# Study in Kempten (Allgäu), Bavaria

> Kempten (Allgäu) is a district-free city in Bavaria with 67,645 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Kempten University of Applied Sciences (Kempten (Allgäu)). Summers average 16.8 °C and winters -0.2 °C, with about 1,223 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Kempten (Allgäu) is an independent Bavarian university city with Roman history, regional employers and access to the Alps.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 67,645 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 63.28 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Kempten University of Applied Sciences, Kempten (Allgäu) (3 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €332–442 per month — Total monthly rent for a furnished single apartment at Reichlinstraße 12, as listed on the operator’s undated page, checked November 2026. Internet is currently included. This is a residence price range, not a citywide average. | [source](https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/Wohnheime-Wohnanlagen/wohnanlage-kempten-reichlinstrasse/) |
| Mean temperature | 8.2 °C (summer 16.8 °C, winter -0.2 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 1,223 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,802 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Kempten (Allgäu)

Kempten is an independent city in Bavaria’s Allgäu region, on the River Iller near the northern edge of the Alps. It serves as a regional centre for education, shopping and services ([Wikipedia](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kempten_%28Allg%C3%A4u%29)).

Its historic centre reflects two neighbouring communities: the imperial city and the settlement around the prince-abbots’ monastery. Today, Roman archaeology, the Residenz and the old town offer different ways to understand that history ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/sehenswertes)).

- **Innenstadt / Altstadt**: The old town includes student accommodation in Mittelgasse and Brennergasse, close to the pedestrian shopping streets ([University housing guide](https://www.hs-kempten.de/studienbeginn/wohnen-in-kempten)).
- **Campus area / Zugspitzstraße**: The Zugspitzstraße student residence adjoins the university campus and is a short walk from the main railway station ([Sozialbau](https://www.sozialbau.de/projects/zugspitzstrasse-12-18/)).
- **St. Mang**: This neighbourhood contains the LUDWG student residence on Ludwigstraße, with a nearby bus stop and access to campus by bicycle or public transport ([University housing guide](https://www.hs-kempten.de/studienbeginn/wohnen-in-kempten)).

## Universities

Kempten University of Applied Sciences is the local university. Living near campus can make everyday study practical: Sozialbau’s Zugspitzstraße residence is directly beside it ([Sozialbau](https://www.sozialbau.de/projects/zugspitzstrasse-12-18/)). The local semester ticket covers public buses in Kempten and the surrounding specified Allgäu districts, which helps students living farther away ([mona](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/tarife/semesterticket/)). Kempten is worth considering if you want a smaller university city and enjoy outdoor time; the Iller cycle route runs through the city ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/anreise)).

- **Kempten University of Applied Sciences** (Kempten (Allgäu)) — 42 courses

## Housing

Start early, particularly for affordable accommodation: the university says subsidised rooms are limited and in high demand ([University housing guide](https://www.hs-kempten.de/studienbeginn/wohnen-in-kempten)). Studierendenwerk Augsburg lists a waiting time of one to two semesters for its Reichlinstraße residence; this is a residence-specific indication, not a measure of the whole private market ([Studierendenwerk Augsburg](https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/Wohnheime-Wohnanlagen/wohnanlage-kempten-reichlinstrasse/)).

**How to find a place**

- Use the university’s accommodation directory and apply to several operators directly; the university does not itself arrange ordinary private rentals ([University housing guide](https://www.hs-kempten.de/studienbeginn/wohnen-in-kempten)).
- Apply to Sozialbau’s Zugspitzstraße residence if proximity to campus is your priority; its official page links to the application form ([Sozialbau](https://www.sozialbau.de/projects/zugspitzstrasse-12-18/)).
- Ask Studierendenwerk Augsburg about its private-room referral service for Kempten; the university lists English-speaking contacts ([University housing guide](https://www.hs-kempten.de/studienbeginn/wohnen-in-kempten)).
- Exchange and programme students should ask the International Office about reserved rooms in Zugspitzstraße and Reichlinstraße ([Exchange-student information](https://www.hs-kempten.de/international/incoming/austauschstudierende/organisatorisches)).

**Student residences**

- [Wohnanlage Reichlinstraße](https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/Wohnheime-Wohnanlagen/wohnanlage-kempten-reichlinstrasse/) (Studierendenwerk Augsburg): Furnished single apartments at Reichlinstraße 12, with bus access to campus ([Official residence page](https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/Wohnheime-Wohnanlagen/wohnanlage-kempten-reichlinstrasse/)).
- [Studentenwohnheim Zugspitzstraße 12–18](https://www.sozialbau.de/projects/zugspitzstrasse-12-18/) (Sozialbau Kempten): Furnished apartments and rooms in shared flats directly beside the university ([Official residence page](https://www.sozialbau.de/projects/zugspitzstrasse-12-18/)).
- [Studentenwohnheim Prälat-Götz-Straße 6](https://www.sozialbau.de/projects/praelat-goetz-strasse-6/) (Sozialbau Kempten): Furnished apartments and shared-flat rooms near the centre; the operator gives a campus walk of approximately 15–20 minutes ([Official residence page](https://www.sozialbau.de/projects/praelat-goetz-strasse-6/)).

## Cost of living

The university’s published budgeting guide estimates food at €280–330 per month; treat this as planning guidance rather than a guaranteed personal budget ([University cost guide](https://www.hs-kempten.de/international/incoming/vollstudierende/finanzierung-und-kosten)). From summer semester 2026, the standard semester contribution is €115, including €30 for the local semester ticket. An additional €500 per semester applies to non-EU students newly enrolled from winter semester 2025/26 in Corporate Sustainability & Sustainable Finance, Electrical Engineering, Global Business Development or International Engineering, subject to exemptions ([University fee rules](https://www.hs-kempten.de/meine-hochschule/termine-und-fristen/rueckmeldung-semesterbeitrag-beurlaubung-exmatrikulation)). The optional discounted Deutschlandticket is listed at €38 per month for Kempten students after crediting the semester-ticket contribution, checked November 2026 ([Studierendenwerk Augsburg](https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/semesterticket/)). For inexpensive leisure, admission to the Kempten-Museum is free ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/kempten-museum-im-zumsteinhaus)).

## Jobs & employers

Useful sectors to investigate include logistics, engineering and automation software. DACHSER has its head office in Kempten, Liebherr recruits students at its local gear-technology operation, and CODESYS offers working-student positions, internships and thesis opportunities. These are credible starting points for applications, rather than a promise of an available job ([DACHSER](https://www.dachser.com/en/mediaroom/imprint), [Liebherr](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/kempten-karriere-3705395), [CODESYS](https://www.codesys.com/career/)).

- Working-student roles in automation software, plus related internships and thesis projects at CODESYS ([Student opportunities](https://www.codesys.com/career/job-opportunities-for-students-at-codesys/)).
- Logistics internships involving operational processes and project work; filter DACHSER’s listings for Kempten ([DACHSER internships](https://careers.dachser.com/go/Praktikum/9194055/)).
- Technical student opportunities in gear technology and automation at Liebherr’s Kempten operation ([Liebherr careers](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/kempten-karriere-3705395)).

- **DACHSER SE** (Logistics): The company’s head office is on Thomas-Dachser-Straße in Kempten ([DACHSER](https://www.dachser.com/en/mediaroom/imprint)).
- **Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH** (Gear technology and automation): Its Kempten careers page covers student opportunities, apprenticeships and dual study in gear technology and automation ([Liebherr](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/kempten-karriere-3705395)).
- **CODESYS Group** (Industrial automation software): Recruits in Kempten for its automation-software business and offers routes for students from internships to master’s theses ([CODESYS](https://www.codesys.com/career/)).

## Getting around

Kempten Hauptbahnhof lies south of the centre, with city buses connecting it to the central area; walking to the pedestrian zone takes approximately 30 minutes ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/anreise)). The university semester ticket covers public buses in Kempten, Kaufbeuren, Oberallgäu and Ostallgäu, plus specified local on-demand taxis; it is not a nationwide rail ticket ([mona](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/tarife/semesterticket/)). A Deutschlandticket covers participating local buses and regional trains, generally excluding IC, EC and ICE services ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket)). DB lists a fastest Kempten–Munich journey of about 1 hour 25 minutes and also offers direct connections; check your actual departure because journey times and changes vary ([DB route guide](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/kempten/muenchen.shtml)).

- Station: Kempten (Allgäu) Hauptbahnhof — the main station for rail connections towards Munich, Augsburg and Ulm ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/anreise)).
- Nearest airport: Memmingen Airport / Allgäu Airport — Approximately 45 km from Kempten. The airport shuttle connects with Memmingen railway station, where you can continue by train to Kempten ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/anreise)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: -0.2 °C, 81 mm rain a month, 2.9 h sun a day
- Spring: 7.9 °C, 95 mm rain a month, 5.5 h sun a day
- Summer: 16.8 °C, 143 mm rain a month, 7 h sun a day
- Autumn: 8.3 °C, 88 mm rain a month, 4.1 h sun a day

Expect cold winters with frequent frost, a gradual spring warm-up and generally mild summers. Summer is also the wettest season, so waterproof clothing remains useful even during the brighter months. Autumn brings cooler conditions again. For student life, plan for warm layers on the morning journey to campus and keep outdoor plans flexible rather than assuming summer means reliably dry weather.

## Culture & language

Kempten’s identity combines its Allgäu setting with the history of a Catholic abbey settlement and a Protestant imperial city. The Kempten-Museum explains this former ‘double city’ through its exhibitions ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/kempten-museum-im-zumsteinhaus)). The Hildegardplatz market is a regular part of local life on Wednesdays and Saturdays ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/kulinarik)).

There are bars, pubs and clubs, so evenings need not revolve entirely around campus. Expect a smaller-city setting, and check the late-bus timetable before choosing where to live or planning a night out ([Kempten nightlife guide](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/bars-kneipen-clubs)).

English-taught programmes provide a route into studying in Kempten, but check the exact programme requirements: some also require German, and German-taught degrees have programme-specific language thresholds ([University language requirements](https://www.hs-kempten.de/international/incoming/vollstudierende/erforderliche-sprachkenntnisse)). For everyday independence, aiming for conversational German is sensible; English should not be assumed for every housing or workplace interaction. The university offers German-as-a-foreign-language classes ([International Office FAQ](https://www.hs-kempten.de/international/internationale-hochschule/ansprechpersonen/international-office/faq)). Local speech has a strong Swabian influence despite the city’s Allgäu identity ([Wikipedia](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kempten_%28Allg%C3%A4u%29)).

## Local food

- **Allgäuer Kässpatzen**: Soft egg noodles combined with cheese and onions, a regional staple featured by the local tourism board ([Allgäuer Alpen recipe](https://www.allgaeueralpen.com/2021/01/allgaeuer-kaesspatzen/)).
- **Kemptener Krautkrapfen**: Rolled dough filled with sauerkraut; the tourism board’s local recipe also includes bacon, so ask before assuming it is vegetarian ([Kempten Tourism recipe](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/herbstrezept-krautkrapfen)).
- **Allgäuer Bergkäse and Allgäuer Emmentaler**: Regional cheeses highlighted in Kempten’s culinary guide, useful choices for a simple bread-and-cheese meal ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/kulinarik)).

## Events

- **Kemptener Jazzfrühling** (Spring; the 2026 opening was scheduled for 25 April.): An annual jazz event with performances in public spaces and indoor venues ([Background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kempten_%28Allg%C3%A4u%29)). The city-centre calendar confirms its 2026 opening date ([Citymanagement Kempten](https://cmkempten.de/veranstaltungstermine-2026in-der-innenstadt/)).
- **Stadtfest Kempten** (Summer; 3–5 July in the 2026 calendar.): Kempten’s recurring city festival is listed in the local annual events calendar ([Citymanagement Kempten](https://cmkempten.de/veranstaltungstermine-2026in-der-innenstadt/)).
- **Allgäuer Festwoche** (August; 8–16 August in the 2026 calendar.): An annual regional fair combining business exhibitions with cultural and sporting activities ([Background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kempten_%28Allg%C3%A4u%29)). Its August dates are confirmed in the 2026 local calendar ([Citymanagement Kempten](https://cmkempten.de/veranstaltungstermine-2026in-der-innenstadt/)).

## Places to see

- **Archäologischer Park Cambodunum** (Archaeology): Explore Kempten’s Roman past through an open-air archaeological site and reconstructed buildings ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/sehenswertes)).
- **Kempten-Museum im Zumsteinhaus** (Museum): A city-history museum opposite the Residenz, with free general admission ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/kempten-museum-im-zumsteinhaus)).
- **Basilika St. Lorenz and Hildegardplatz** (Historic landmark): The basilica, surrounding square and adjoining Residenz form a useful starting point for exploring the former abbey town ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/basilika-st-lorenz)).
- **Prunkräume der Residenz** (Palace): The ceremonial rooms introduce the world of Kempten’s prince-abbots ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/sehenswertes)).
- **Iller-Radweg** (Nature): The long-distance cycle route between Ulm and Oberstdorf passes through Kempten, offering a starting point for rides along the river ([Kempten Tourism](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/anreise)).

## FAQ

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

Kempten is worth considering if you want a smaller city with accommodation close to campus: the Zugspitzstraße residence directly adjoins the university ([Sozialbau](https://www.sozialbau.de/projects/zugspitzstrasse-12-18/)). Affordable rooms are in demand, so start your housing search early ([University housing guide](https://www.hs-kempten.de/studienbeginn/wohnen-in-kempten)).

### Is there a university in Kempten?

Yes. Kempten University of Applied Sciences is based in the city and offers both German-taught and selected English-taught programmes; language requirements depend on the degree ([University language requirements](https://www.hs-kempten.de/international/incoming/vollstudierende/erforderliche-sprachkenntnisse)).

### How expensive is student accommodation in Kempten?

Studierendenwerk Augsburg lists furnished single apartments at Reichlinstraße for €332–442 total monthly rent, checked November 2026. That is one residence’s price range, not an average for private rooms across Kempten ([Studierendenwerk Augsburg](https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/Wohnheime-Wohnanlagen/wohnanlage-kempten-reichlinstrasse/)).

### Can students get around Kempten without a car?

The local semester ticket covers public buses in Kempten and specified surrounding areas, making public transport a practical option. It also includes the on-demand taxi service within the Kempten and northern Oberallgäu tariff area, subject to booking rules ([mona](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/tarife/semesterticket/)).

### How long does the train from Kempten to Munich take?

Deutsche Bahn lists a fastest journey of approximately 1 hour 25 minutes and also advertises direct trains. Check the specific departure, as some journeys involve a change and take longer ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/kempten/muenchen.shtml)).

### Where can students look for technical work in Kempten?

CODESYS offers working-student roles, internships and thesis projects in its automation-software business ([CODESYS](https://www.codesys.com/career/job-opportunities-for-students-at-codesys/)). Liebherr’s Kempten careers page is another starting point for engineering-related student opportunities ([Liebherr](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/kempten-karriere-3705395)).

## Sources

- [Kempten: geography, history, dialect and recurring events](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kempten_(Allg%C3%A4u))
- [Kempten Tourism: sights and museums](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/sehenswertes)
- [Kempten University: accommodation directory](https://www.hs-kempten.de/studienbeginn/wohnen-in-kempten)
- [Studierendenwerk Augsburg: Reichlinstraße residence](https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/Wohnheime-Wohnanlagen/wohnanlage-kempten-reichlinstrasse/)
- [Sozialbau: Zugspitzstraße residence](https://www.sozialbau.de/projects/zugspitzstrasse-12-18/)
- [Sozialbau: Prälat-Götz-Straße residence](https://www.sozialbau.de/projects/praelat-goetz-strasse-6/)
- [Kempten University: exchange-student arrangements](https://www.hs-kempten.de/international/incoming/austauschstudierende/organisatorisches)
- [Kempten University: financing and living costs](https://www.hs-kempten.de/international/incoming/vollstudierende/finanzierung-und-kosten)
- [Kempten University: semester contribution and service-fee rules](https://www.hs-kempten.de/meine-hochschule/termine-und-fristen/rueckmeldung-semesterbeitrag-beurlaubung-exmatrikulation)
- [Studierendenwerk Augsburg: semester ticket and Deutschlandticket upgrade](https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/semesterticket/)
- [mona: semester-ticket coverage](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/tarife/semesterticket/)
- [Kempten Tourism: railway, airport and cycling access](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/anreise)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Kempten–Munich route](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/kempten/muenchen.shtml)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Deutschlandticket validity](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket)
- [DACHSER: Kempten head-office address](https://www.dachser.com/en/mediaroom/imprint)
- [DACHSER: internship pathways](https://careers.dachser.com/go/Praktikum/9194055/)
- [Liebherr: careers at the Kempten site](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/kempten-karriere-3705395)
- [CODESYS: Kempten careers](https://www.codesys.com/career/)
- [CODESYS: student opportunities](https://www.codesys.com/career/job-opportunities-for-students-at-codesys/)
- [Kempten Tourism: Kempten-Museum](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/kempten-museum-im-zumsteinhaus)
- [Kempten Tourism: basilica and Hildegardplatz](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/basilika-st-lorenz)
- [Kempten Tourism: nightlife](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/bars-kneipen-clubs)
- [Kempten Tourism: regional food and market](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/kulinarik)
- [Kempten Tourism: Krautkrapfen recipe](https://www.kempten-tourismus.de/herbstrezept-krautkrapfen)
- [Allgäuer Alpen: Kässpatzen recipe](https://www.allgaeueralpen.com/2021/01/allgaeuer-kaesspatzen/)
- [Citymanagement Kempten: 2026 event calendar](https://cmkempten.de/veranstaltungstermine-2026in-der-innenstadt/)
- [Kempten University: programme-specific language requirements](https://www.hs-kempten.de/international/incoming/vollstudierende/erforderliche-sprachkenntnisse)
- [Kempten University: International Office FAQ and German classes](https://www.hs-kempten.de/international/internationale-hochschule/ansprechpersonen/international-office/faq)
- [Commons: Hildegardplatz and Residenzplatz panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kempten_Panorama_Hildegardplatz_Residenzplatz.jpg)
- [Commons: town hall and Rathausplatz](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rathaus_Kempten_mit_Rathausplatz.jpg)
- [Commons: Cambodunum archaeological park](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Archeological_Park_Cambodunum_in_Kempten_01.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/bavaria/kempten-allgaeu. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).