# Study in Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis district, Baden-Württemberg

> 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 combines Black Forest university towns, industrial employers and rural landscapes, with campus location shaping student life.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 214,065 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,025.34 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 4 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Hochschule Furtwangen, Villingen-Schwenningen (6 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | From €265/month — 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. | [source](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-furtwangen/studierendenhaeuser-grosshausberg) |
| Mean temperature | 7.9 °C (summer 16.7 °C, winter -0.4 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 874 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,735 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## 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](https://www.lrasbk.de/Unser-Landkreis/Portrait/))

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](https://www.villingen-schwenningen.de/tourismus-erleben/vs-erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/), [Donauquelle](https://www.donaueschingen.de/donauquelle), [Triberg waterfalls](https://www.triberg.de/tourismus-freizeit/tourismus-freizeit/natur-erlebnis/deutschlands-hoechste-wasserfaelle))

- **Villingen-Schwenningen**: The district’s economic and cultural centre, with distinct Villingen and Schwenningen town centres. ([District portrait](https://www.lrasbk.de/Unser-Landkreis/Portrait/))
- **Furtwangen**: A university town in the Black Forest uplands, with hiking, cycling and winter sports around the campus. ([HFU campus guide](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/why-hfu/our-campuses-directions-to-get-here))
- **Donaueschingen**: Home to the Donauquelle in the palace park and the Donaueschinger Musiktage contemporary-music festival. ([City](https://www.donaueschingen.de/donauquelle), [SWR](https://www.swr.de/donaueschinger-musiktage/programm-donaueschinger-musiktage-2026-uebersicht-100.html))
- **Triberg**: A Black Forest visitor destination whose waterfall entrance is within walking distance of the town centre. ([Town of Triberg](https://www.triberg.de/tourismus-freizeit/tourismus-freizeit/natur-erlebnis/deutschlands-hoechste-wasserfaelle))

## Universities

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](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/why-hfu/our-campuses-directions-to-get-here)) Freiburg is possible to reach, but DB lists Villingen–Freiburg journeys from approximately 1 hour 40 minutes before any onward campus travel. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/villingen-schwenningen/freiburg.shtml)) This is worth considering if you prefer outdoor recreation and a smaller campus community.

- **Furtwangen University** (Villingen-Schwenningen) — 60 courses
- **Hochschule Furtwangen** (Villingen-Schwenningen) — 19 courses
- **Hochschule für Polizei Baden-Württemberg** (Villingen-Schwenningen) — 3 courses
- **Hochschule Furtwangen - Informatik, Technik, Wirtschaft, Medien, Gesundheit** (Furtwangen) — 0 courses

## 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](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/information-directory/living-in-a-student-city), [HFU accommodation information](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/fileadmin/user_upload/ze_ic/Dokumente/Accommodation_Guide_VS_00.pdf))

**How to find a place**

- Apply directly through SWFR’s residence application links; HFU does not book Schwenningen rooms on your behalf. ([HFU accommodation information](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/fileadmin/user_upload/ze_ic/Dokumente/Accommodation_Guide_VS_00.pdf))
- Register for SWFR’s private-room service, which HFU recommends alongside its residences. ([HFU housing guide](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/information-directory/living-in-a-student-city))
- Use HFU’s campus-specific accommodation directory to find private providers, including Neckar Apartments and Students Lake House in Schwenningen. ([HFU housing guide](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/information-directory/living-in-a-student-city))
- Before choosing a room outside Furtwangen, check the complete journey to your teaching building and the last bus home using Move’s regional network information. ([Move network map](https://mein-move.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SBK-Lininennetzplan-St.-Georgen-Furtwangen-Triberg-Regionalverkehr.pdf))

**Student residences**

- [Studierendenhäuser Großhausberg](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-furtwangen/studierendenhaeuser-grosshausberg) (Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald (SWFR)): Furtwangen residence with furnished apartments and shared-flat rooms, plus communal study and fitness facilities. ([SWFR](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-furtwangen/studierendenhaeuser-grosshausberg))
- [Studierendenhaus Schramberger Straße 28–30](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-villingen-schwenningen/studierendenhaus-schramberger-strasse-28-30) (Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald (SWFR)): Schwenningen residence with furnished single rooms and shared kitchens, bathrooms and communal areas. ([SWFR](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-villingen-schwenningen/studierendenhaus-schramberger-strasse-28-30))
- [Studierendenhaus Schramberger Straße 30/1](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-villingen-schwenningen/studierendenhaus-schramberger-strasse-30/1) (Studierendenwerk Freiburg-Schwarzwald (SWFR)): Schwenningen residence offering furnished rooms in small shared flats and self-contained single apartments. ([SWFR](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-villingen-schwenningen/studierendenhaus-schramberger-strasse-30/1))

## 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](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-villingen-schwenningen/studierendenhaus-schramberger-strasse-30/1)) Move’s 2026 tariff lists the Deutschlandticket at €63 monthly and the D-Ticket JugendBW at €45. ([Move fares](https://mein-move.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tariftabelle-2026-1.pdf)) JugendBW has eligibility and subscription conditions, so check these before budgeting for the discount. ([State transport ministry](https://vm.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/mobilitaet-verkehr/bahn-und-bus/oepnv-angebot-fuer-reisende/unsere-tickets-und-tarife/alles-zum-d-ticket-jugendbw)) 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](https://siedle.com/en-gb/home/company/who-we-are/), [IMS Gear](https://jobs.imsgear.com/en/), [Klinikum](https://www.sbk-vs.de/de/klinikum/karriere/studenten/studenten.php))

- Part-time retail sales: the Villingen-Schwenningen student-job directory includes supermarket student roles. ([Local job overview](https://www.workingstudentjobs.de/de/jobs/in/villingen-schwenningen))
- Technical working-student roles, including embedded-systems work, appear in the local student-job directory. ([Local job overview](https://www.workingstudentjobs.de/de/jobs/in/villingen-schwenningen))

- **Siedle** (Building communication and electronics): Develops and manufactures door-intercom and building-communication products in Furtwangen, including hardware and software development. ([Siedle](https://siedle.com/en-gb/home/company/who-we-are/))
- **IMS Gear** (Gear and transmission technology): Based in Donaueschingen, with drive solutions for automotive, industrial and electric-mobility applications and opportunities for student projects. ([IMS Gear](https://jobs.imsgear.com/en/))
- **Schwarzwald-Baar Klinikum** (Healthcare): The Villingen-Schwenningen teaching hospital offers medical training and practical semesters in commercial and medical-related fields. ([Klinikum student careers](https://www.sbk-vs.de/de/klinikum/karriere/studenten/studenten.php))

## 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](https://mein-move.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SBK-Lininennetzplan-St.-Georgen-Furtwangen-Triberg-Regionalverkehr.pdf)) DB lists Villingen–Freiburg journeys from approximately 1 hour 40 minutes; check your actual travel date and allow for onward connections. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/villingen-schwenningen/freiburg.shtml)) The Deutschlandticket covers local and regional public transport in second class, but generally excludes ICE, IC and EC services. ([Federal government](https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/bundesregierung/bundeskanzleramt/deutschlandticket-2134074))

- Station: Villingen (Schwarzw) — connections towards Freiburg. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/villingen-schwenningen/freiburg.shtml))
- Station: Donaueschingen — a junction for regional services across the southern district and beyond. ([Move network map](https://mein-move.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SBK-Lininennetzplan-Suedbaar_2024.pdf))
- Station: Triberg — rail access with an onward bus connection to Furtwangen. ([HFU directions](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/why-hfu/our-campuses-directions-to-get-here))
- 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](https://de.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Villingen-Schwenningen))

## Weather & seasons

- 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](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/why-hfu/our-campuses-directions-to-get-here)) Late-winter Fasnet provides a cultural reason to get outside even during the colder part of term. ([City Fasnet guide](https://www.villingen-schwenningen.de/tourismus-erleben/vs-erleben/fasnet/?showOptIn=1))

## Culture & language

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](https://www.villingen-schwenningen.de/tourismus-erleben/vs-erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/), [City Fasnet guide](https://www.villingen-schwenningen.de/tourismus-erleben/vs-erleben/fasnet/?showOptIn=1))

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](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-furtwangen/studierendenhaeuser-grosshausberg))

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

- **Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte**: Black Forest gateau combines chocolate cake, cherries, cream and traditionally kirsch; Triberg’s tourism office highlights it as a local visitor experience. ([Town of Triberg](https://www.triberg.de/tourismus-freizeit/tourismus-freizeit/sehens-und-erlebenswertes/schwarzwaelder-kirschtorte))
- **Schwarzwälder Schinken**: Black Forest smoked ham is a regional speciality associated with traditional bread-and-cold-cut meals. ([Hochschwarzwald tourism](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/erleben/kulinarik/schwarzwaelder-schinken))

## Events

- **Fasnet in Villingen-Schwenningen** (Late winter; the verified 2026 programme included February events.): Annual Swabian-Alemannic carnival traditions include masked processions, local guilds and distinctive figures such as Villingen’s Narro. Consult the city programme for each year’s dates. ([City Fasnet guide](https://www.villingen-schwenningen.de/tourismus-erleben/vs-erleben/fasnet/?showOptIn=1))
- **Donaueschinger Musiktage** (October; the verified 2026 edition ran from 15–18 October.): A contemporary-music festival featuring premieres, performances and sound installations across Donaueschingen. ([SWR programme](https://www.swr.de/donaueschinger-musiktage/programm-donaueschinger-musiktage-2026-uebersicht-100.html))

## Places to see

- **Villingen old town** (Old town): Explore the historic streets and medieval gates and towers on foot. ([City tourism](https://www.villingen-schwenningen.de/tourismus-erleben/vs-erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/))
- **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](https://www.donaueschingen.de/donauquelle))
- **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](https://www.triberg.de/tourismus-freizeit/tourismus-freizeit/natur-erlebnis/deutschlands-hoechste-wasserfaelle))
- **Schwenninger Moos** (Nature reserve): A protected wetland outside Villingen-Schwenningen, with walking paths and opportunities to learn about the local landscape. ([City tourism](https://www.villingen-schwenningen.de/tourismus-erleben/vs-erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/))

## 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](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/why-hfu/our-campuses-directions-to-get-here))

### 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](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/why-hfu/our-campuses-directions-to-get-here))

### 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](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/why-hfu/our-campuses-directions-to-get-here))

### 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](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-furtwangen/studierendenhaeuser-grosshausberg))

### 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](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/villingen-schwenningen/freiburg.shtml))

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

## Sources

- [Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis: district portrait](https://www.lrasbk.de/Unser-Landkreis/Portrait/)
- [Villingen-Schwenningen: sights and local identity](https://www.villingen-schwenningen.de/tourismus-erleben/vs-erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten/)
- [HFU: campuses and directions](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/why-hfu/our-campuses-directions-to-get-here)
- [HFU: accommodation directory](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/en/information-directory/living-in-a-student-city)
- [HFU Schwenningen accommodation guide](https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/fileadmin/user_upload/ze_ic/Dokumente/Accommodation_Guide_VS_00.pdf)
- [SWFR: Großhausberg residence and rents](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-furtwangen/studierendenhaeuser-grosshausberg)
- [SWFR: Schramberger Straße 28–30](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-villingen-schwenningen/studierendenhaus-schramberger-strasse-28-30)
- [SWFR: Schramberger Straße 30/1](https://www.swfr.de/wohnen/wohnheime/wohnheime-in-villingen-schwenningen/studierendenhaus-schramberger-strasse-30/1)
- [Move: 2026 fares](https://mein-move.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tariftabelle-2026-1.pdf)
- [Baden-Württemberg: D-Ticket JugendBW conditions](https://vm.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/mobilitaet-verkehr/bahn-und-bus/oepnv-angebot-fuer-reisende/unsere-tickets-und-tarife/alles-zum-d-ticket-jugendbw)
- [Move: St Georgen, Furtwangen and Triberg network](https://mein-move.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SBK-Lininennetzplan-St.-Georgen-Furtwangen-Triberg-Regionalverkehr.pdf)
- [Move: Donaueschingen and southern district network](https://mein-move.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SBK-Lininennetzplan-Suedbaar_2024.pdf)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Villingen to Freiburg](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/villingen-schwenningen/freiburg.shtml)
- [Federal government: Deutschlandticket coverage](https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/bundesregierung/bundeskanzleramt/deutschlandticket-2134074)
- [Wikivoyage: Villingen-Schwenningen airport access](https://de.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Villingen-Schwenningen)
- [Siedle: company and Furtwangen production](https://siedle.com/en-gb/home/company/who-we-are/)
- [IMS Gear: careers and student opportunities](https://jobs.imsgear.com/en/)
- [Schwarzwald-Baar Klinikum: student careers](https://www.sbk-vs.de/de/klinikum/karriere/studenten/studenten.php)
- [Villingen-Schwenningen student-job overview](https://www.workingstudentjobs.de/de/jobs/in/villingen-schwenningen)
- [Villingen-Schwenningen: Fasnet](https://www.villingen-schwenningen.de/tourismus-erleben/vs-erleben/fasnet/?showOptIn=1)
- [SWR: Donaueschinger Musiktage 2026](https://www.swr.de/donaueschinger-musiktage/programm-donaueschinger-musiktage-2026-uebersicht-100.html)
- [Donaueschingen: Donauquelle](https://www.donaueschingen.de/donauquelle)
- [Triberg: waterfalls](https://www.triberg.de/tourismus-freizeit/tourismus-freizeit/natur-erlebnis/deutschlands-hoechste-wasserfaelle)
- [Triberg: Black Forest gateau](https://www.triberg.de/tourismus-freizeit/tourismus-freizeit/sehens-und-erlebenswertes/schwarzwaelder-kirschtorte)
- [Hochschwarzwald tourism: Black Forest ham](https://www.hochschwarzwald.de/erleben/kulinarik/schwarzwaelder-schinken)
- [Commons: Villingen Rietstraße photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Villingen,_Rietstra%C3%9Fe.jpg)
- [Commons: Donauquelle summer photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Donauquelle_Donaueschingen_im_Sommer.jpg)
- [Commons: Triberg waterfall photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Triberg-Gutach-Wasserfall-20-2025-gje.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/schwarzwald-baar-kreis-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).