), Hochschule für Polizei Baden-Württemberg (Villingen-Schwenningen). Summers average 16.7 °C and winters -0.4 °C, with about 874 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis district in numbers

Population

214,065Destatis 2024 (opens in a new tab)

Area

1,025.34 km²Destatis 2024 (opens in a new tab)

People per km²

209Destatis 2024 (opens in a new tab)

Universities in the district

4Where Is My Uni? catalogue (opens in a new tab)

Furtwangen University, Hochschule Furtwangen, Hochschule für Polizei Baden-Württemberg and 1 more

Typical student rent

From €265/monthSource (opens in a new tab)

Warm rent for a furnished single room in a two-person shared flat at Großhausberg, Furtwangen, as listed on SWFR’s undated residence page; checked November 2026. Includes electricity, water, waste disposal and internet. Stepped rent increases may apply. This is a residence starting price, not a district average.

Average temperature

7.9 °C a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)

Rain

874 mm a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)

Sunshine

1,735 hours a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)

Frost days

121 a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)

About Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis district

Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis spans Black Forest uplands and the Baar plateau in southwestern Baden-Württemberg. Villingen-Schwenningen is its principal urban centre; Furtwangen and Triberg lie in the mountainous western part of the district. (District portrait (opens in a new tab))

The district combines historic towns, manufacturing and outdoor recreation. Villingen has medieval gates and towers, while Schwenningen’s clock museum reflects its industrial past. Donaueschingen’s celebrated spring and Triberg’s waterfalls offer two very different encounters with the region’s water landscape. (Villingen-Schwenningen tourism (opens in a new tab), Donauquelle (opens in a new tab), Triberg waterfalls (opens in a new tab))

Main towns

Universities here

Universities in Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis district, biggest first.

Furtwangen University, also called Hochschule Furtwangen or HFU, has campuses in Furtwangen and Schwenningen. Choose accommodation around your actual teaching location: Furtwangen’s public-transport access includes onward buses from railway stations such as Triberg and Villingen. (HFU campus guide (opens in a new tab)) Freiburg is possible to reach, but DB lists Villingen–Freiburg journeys from approximately 1 hour 40 minutes before any onward campus travel. (Deutsche Bahn (opens in a new tab)) This is worth considering if you prefer outdoor recreation and a smaller campus community.

  • Furtwangen University

    University · Villingen-Schwenningen · 60 courses

    Website (opens in a new tab)

  • Hochschule Furtwangen

    University of applied sciences · Villingen-Schwenningen · 19 courses

  • Hochschule für Polizei Baden-Württemberg

    Other institution · Villingen-Schwenningen · 3 courses

    Website (opens in a new tab)

  • Hochschule Furtwangen - Informatik, Technik, Wirtschaft, Medien, Gesundheit

    University of applied sciences · Furtwangen · 0 courses

    Website (opens in a new tab)
Find a course in Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis

Housing

There are student residences and private shared flats in both Furtwangen and Schwenningen. Published residence prices provide useful budget options, but they do not establish that the wider market is relaxed. HFU explicitly warns that residence places are limited and that students must arrange their own accommodation. (HFU housing guide (opens in a new tab), HFU accommodation information (opens in a new tab))

The typical student rent we found, and what that figure covers, is in the key facts.

How to find a place

Student residences

Cost of living

Accommodation type makes a substantial difference to the budget: SWFR lists furnished shared-flat rooms at Schramberger Straße 30/1 from €364 per month and single apartments from €475, including utilities and internet; these are November 2026 checks of an undated page, with stepped increases possible. (SWFR (opens in a new tab)) Move’s 2026 tariff lists the Deutschlandticket at €63 monthly and the D-Ticket JugendBW at €45. (Move fares (opens in a new tab)) JugendBW has eligibility and subscription conditions, so check these before budgeting for the discount. (State transport ministry (opens in a new tab)) These residence options can keep costs manageable, but no verified overall saving against a larger German city is claimed.

Jobs & employers

Local career options include industrial technology and healthcare: Siedle develops and manufactures building-communication products in Furtwangen, IMS Gear offers student projects in gear and transmission technology, and Schwarzwald-Baar Klinikum offers placements in medical and commercial fields. These are useful starting points for internships and subject-related experience; availability and working hours need checking separately. (Siedle (opens in a new tab), IMS Gear (opens in a new tab), Klinikum (opens in a new tab))

Typical student jobs

Major employers

Getting around

Move’s regional network links the district’s towns; bus route 500 connects Furtwangen with Villingen via Vöhrenbach and Unterkirnach. Furtwangen therefore needs a bus leg when arriving by rail. (Move network map (opens in a new tab)) DB lists Villingen–Freiburg journeys from approximately 1 hour 40 minutes; check your actual travel date and allow for onward connections. (Deutsche Bahn (opens in a new tab)) The Deutschlandticket covers local and regional public transport in second class, but generally excludes ICE, IC and EC services. (Federal government (opens in a new tab))

Main stations
Nearest airport

Zürich Airport (ZRH)

A nearby major airport for Villingen-Schwenningen; Wikivoyage gives an indicative rail journey of around two to three hours. Compare current connections with Stuttgart Airport before booking, especially if continuing to Furtwangen. (Wikivoyage (opens in a new tab))

Weather & seasons

Long-term averages from the German Weather Service station Villingen-Schwenningen (5 km from the district centre), 1991–2020.

Winter

-0.4 °C

75 mm rain a month

2.4 h sun a day

Spring

7.7 °C

69 mm rain a month

5.5 h sun a day

Summer

16.7 °C

83 mm rain a month

7.2 h sun a day

Autumn

7.9 °C

64 mm rain a month

3.9 h sun a day

Expect cold winters, frequent frost and relatively mild summers; rainwear and warm layers are useful throughout the academic year. Around Furtwangen, HFU highlights hiking and mountain biking in summer and skiing and cross-country skiing in winter, subject to conditions. (HFU campus guide (opens in a new tab)) Late-winter Fasnet provides a cultural reason to get outside even during the colder part of term. (City Fasnet guide (opens in a new tab))

Culture, language & food

Villingen-Schwenningen brings together Baden and Württemberg traditions. Fasnet is especially visible: local groups wear their own traditional costumes, called Häs, and carved masks; the Narro is a characteristic Villingen figure. (City tourism (opens in a new tab), City Fasnet guide (opens in a new tab))

For meeting people in Furtwangen, residence life is a practical starting point: Großhausberg has a student bar team, communal activities and a fitness room. Plan around campus friendships and organised events; a comprehensive comparison of local nightlife with larger student cities has not been verified. (SWFR (opens in a new tab))

English can support study on an English-taught programme, but it is sensible to build German alongside it. As a practical learning target, aim towards B1–B2 for everyday independence and a wider job search; this is advice, not a universal admission or employment requirement.

Local food

Places & events

Places to see

  • Villingen old town

    Old town

    Explore the historic streets and medieval gates and towers on foot. (City tourism (opens in a new tab))

  • Donauquelle, Donaueschingen

    Landmark

    The enclosed spring lies between St Johann’s church and the Fürstenberg palace. The nearby confluence of the Brigach and Breg is a separate place where the Danube takes its name. (City of Donaueschingen (opens in a new tab))

  • Triberg waterfalls

    Nature

    Woodland paths follow the cascading Gutach, with the main entrance accessible on foot from Triberg’s centre. Check seasonal access before visiting. (Town of Triberg (opens in a new tab))

  • Schwenninger Moos

    Nature reserve

    A protected wetland outside Villingen-Schwenningen, with walking paths and opportunities to learn about the local landscape. (City tourism (opens in a new tab))

Events

  • The enclosed Donauquelle spring in Donaueschingen in summer

    The enclosed Donauquelle spring in Donaueschingen in summer

  • A cascade of the Gutach at Triberg waterfalls

    A cascade of the Gutach at Triberg waterfalls

Student experiences

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Studying in Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis district: FAQ

Is Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis a good place to live as a student?

It is worth considering if you value outdoor activities and a smaller campus setting. HFU’s Furtwangen campus has hiking, cycling and winter-sport opportunities nearby; choosing accommodation close to your teaching location is advisable. (HFU campus guide (opens in a new tab))

Is there a university in Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis?

Yes. Hochschule Furtwangen, also known as Furtwangen University or HFU, has campuses in Furtwangen and Schwenningen. Check the campus stated for your programme before choosing housing. (HFU campuses (opens in a new tab))

How do I reach Furtwangen by public transport?

Rail arrivals require an onward bus connection. HFU identifies Triberg station as one arrival point with a direct connecting bus to Furtwangen; check the timetable for your travel date. (HFU directions (opens in a new tab))

How expensive is student housing in Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis?

SWFR lists furnished rooms in two-person shared flats at Großhausberg in Furtwangen from €265 monthly, including utilities and internet, checked November 2026. This is a residence starting price with possible stepped increases, not a private-market average or a guarantee of availability. (SWFR (opens in a new tab))

Can I commute from Villingen to university in Freiburg?

There are rail connections, but DB lists the fastest Villingen–Freiburg journey at approximately 1 hour 40 minutes before onward campus travel. Check whether that daily journey fits your timetable. (Deutsche Bahn (opens in a new tab))

What student jobs can I find in Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis?

More guides

Sources & photo credits

Last updated November 2026. Population and area: Destatis. Weather: Deutscher Wetterdienst. Universities and courses: our catalogue. Everything else was researched from the sources below and checked — how we research these guides.

Sources

Photo credits

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