In short
Dillingen a.d.Donau is a rural district (Landkreis) in Bavaria with 98,899 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Dillingen a.d.Donau district itself; the nearest is Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg in Augsburg, about 39 km away. Summers average 18.3 °C and winters 0.7 °C, with about 738 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).
Dillingen a.d.Donau district in numbers
- Population
- Area
792.23 km²Destatis 2024 (opens in a new tab)
- People per km²
- Universities in the district
- Nearest university
Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg, AugsburgWhere Is My Uni? catalogue (opens in a new tab)
About 39 km away in a straight line
- Average temperature
9.3 °C a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)
- Rain
738 mm a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)
- Sunshine
1,720 hours a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)
- Frost days
91 a yearDWD 1991–2020 (opens in a new tab)
About Dillingen a.d.Donau district
The Danube shapes Dillingen a.d.Donau district, linking historic towns with riverside woodland, cycling routes and walking trails. Dillingen, Lauingen, Gundelfingen, Höchstädt and Wertingen are its principal historic towns (Dillinger Land (opens in a new tab)).
Its character combines old religious and princely buildings with modern industry. Dillingen’s castle was a residence of the prince-bishops of Augsburg, while the town now also hosts BSH’s dishwasher factory and technology centre (City of Dillingen (opens in a new tab), BSH (opens in a new tab)).
Main towns
Dillingen an der Donau
The district seat, with a historic centre and the former prince-bishops’ castle (Dillingen (opens in a new tab), city sights (opens in a new tab)).
Lauingen (Donau)
Its painted Schimmelturm overlooks the market square and offers views across the old town (City of Lauingen (opens in a new tab)).
Höchstädt an der Donau
Known for its Renaissance palace, with exhibitions about German faience and the Battle of Blenheim (Bavarian Palace Administration (opens in a new tab)).
Gundelfingen an der Donau
A town associated with gardening, historic streets and nearby lakes around the Danube and Brenz waterways (Dillinger Land (opens in a new tab)).
Wertingen
An eastern district town on the Zusam, with a castle, local-history museum and sculpture trail (Dillinger Land (opens in a new tab)).
Nearest universities
No university in Dillingen a.d.Donau district itself — these are the nearest (straight-line distance).
There is no university in the district. Nearby options include the University of Augsburg, Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg, Aalen University and Hochschule Neu-Ulm. Choose accommodation around your actual campus journey: the Danube railway serves Dillingen, Lauingen, Gundelfingen and Höchstädt, while Augsburg requires an onward connection (regional transport overview (opens in a new tab), AVV rail routes (opens in a new tab)). Living here is worth considering if you enjoy smaller towns and outdoor activities or have a local employer placement. Dual study is a concrete option: BSH advertises programmes in Dillingen, and Grünbeck offers dual study in Höchstädt (BSH careers (opens in a new tab), Grünbeck (opens in a new tab)).
Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg
Augsburg · 39 km away · 54 courses
University of Augsburg
Augsburg · 40 km away · 145 courses
Graduate Campus Hochschule Aalen
Aalen, Württemberg · 42 km away · 11 courses
Aalen University
Aalen · 43 km away · 79 courses
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Neu-Ulm
Neu-Ulm · 45 km away · 39 courses
Housing
Plan your search around private rooms and apartments. Studierendenwerk Augsburg’s published residence list covers Augsburg, Kempten and Neu-Ulm, with no residence listed in Dillingen district (Studierendenwerk Augsburg (opens in a new tab)). A reliable recent local student-rent benchmark was not found, so neither easy availability nor a saving over Augsburg can be assumed.
How to find a place
- Search the Dillingen (Donau) rental section on Kleinanzeigen; check that results refer to Bavaria and not Dillingen/Saar (local rental search (opens in a new tab)).
- Include Lauingen, Gundelfingen and Höchstädt in your search if you need the railway; all have stations on the Danube route (Dillinger Land (opens in a new tab)).
- If you will study in Augsburg or Neu-Ulm, compare local offers with the Studierendenwerk’s free private-accommodation exchange before deciding to commute (private housing exchange (opens in a new tab)).
- Test each address against your earliest class and latest return journey, including the walk or bus to the station, using DB’s journey planner (DB journey planning (opens in a new tab)).
Cost of living
Transport is a useful fixed starting point for your budget: the standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in November 2026, with an announced increase to €66.80 from January 2027. It is a subscription covering local and regional public transport (Deutsche Bahn (opens in a new tab)). Compare the full warm rent, electricity and commuting costs before choosing a district address over accommodation near your university. A reliable local price comparison with Augsburg was not established.
Jobs & employers
Manufacturing and technical businesses provide concrete routes into student work: BSH makes and develops dishwashers in Dillingen, Grünbeck specialises in water treatment in Höchstädt, and SURTECO has its headquarters and Design Factory in Buttenwiesen (BSH (opens in a new tab), Grünbeck (opens in a new tab), SURTECO (opens in a new tab)). Search specifically for Werkstudent, Praktikum and duales Studium opportunities, and check each role’s hours and language requirements.
Typical student jobs
- Working-student roles in supplier quality at BSH in Dillingen (BSH careers (opens in a new tab)).
- Working-student support for corporate learning at BSH, with Dillingen among the advertised locations (BSH careers (opens in a new tab)).
- Data-analysis and supply-chain internships at BSH; check whether the working hours fit your course (BSH careers (opens in a new tab)).
Major employers
BSH Hausgeräte (opens in a new tab)
Household appliances
Dillingen hosts dishwasher manufacturing, a technology centre and product quality management (BSH site brochure (opens in a new tab)).
Grünbeck (opens in a new tab)
Water treatment
A water-treatment company headquartered in Höchstädt an der Donau, with training and study opportunities (Grünbeck careers (opens in a new tab)).
SURTECO (opens in a new tab)
Decorative surfaces and materials
Its headquarters and Design Factory are in Buttenwiesen, where designers develop surface designs and work with customers (SURTECO (opens in a new tab)).
Getting around
The RB15 connects the district’s Danube towns with Günzburg, Neu-Ulm, Ulm and Donauwörth. Published timetable examples give roughly 35–45 minutes from Dillingen station to Neu-Ulm or Ulm (agilis timetable (opens in a new tab)). Well-matched connections to Augsburg Hbf via Donauwörth take about 65 minutes, calculated from the published timetables; allow additional time to reach campus and check your travel date (agilis (opens in a new tab), Arverio (opens in a new tab)). Buses connect other district settlements, so check evening and weekend connections before choosing a village address (Dillinger Land (opens in a new tab)). The Deutschlandticket covers local and regional public transport (DB (opens in a new tab)). From 1 January 2027, the AVV expansion brings the former Dillingen district area into the unified tariff; AVV says this tariff change itself does not alter service frequencies or connections (AVV (opens in a new tab)).
- Main stations
- Dillingen (Donau) — regional station (agilis (opens in a new tab)).
- Lauingen, Gundelfingen (Bay) and Höchstädt (Donau) — regional stations along the same corridor (Dillinger Land (opens in a new tab)).
- Günzburg and Donauwörth — connecting stations outside the district with long-distance services (Dillinger Land (opens in a new tab)).
- Nearest airport
Memmingen Airport
The nearest airport for scheduled passenger flights from Dillingen town (Dillingen transport overview (opens in a new tab)). The airport’s City Shuttle connects the terminal with Memmingen railway station; check the complete journey against your flight time (airport transport (opens in a new tab)).
Weather & seasons
Long-term averages from the German Weather Service station Dillingen/Donau (4 km from the district centre), 1991–2020.
Winter
0.7 °C
48 mm rain a month
2 h sun a day
Spring
9.4 °C
58 mm rain a month
5.8 h sun a day
Summer
18.3 °C
84 mm rain a month
7.6 h sun a day
Autumn
9 °C
56 mm rain a month
3.4 h sun a day
Expect cold, frequently frosty winters and warmer summers with rain still worth planning for. Bring layers, waterproof clothing and practical shoes for station walks. Spring and autumn suit exploring the local DonAUwald walking stages; summer offers opportunities around Gundelfingen’s lakes (walking routes (opens in a new tab), Gundelfingen (opens in a new tab)). Advent brings Christmas markets in the district’s towns (events calendar (opens in a new tab)).
Culture, language & food
Local history is visible in the streets: Dillingen’s former episcopal residence, Lauingen’s painted tower and Höchstädt’s palace offer different introductions to the region (Dillingen (opens in a new tab), Lauingen (opens in a new tab), Höchstädt (opens in a new tab)).
Plan your social life around local clubs and scheduled events. Gundelfingen’s tourism information highlights associations and local traditions, while the district calendar includes theatre, concerts, markets, karaoke and parties. This suggests an event-led social scene; it should not be treated as evidence of a large campus nightlife scene (Gundelfingen (opens in a new tab), events calendar (opens in a new tab)).
Do not plan on English being available in every rental, workplace or administrative interaction. As a practical recommendation, aim for conversational German and keep improving it alongside your studies; individual courses and employers set their own requirements. VHS Dillingen offers German courses from beginner to advanced levels and telc examinations (VHS Dillingen (opens in a new tab)).
Local food
Käsespätzle
Swabian cheese noodles, specifically highlighted among the region’s dishes by the local tourism board (Dillinger Land (opens in a new tab)).
Maultaschen
Filled pasta parcels that the tourism board identifies with traditional cooking in the Swabian Danube valley (Dillinger Land (opens in a new tab)).
Brotzeit
A hearty bread-based cold meal, highlighted alongside the region’s Swabian dishes (Dillinger Land (opens in a new tab)).
Places & events
Places to see
Dillingen castle and castle garden
Castle
Explore the surroundings of the former prince-bishops’ residence. The castle now houses the tax office, so do not assume general access to its interiors (City of Dillingen (opens in a new tab)).
Schimmelturm, Lauingen
Old town
The painted tower is a landmark of the market square. Its viewing platform offers old-town and river views; the city says climbing access is unavailable during winter months (City of Lauingen (opens in a new tab)).
Schloss Höchstädt
Museum
Visit the Renaissance palace for its German faience collection and exhibition on the Battle of Blenheim (Bavarian Palace Administration (opens in a new tab)).
DonAUwald walking trail
Nature
Local stages connect Gundelfingen, Lauingen, Dillingen and Höchstädt, making the Danube woodland accessible for a walking day out (City of Dillingen (opens in a new tab)).
Wertingen sculpture trail
Art
An outdoor route featuring works by international sculptors, which can be combined with a visit to the town’s castle and local-history museum (Dillinger Land (opens in a new tab)).
Events
Lauinger City-Weihnacht (opens in a new tab)
Late November; 28–29 November in 2026
The town’s Christmas market brings festive lighting and stalls to Lauingen’s market square (Dillinger Land calendar (opens in a new tab)).
Dillinger Christkindlesmarkt (opens in a new tab)
December; 11–13 December in 2026
The Christmas market includes a nativity-scene exhibition in the castle chapel (Dillinger Land calendar (opens in a new tab)).
The Schimmelturm in Lauingen
Höchstädt palace exterior
Student experiences
First-hand posts from students in Dillingen a.d.Donau district, read by our team before they appear.
Loading experiences…
Studying in Dillingen a.d.Donau district: FAQ
Is Dillingen a.d.Donau a good place to live as a student?
It is worth considering if you have a local placement or enjoy smaller towns and outdoor activities. Check your campus commute before renting: the district’s main Danube towns have railway access, but the complete journey depends on your address and university (regional transport overview (opens in a new tab)).
Is there a university in Dillingen a.d.Donau district?
There is no university in the district. Nearby university locations include Augsburg, Aalen and Neu-Ulm.
How do I get from Dillingen to Augsburg by train?
One route is the RB15 to Donauwörth followed by a regional train to Augsburg. Well-matched published timetable connections take about 65 minutes to Augsburg Hbf, with extra time needed for campus travel; check the current journey before departure (agilis timetable (opens in a new tab), Arverio timetable (opens in a new tab)).
Is Dillingen district cheaper than Augsburg for students?
A reliable recent student-rent comparison was not established. Compare individual warm rents and total travel costs; the standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 monthly in November 2026 (DB (opens in a new tab)).
What student jobs are available in Dillingen district?
BSH’s Dillingen careers listings include working-student roles in supplier quality and corporate learning, plus data-analysis and supply-chain internships. Availability and working hours vary by role (BSH careers (opens in a new tab)).
Are there student residences in Dillingen district?
No Studierendenwerk residence was verified within the district. Studierendenwerk Augsburg’s published residence list covers Augsburg, Kempten and Neu-Ulm, so plan a private housing search for a district address (Studierendenwerk Augsburg (opens in a new tab)).
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
- Dillinger Land: region and culture (opens in a new tab)
- City of Dillingen: sights (opens in a new tab)
- Dillingen town background and airports (opens in a new tab)
- City of Lauingen: Schimmelturm (opens in a new tab)
- Bavarian Palace Administration: Höchstädt (opens in a new tab)
- Dillinger Land: Gundelfingen (opens in a new tab)
- Dillinger Land: Wertingen (opens in a new tab)
- Dillinger Land: regional transport (opens in a new tab)
- AVV: rail and bus routes (opens in a new tab)
- BSH: Dillingen careers listings (opens in a new tab)
- BSH: Dillingen site brochure (opens in a new tab)
- Grünbeck: careers and headquarters (opens in a new tab)
- Grünbeck: training and dual study (opens in a new tab)
- SURTECO: headquarters and Design Factory (opens in a new tab)
- Studierendenwerk Augsburg: residences (opens in a new tab)
- Studierendenwerk Augsburg: private housing exchange (opens in a new tab)
- Kleinanzeigen: Dillingen (Donau) rentals (opens in a new tab)
- DB: journey-planning guidance (opens in a new tab)
- DB: Deutschlandticket prices and validity (opens in a new tab)
- agilis: RB15 timetable for 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Arverio: Treuchtlingen–Augsburg timetable for 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- AVV: tariff-area expansion in January 2027 (opens in a new tab)
- Memmingen Airport: public transport (opens in a new tab)
- Dillinger Land: food and regional dishes (opens in a new tab)
- Dillinger Land: current events calendar (opens in a new tab)
- City of Dillingen: walking routes (opens in a new tab)
- VHS Dillingen: German courses and examinations (opens in a new tab)
- Commons: Dillingen castle aerial photograph (opens in a new tab)
- Commons: Lauingen Schimmelturm photograph (opens in a new tab)
- Commons: Höchstädt palace photograph (opens in a new tab)
Photo credits
- Aerial view of Dillingen castle and surrounding buildings from the east — Carsten Steger (opens in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0
- The Schimmelturm in Lauingen — PaulT (Gunther Tschuch) (opens in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0
- Höchstädt palace exterior — PaulT (Gunther Tschuch) (opens in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0
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