# Study in Oberallgäu district, Bavaria

> Oberallgäu is a rural district (Landkreis) in Bavaria with 155,413 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Oberallgäu district itself; the nearest is Kempten University of Applied Sciences in Kempten (Allgäu), about 16 km away. Summers average 15.9 °C and winters -0.7 °C, with about 1,860 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Oberallgäu is a rural Bavarian Alpine district with small towns, industrial employers and commuting options for students in nearby Kempten.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 155,413 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,527.97 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Kempten University of Applied Sciences, Kempten (Allgäu) (16 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €8.34/m² per month, net rent — Arithmetic mean of the Sonthofen net rents used in the official 2026 Mietspiegel, updated by consumer-price index from the earlier survey. Valid January 2026–December 2027; excludes operating costs and is neither an asking-rent average nor a student-room price. | [source](https://www.stadt-sonthofen.de/media/9402/mietspiegel_2026.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 7.5 °C (summer 15.9 °C, winter -0.7 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 1,860 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,758 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Oberallgäu district

Oberallgäu lies in southwestern Bavaria, with Sonthofen as its administrative centre. Kempten is surrounded by the district but is a separate city—an important distinction when comparing university locations and accommodation ([district profile](https://www.oberallgaeu.org/fileadmin/eigene_dateien/Dateien_Wirtschaftsf%C3%B6rderung/1024_Brosch%C3%BCre_Kreisentwicklung_Standortdaten.pdf)).

The area combines mountain tourism with substantial manufacturing employment. Immenstadt offers a historic centre and access to the Alpsee lakes, while Oberstdorf is a base for exploring the southern mountains and Breitachklamm gorge ([district profile](https://www.oberallgaeu.org/fileadmin/eigene_dateien/Dateien_Wirtschaftsf%C3%B6rderung/1024_Brosch%C3%BCre_Kreisentwicklung_Standortdaten.pdf), [Immenstadt tourism](https://www.alpsee-gruenten.de/immenstadt), [Breitachklamm](https://www.breitachklamm.com/)).

- **Sonthofen**: The district’s administrative centre and home to the AlpenStadtMuseum ([district profile](https://www.oberallgaeu.org/fileadmin/eigene_dateien/Dateien_Wirtschaftsf%C3%B6rderung/1024_Brosch%C3%BCre_Kreisentwicklung_Standortdaten.pdf), [museum](https://www.alpenstadtmuseum.de/)).
- **Immenstadt im Allgäu**: A historic town with a walkable centre near its railway station and access to the Großer and Kleiner Alpsee ([local tourism board](https://www.alpsee-gruenten.de/immenstadt)).
- **Oberstdorf**: The southern terminus of regional trains through Sonthofen and Kempten, with the Breitachklamm gorge nearby ([Deutsche Bahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/bayern/ueber-uns/wir-und-unsere-partner/dieselnetz-allgaeu), [Breitachklamm](https://www.breitachklamm.com/)).

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Oberallgäu itself. Kempten University of Applied Sciences is the nearest option; the other nearby university towns include Weingarten, Friedrichshafen and Biberach. For studying in Kempten, start your housing search around a workable bus or railway connection: the regional railway links Oberstdorf, Sonthofen and Immenstadt with Kempten ([Deutsche Bahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/bayern/ueber-uns/wir-und-unsere-partner/dieselnetz-allgaeu)). Dual study is another concrete route: Bosch offers programmes and apprenticeships at its Blaichach/Immenstadt operation, with university teaching through partner institutions elsewhere ([Bosch](https://www.bosch.de/unternehmen/bosch-in-deutschland/immenstadt/)). This is worth considering if you value outdoor recreation and can accommodate the journey to campus.

- **Kempten University of Applied Sciences** (Kempten (Allgäu)) — 16 km away, 42 courses
- **University of Applied Sciences Ravensburg-Weingarten** (Weingarten) — 52 km away, 37 courses
- **Pädagogische Hochschule Weingarten** (Weingarten) — 53 km away, 89 courses
- **Zeppelin University** (Friedrichshafen) — 63 km away, 11 courses
- **Biberach University of Applied Sciences** (Biberach an der Riß) — 67 km away, 24 courses

## Housing

Plan around private rentals and check the individual town carefully. Sonthofen publishes an official Mietspiegel, but its average describes comparable existing rents rather than the price of a newly advertised student room ([Sonthofen Mietspiegel](https://www.stadt-sonthofen.de/media/9402/mietspiegel_2026.pdf)). Nearby Kempten’s university warns that affordable subsidised accommodation is limited and highly sought after; that evidence concerns Kempten, not the whole district ([university housing guide](https://www.hs-kempten.de/studienbeginn/wohnen-in-kempten)). Do not assume that a rural address automatically means inexpensive housing.

**How to find a place**

- If studying in Kempten, contact Studierendenwerk Augsburg’s free private-room and apartment referral service and ask about your preferred district towns ([Studierendenwerk](https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/wohnanlagen/)).
- Use Kempten University’s housing guide to compare accommodation near campus with district rentals. Apply directly to the providers: the university does not allocate rooms ([university housing guide](https://www.hs-kempten.de/studienbeginn/wohnen-in-kempten)).
- For a Sonthofen apartment, check the official Mietspiegel using its size, age and other characteristics; ask separately for heating and operating costs ([Sonthofen Mietspiegel](https://www.stadt-sonthofen.de/media/9402/mietspiegel_2026.pdf)).
- Before signing, enter the exact address and your class times into mona’s journey planner, including an evening return journey ([mona](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/)).

## Cost of living

Budget for the full rent including utilities and the journey to campus. The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026 ([mona](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/das-deutschland-ticket)). Kempten University lists a semester contribution of €115. It also lists an additional €500 service fee per semester for non-EU students in English-taught programmes who started from winter semester 2025/26, subject to exemptions ([university costs guidance](https://www.hs-kempten.de/international/incoming/vollstudierende/finanzierung-und-kosten)). Compare actual housing and transport offers before assuming a saving over a larger city; a reliable district-wide student budget was not established.

## Jobs & employers

Manufacturing and tourism both matter locally, so look beyond holiday work when considering placements or a longer-term career ([district profile](https://www.oberallgaeu.org/fileadmin/eigene_dateien/Dateien_Wirtschaftsf%C3%B6rderung/1024_Brosch%C3%BCre_Kreisentwicklung_Standortdaten.pdf)). Bosch confirms apprenticeships and dual-study routes in Blaichach/Immenstadt. For ordinary student shifts, Alpe Dornach in Oberstdorf explicitly recruits students and casual staff for restaurant work ([Bosch](https://www.bosch.de/unternehmen/bosch-in-deutschland/immenstadt/), [Alpe Dornach careers](https://www.alpe-dornach.de/info-services/karriere.html)).

- Restaurant counter work and food-running; students and casual workers are explicitly addressed by an Oberstdorf employer ([Alpe Dornach](https://www.alpe-dornach.de/info-services/karriere.html)).
- Kitchen assistance and casual kitchen work ([Alpe Dornach](https://www.alpe-dornach.de/info-services/karriere.html)).
- Hotel housekeeping and room cleaning; ask the employer whether available hours fit your studies ([Alpe Dornach](https://www.alpe-dornach.de/info-services/karriere.html)).

- **Bosch, Blaichach/Immenstadt** (Automotive technology): Manufactures active vehicle-safety systems at its two local sites and offers technical, commercial and IT training alongside dual study ([Bosch](https://www.bosch.de/unternehmen/bosch-in-deutschland/immenstadt/)).
- **MAHA** (Vehicle testing and lifting equipment): Headquartered in Haldenwang within the district; its careers portal covers manufacturing, logistics, administration and apprenticeships ([MAHA](https://www.maha.de/de/karriere/stellenangebote)).
- **Liebherr-Verzahntechnik** (Machine tools and industrial automation): Produces gear-cutting machinery and automation systems in nearby Kempten, outside the district boundary ([Liebherr](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/kempten-profil-3705396)).

## Getting around

The regional railway connects Oberstdorf, Sonthofen and Immenstadt with Kempten, with services continuing towards Ulm, Augsburg or Munich ([Deutsche Bahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/bayern/ueber-uns/wir-und-unsere-partner/dieselnetz-allgaeu)). Published 2026 timetable examples put Sonthofen–Kempten Hbf at roughly 32–40 minutes and Sonthofen–Munich Hbf at about two hours; these are station-to-station examples, not a guaranteed daily journey ([DB timetable hosted by Hörnerdörfer tourism](https://www.hoernerdoerfer.de/fileadmin/thd/x_partner_info/dateien/gaesteinfos/Fischen/dateien/DB_Winterfahrplan2026_ab14.12.25.pdf)). Add your onward journey to campus and check current connections through mona. The Deutschlandticket covers participating local buses and regional trains; Sonthofen’s Anruf-Sammel-Taxi is specifically excluded ([mona planner](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/), [ticket conditions](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/das-deutschland-ticket)).

- Station: Immenstadt — regional rail interchange ([Deutsche Bahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/bayern/ueber-uns/wir-und-unsere-partner/dieselnetz-allgaeu)).
- Station: Sonthofen — regional connections towards Kempten and Oberstdorf ([Deutsche Bahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/bayern/ueber-uns/wir-und-unsere-partner/dieselnetz-allgaeu)).
- Station: Oberstdorf — southern regional rail terminus ([Deutsche Bahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/bayern/ueber-uns/wir-und-unsere-partner/dieselnetz-allgaeu)).
- Station: Kempten (Allgäu) Hbf — nearby connecting hub outside the district ([Deutsche Bahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/bayern/ueber-uns/wir-und-unsere-partner/dieselnetz-allgaeu)).
- Nearest airport: Memmingen Airport — A practical regional airport option: travel by rail to Memmingen and continue by the airport’s City Shuttle. The airport publishes the bus connection and through-journey booking guidance ([airport transport information](https://www.memmingen-airport.de/an-abreise/oeffentliche-verkehrsmittel/)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: -0.7 °C, 142 mm rain a month, 2.9 h sun a day
- Spring: 7 °C, 145 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 15.9 °C, 192 mm rain a month, 6.8 h sun a day
- Autumn: 7.6 °C, 141 mm rain a month, 4.1 h sun a day

Expect cold winters, a gradual spring warm-up and relatively cool summers with substantial rainfall. Waterproof clothing and layers are useful throughout the year. Summer lends itself to lake visits and outdoor recreation around Immenstadt; September brings the cattle-return celebrations ([Immenstadt tourism](https://www.alpsee-gruenten.de/immenstadt), [Oberstdorf tourism](https://www.oberstdorf.de/aktuell/veranstaltungen/viehscheid.html)). For winter outings, check attraction opening conditions rather than assuming every path remains accessible ([Breitachklamm](https://www.breitachklamm.com/)).

## Culture & language

Alpine farming traditions remain visible in public celebrations. At the Viehscheid, cattle return from summer mountain pastures and are separated back into their owners’ herds; celebrations include brass music and festival tents ([Allgäu tourism](https://www.allgaeu.de/kultur/typisch-allgaeu/brauchtum/viehscheid)).

For evenings out, explore the local concert and festival calendars: the Oberstdorfer Musiksommer combines concerts with masterclasses ([festival organiser](https://www.oberstdorfer-musiksommer.de/)). If frequent student club nights are a priority, compare your chosen town’s programme and last return connection before committing to a commute.

Do not plan an English-only move without checking your course, accommodation and employer individually. As practical preparation, aim for conversational German for everyday errands and stronger German for customer-facing work; B1–B2 is a useful personal target, not a district-wide requirement. Local Allgäuer dialects can sound quite different from classroom German, and their boundaries do not follow administrative borders exactly ([dialect background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allg%C3%A4uerisch)).

## Local food

- **Allgäuer Kässpatzen**: Soft egg noodles layered with grated cheese and topped with fried onions; a signature Allgäu dish with many local variations ([Allgäu tourism recipe collection](https://www.allgaeu.de/fileadmin/allgaeu/Dateien_PDF/Essen___Trinken/Booklet_Rezepte_aus_den_Allgaeuer_Staedten.pdf)).
- **Allgäuer Bergkäse**: Mountain cheese associated with the region’s dairy farming and Alpine cheesemaking ([Allgäu tourism](https://www.allgaeu.de/kultur/typisch-allgaeu/brauchtum/viehscheid)).

## Events

- **Oberstdorf and Schöllang Viehscheid** (September): Annual cattle-return celebrations marking the end of summer grazing, followed by music and festivities ([Oberstdorf tourism](https://www.oberstdorf.de/aktuell/veranstaltungen/viehscheid.html)).
- **Oberstdorfer Musiksommer** (Late July–August): A concert and masterclass festival; the organiser confirms its return in the following summer ([festival organiser](https://www.oberstdorfer-musiksommer.de/)).

## Places to see

- **Großer Alpsee** (Lake): A lake beside Immenstadt’s Bühl district with swimming, sailing and lakeside recreation ([Immenstadt tourism](https://www.alpsee-gruenten.de/immenstadt)).
- **Immenstadt historic centre** (Old town): Explore the market square, historic houses and restored palace within walking distance of the station ([Immenstadt tourism](https://www.alpsee-gruenten.de/immenstadt)).
- **Breitachklamm** (Nature): A deep river gorge with maintained walking paths, reached from Oberstdorf’s Tiefenbach district. Check the operator’s opening status before travelling ([Breitachklamm](https://www.breitachklamm.com/)).
- **AlpenStadtMuseum Sonthofen** (Museum): A local museum exploring Sonthofen’s history through exhibitions and activities ([museum](https://www.alpenstadtmuseum.de/)).

## FAQ

### Is there a university in Oberallgäu?

There is no university within the district. The nearest option is Kempten University of Applied Sciences in the separate city of Kempten.

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

It is worth considering if you enjoy outdoor recreation and have a workable campus commute. Immenstadt offers lakes and mountain access, while regional trains connect the main southern towns with Kempten ([Immenstadt tourism](https://www.alpsee-gruenten.de/immenstadt), [Deutsche Bahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/bayern/ueber-uns/wir-und-unsere-partner/dieselnetz-allgaeu)).

### How do I get from Sonthofen to Kempten University?

Take a regional train to Kempten Hbf, then complete the journey to campus. Published 2026 examples take approximately 32–40 minutes for the train portion; check your exact door-to-door journey before choosing accommodation ([DB timetable](https://www.hoernerdoerfer.de/fileadmin/thd/x_partner_info/dateien/gaesteinfos/Fischen/dateien/DB_Winterfahrplan2026_ab14.12.25.pdf), [mona planner](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/)).

### Is Oberallgäu expensive for students?

Do not assume low rents simply because it is rural. Sonthofen’s official 2026 Mietspiegel gives an average net rent of €8.34/m², but this excludes operating costs and does not represent current student-room offers ([official Mietspiegel](https://www.stadt-sonthofen.de/media/9402/mietspiegel_2026.pdf)).

### What jobs can students find in Oberallgäu?

Hospitality is a concrete option: Alpe Dornach in Oberstdorf recruits students and casual staff for counter and food-running work. Bosch’s Blaichach/Immenstadt sites also offer apprenticeships and dual study, which are separate commitments from an ordinary part-time job ([Alpe Dornach](https://www.alpe-dornach.de/info-services/karriere.html), [Bosch](https://www.bosch.de/unternehmen/bosch-in-deutschland/immenstadt/)).

### Can I live in Oberallgäu without a car?

Consider an address within easy reach of a station or a suitable bus route, and check evening returns before signing a lease. The Deutschlandticket covers participating local and regional services, but it is not valid on Sonthofen’s Anruf-Sammel-Taxi ([mona planner](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/), [ticket conditions](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/das-deutschland-ticket)).

## Sources

- [Oberallgäu district profile](https://www.oberallgaeu.org/fileadmin/eigene_dateien/Dateien_Wirtschaftsf%C3%B6rderung/1024_Brosch%C3%BCre_Kreisentwicklung_Standortdaten.pdf)
- [Sonthofen official Mietspiegel 2026](https://www.stadt-sonthofen.de/media/9402/mietspiegel_2026.pdf)
- [Kempten University housing guidance](https://www.hs-kempten.de/studienbeginn/wohnen-in-kempten)
- [Studierendenwerk Augsburg accommodation and private referrals](https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/wohnanlagen/)
- [Kempten University financing and costs](https://www.hs-kempten.de/international/incoming/vollstudierende/finanzierung-und-kosten)
- [Bosch Blaichach/Immenstadt operations and training](https://www.bosch.de/unternehmen/bosch-in-deutschland/immenstadt/)
- [MAHA Haldenwang careers](https://www.maha.de/de/karriere/stellenangebote)
- [Liebherr-Verzahntechnik Kempten site](https://www.liebherr.com/de-de/firmengruppe/standort/kempten-profil-3705396)
- [Alpe Dornach careers](https://www.alpe-dornach.de/info-services/karriere.html)
- [Deutsche Bahn Allgäu regional network](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/bayern/ueber-uns/wir-und-unsere-partner/dieselnetz-allgaeu)
- [DB 2026 departure timetable, hosted by Hörnerdörfer tourism](https://www.hoernerdoerfer.de/fileadmin/thd/x_partner_info/dateien/gaesteinfos/Fischen/dateien/DB_Winterfahrplan2026_ab14.12.25.pdf)
- [mona journey planner](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/)
- [mona Deutschlandticket prices and conditions](https://www.mona-allgaeu.de/das-deutschland-ticket)
- [Memmingen Airport public transport](https://www.memmingen-airport.de/an-abreise/oeffentliche-verkehrsmittel/)
- [Immenstadt official tourism information](https://www.alpsee-gruenten.de/immenstadt)
- [Breitachklamm operator](https://www.breitachklamm.com/)
- [AlpenStadtMuseum Sonthofen](https://www.alpenstadtmuseum.de/)
- [Allgäu tourism: Viehscheid and Alpine farming](https://www.allgaeu.de/kultur/typisch-allgaeu/brauchtum/viehscheid)
- [Oberstdorf tourism: Viehscheid](https://www.oberstdorf.de/aktuell/veranstaltungen/viehscheid.html)
- [Oberstdorfer Musiksommer organiser](https://www.oberstdorfer-musiksommer.de/)
- [Allgäu tourism regional recipe collection](https://www.allgaeu.de/fileadmin/allgaeu/Dateien_PDF/Essen___Trinken/Booklet_Rezepte_aus_den_Allgaeuer_Staedten.pdf)
- [Allgäuer dialect background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allg%C3%A4uerisch)
- [Commons: Großer Alpsee photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grosser_Alpsee_bei_Immenstadt.JPG)
- [Commons: Sonthofen photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SonthofenVonOben.jpg)
- [Commons: Breitachklamm photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Breitachklamm.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/oberallgaeu-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).