# Study in Havelland district, Brandenburg

> Havelland is a rural district (Landkreis) in Brandenburg with 170,834 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Theologische Hochschule Elstal (Wustermark). Summers average 18.4 °C and winters 1.6 °C, with about 561 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Havelland is a Brandenburg district west of Berlin, with commuter towns, riverside countryside and a theology campus in Elstal.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,834 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,727.31 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Theologische Hochschule Elstal, Wustermark (23 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €200–270 per month — A room in shared campus accommodation at Elstal, including ancillary costs, according to TH Elstal’s May 2025 cost sheet. This is a campus-specific published range, not a district-wide market average; confirm the current offer before budgeting. | [source](https://www.th-elstal.de/fileadmin/content/Theologische_Hochschule_Elstal/Dokumente/Kosten_und_Finanzierung_deines_Studium__Stand_Mai_2025_.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 9.8 °C (summer 18.4 °C, winter 1.6 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 561 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,698 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Havelland district

Havelland stretches west from Berlin into Brandenburg. Rathenow is the district’s administrative centre; Falkensee, Nauen and Wustermark are other useful starting points when choosing where to live ([district overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Havelland)). Falkensee has a largely residential, garden-town character near Berlin-Spandau ([City of Falkensee](https://www.falkensee.de/seite/10818/gewerbestandort-falkensee.html)).

The district combines industry with countryside: Rathenow remains an optical manufacturing centre, while Wustermark has substantial logistics activity ([Brandenburg economic development agency](https://www.wfbb.de/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/das-havelland-ein-brandenburger-wachstumsstar)). Its cultural landmarks include Ribbeck, associated with Theodor Fontane’s poem about a generous landowner and his pear tree ([Havelland tourism](https://www.visithavelland.de/poi/ribbeck)).

- **Rathenow**: The district’s administrative centre and a base for its optical industry ([district overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Havelland), [Rathenower Optik](https://www.rathenoweroptik.de/karriere/)).
- **Falkensee**: A residential town near Berlin-Spandau, characterised by houses, gardens and green spaces ([City of Falkensee](https://www.falkensee.de/seite/10818/gewerbestandort-falkensee.html)).
- **Nauen**: Its historic centre includes half-timbered buildings, a distinctive town hall and St Jacobi church ([City of Nauen](https://www.nauen.de/nauen-entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten/historische-altstadt-in-nauen/)).
- **Wustermark / Elstal**: Elstal is the local university location and an access point for the Döberitzer Heide nature area ([TH Elstal](https://www.th-elstal.de/), [Heinz Sielmann Foundation](https://www.sielmann-stiftung.de/umweltbildung-naturerlebnis/landschaften-besuchen/sielmanns-naturlandschaft-doeberitzer-heide-erleben)).
- **Ketzin/Havel**: A riverside town whose history is closely connected with fishing, brickmaking and farming ([Havelland tourism](https://www.visithavelland.de/ketzin-havel)).

## Universities

Theologische Hochschule Elstal provides a local option for theology study, with campus accommodation available through Bildungszentrum Elstal ([TH Elstal housing information](https://www.th-elstal.de/fileadmin/content/Theologische_Hochschule_Elstal/Medien/Bewerben/Einfuhrung-Bewerbungsformular-und-Belegungskonzept.pdf#page=4)). For universities in Potsdam, Brandenburg an der Havel or Neuruppin, choose your address around the actual campus journey. Havelland is worth considering if you prefer access to countryside and are comfortable planning transport. Check connections before signing a lease: current railway works affect journeys through Rathenow, Wustermark and Elstal ([VBB construction information](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/baustellen-bei-regional-und-s-bahn/berlin-stendal)).

- **Theologische Hochschule Elstal** (Wustermark) — 3 courses

## Housing

Start early rather than assuming that a rural district guarantees available housing. Elstal’s student accommodation has limited capacity and no automatic entitlement to a room ([housing allocation rules](https://www.th-elstal.de/fileadmin/content/Theologische_Hochschule_Elstal/Medien/Bewerben/Einfuhrung-Bewerbungsformular-und-Belegungskonzept.pdf#page=4)). In Rathenow, RWG’s website showed no vacant apartments when checked in November 2026, but accepted housing enquiries for its waiting list; that is one landlord’s position, not a district-wide vacancy measure ([RWG Rathenow](https://rwg-wohnen.de/)).

**How to find a place**

- For Elstal campus housing, submit the residence application to Bildungszentrum Elstal’s administration early; its published rules allow applications before university admission is confirmed ([application and allocation rules](https://www.th-elstal.de/fileadmin/content/Theologische_Hochschule_Elstal/Medien/Bewerben/Einfuhrung-Bewerbungsformular-und-Belegungskonzept.pdf#page=4)).
- For Rathenow, register a housing enquiry with Rathenower Wohnungsbaugenossenschaft and ask about availability and membership costs ([RWG Rathenow](https://rwg-wohnen.de/)).
- Use the Nauen rental overview to compare private apartments and save a search; check whether each advertised price includes heating and other charges ([ImmoScout24 Nauen](https://www.immobilienscout24.de/Suche/de/brandenburg/havelland-kreis/nauen/wohnung-mieten)).
- Check the bus connection from the exact address, including your evening return, before accepting a room outside a station neighbourhood ([Havelbus timetables](https://www.havelbus.de/fahrplan/)).

**Student residences**

- [Studentenwohnanlage Bildungszentrum Elstal](https://www.th-elstal.de/fileadmin/content/Theologische_Hochschule_Elstal/Medien/Bewerben/Einfuhrung-Bewerbungsformular-und-Belegungskonzept.pdf#page=4) (Bildungszentrum Elstal / Bund Evangelisch-Freikirchlicher Gemeinden in Deutschland, property administration): Primarily for eligible TH Elstal students. The published rules permit students from other institutions only when spare capacity exists, with contracts limited to one semester ([residence rules](https://www.th-elstal.de/fileadmin/content/Theologische_Hochschule_Elstal/Medien/Bewerben/Einfuhrung-Bewerbungsformular-und-Belegungskonzept.pdf#page=4)).

## Cost of living

TH Elstal’s May 2025 cost sheet lists a €360 full-time semester fee and a €4.60 cafeteria main course; these are dated planning figures, so request updated charges before enrolling ([TH Elstal costs](https://www.th-elstal.de/fileadmin/content/Theologische_Hochschule_Elstal/Dokumente/Kosten_und_Finanzierung_deines_Studium__Stand_Mai_2025_.pdf)). The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in November 2026; check whether your university already provides a semester ticket before buying a separate subscription ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/abonnements/deutschlandticket/)). Compare accommodation and transport together: the evidence does not establish a reliable district-wide saving against Berlin.

## Jobs & employers

Logistics, optical manufacturing and medical technology are important local sectors, with logistics activity around Wustermark and specialist manufacturing in Rathenow ([Brandenburg economic development agency](https://www.wfbb.de/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/das-havelland-ein-brandenburger-wachstumsstar)). For work alongside study, Designer Outlet Berlin’s shared recruitment page includes student assistants and part-time retail positions in Wustermark ([outlet vacancies](https://www.designeroutletberlin.com/designer-outlet-berlin/unternehmen/jobs/offene-stellen)). Manufacturing companies are also worth approaching for subject-related opportunities, but their presence does not guarantee student vacancies.

- Retail sales and checkout work, including student assistant and minijob positions at Designer Outlet Berlin ([outlet vacancies](https://www.designeroutletberlin.com/designer-outlet-berlin/unternehmen/jobs/offene-stellen)).
- Stock replenishment, merchandise presentation and inventory support in outlet shops ([outlet vacancies](https://www.designeroutletberlin.com/designer-outlet-berlin/unternehmen/jobs/offene-stellen)).
- Food-service work at Designer Outlet Berlin; check each employer’s hours and contract requirements ([outlet careers](https://www.designeroutletberlin.com/designer-outlet-berlin/unternehmen/jobs)).

- **Rathenower Optik GmbH** (Optical manufacturing and logistics): Part of the Fielmann Group, with production, logistics, technical and administrative work at its Rathenow site ([company careers](https://www.rathenoweroptik.de/karriere/)).
- **Havelland Kliniken** (Healthcare and care services): Its recruitment portal covers Nauen, Rathenow and other district locations, including clinical, administrative and catering roles; clinical jobs require the appropriate qualifications ([group recruitment](https://havelland-kliniken.de/current-jobs/?job-category=all)).
- **OHST Medizintechnik AG** (Medical technology): Based in Rathenow, manufacturing joint implants and surgical instruments, with activities spanning development, production and sterile packaging ([OHST](https://www.ohst.de/)).

## Getting around

Havelbus connects the district’s towns and villages; check individual routes for the journey from your home to the station ([Havelbus](https://www.havelbus.de/fahrplan/)). In the timetable valid from 2 October to 12 December 2026, direct Falkensee–Berlin Hbf journeys take roughly 20–40 minutes, depending on the service ([DB timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689288/1fcae3159802e0e1fe77b21d54f87a83/NEU_RE-4-West-data.pdf)). From Priort, RB21 takes about 10 minutes to Golm and usually 23 minutes to Potsdam Hbf in that same period ([DB RB21 timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689354/d7ba49d18f202ef9ee0b56e0afe0a5d3/NEU_RB-21-data.pdf)). Normally RE4 connects Rathenow and Wustermark with Berlin, but the route through Elstal is affected by replacement buses during the current closure; check your travel date rather than relying on the normal route map ([VBB RE4](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re4/), [construction arrangements](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/baustellen-bei-regional-und-s-bahn/berlin-stendal)). The Deutschlandticket covers local and regional transport, with long-distance trains generally excluded ([VBB ticket information](https://www.vbb.de/abonnements/deutschlandticket/)).

- Station: Falkensee — regional connections towards Berlin ([DB timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689288/1fcae3159802e0e1fe77b21d54f87a83/NEU_RE-4-West-data.pdf)).
- Station: Nauen — regional connections towards Berlin ([DB timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689288/1fcae3159802e0e1fe77b21d54f87a83/NEU_RE-4-West-data.pdf)).
- Station: Rathenow — normally on RE4; check replacement transport during construction ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re4/)).
- Station: Wustermark and Elstal — normally regional rail stops, affected by the current closure ([VBB construction information](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/baustellen-bei-regional-und-s-bahn/berlin-stendal)).
- Station: Priort — useful for Golm and Potsdam during the current timetable period ([DB RB21 timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689354/d7ba49d18f202ef9ee0b56e0afe0a5d3/NEU_RB-21-data.pdf)).
- Nearest airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) — The practical international airport for the district. Depending on your starting town, connect through Berlin for the Airport Express or through Golm/Potsdam for RB22; check construction changes for your date ([VBB airport connections](https://www.vbb.de/en/driving-information/ber-airport/how-to-get-to-ber)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 1.6 °C, 41 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.4 °C, 38 mm rain a month, 5.9 h sun a day
- Summer: 18.4 °C, 63 mm rain a month, 7.4 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9.8 °C, 45 mm rain a month, 3.7 h sun a day

Expect cold, often grey winters, a gradually brighter spring and warm summers with occasional hot days. Keep waterproof layers handy throughout the year. Spring and autumn are good seasons to plan walks, while summer gives more daylight for outings after class. In the Döberitzer Heide, winter landscape maintenance can temporarily close individual paths, so check access notices before setting out ([Heinz Sielmann Foundation](https://www.sielmann-stiftung.de/umweltbildung-naturerlebnis/landschaften-besuchen/sielmanns-naturlandschaft-doeberitzer-heide-erleben)).

## Culture & language

Local identity has several strands: Fontane’s literary legacy in Ribbeck, fishing history in Ketzin and agricultural traditions celebrated at the Havelländer Erntefest ([Ribbeck](https://www.visithavelland.de/poi/ribbeck), [Ketzin](https://www.visithavelland.de/ketzin-havel), [district harvest festival](https://www.havelland.de/fileadmin/dateien/amt83/diverses/Flyer_16._Havellaender_Erntefest.pdf)). Build your social plans around local events and your campus community. If frequent club nights matter to you, check the late journey home from Berlin before choosing an address.

Plan to use German for housing enquiries and everyday administration rather than relying on English alone. For TH Elstal, this is also an academic requirement: its international-applicant information states that teaching and written work are in German and specifies DSH-2 or C1 proficiency ([TH Elstal international applicants](https://www.th-elstal.de/foreign-applicants)). Standard German is the sensible learning priority.

## Local food

- **Ribbeck pear cake**: Pear cake is a locally grounded choice in the village associated with Fontane’s pear-tree poem; Alte Brennerei Ribbeck lists Birnentorte at its café ([Alte Brennerei](https://brennerei-ribbeck.de/)).
- **Westhavelland honey**: A local product rather than a district-exclusive dish: the tourism board lists honey from Honigschmiede Görne in Kleßen-Görne ([regional food guide](https://shop.visithavelland.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WEBVERSION_RegionaleProdukteKarte.pdf)).

## Events

- **Havelländer Erntefest** (September; the verified 2026 edition was scheduled for 6 September.): A recurring harvest celebration at MAFZ Erlebnispark Paaren im Glien, featuring agriculture, regional products and a stage programme. Check the organiser for the next edition ([district festival flyer](https://www.havelland.de/fileadmin/dateien/amt83/diverses/Flyer_16._Havellaender_Erntefest.pdf)).
- **WestHavelländer AstroTreff (WHAT)** (September; the next published dates are 3–5 September 2027.): A recurring amateur-astronomy gathering on Gülpe’s sports field. The organiser’s page provides dates, visitor arrangements and registration details ([Sternenpark Westhavelland](https://www.sternenpark-westhavelland.de/veranstaltungen/sternfreundetreffen-what/)).

## Places to see

- **Ribbeck village and Schloss Ribbeck** (Literature and museum): Visit the village associated with Fontane’s pear-tree poem, its replacement pear tree and the Fontane museum in the manor house ([Havelland tourism](https://www.visithavelland.de/poi/ribbeck)).
- **Döberitzer Heide** (Nature): Explore the public walking routes and nature experience centre near Elstal. The foundation manages the landscape with conservation grazing and asks visitors to stay on permitted routes ([Heinz Sielmann Foundation](https://www.sielmann-stiftung.de/umweltbildung-naturerlebnis/landschaften-besuchen/sielmanns-naturlandschaft-doeberitzer-heide-erleben)).
- **Gülpe stargazing area** (Dark skies): Gülpe has an official observing site within Sternenpark Westhavelland. Use designated locations and respect the surrounding protected habitats ([Sternenpark observing sites](https://www.sternenpark-westhavelland.de/beobachtungspl%C3%A4tze/)).
- **Nauen old town** (Old town): A compact architectural outing taking in half-timbered houses, the town hall and the streets around St Jacobi church ([City of Nauen](https://www.nauen.de/nauen-entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten/historische-altstadt-in-nauen/)).

## FAQ

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

It is worth considering if you value countryside access and can make your campus journey work. Elstal has student accommodation, but commuters should check current rail disruptions before choosing a home ([Elstal housing](https://www.th-elstal.de/fileadmin/content/Theologische_Hochschule_Elstal/Medien/Bewerben/Einfuhrung-Bewerbungsformular-und-Belegungskonzept.pdf#page=4), [VBB travel changes](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/baustellen-bei-regional-und-s-bahn/berlin-stendal)).

### Is there a university in Havelland?

Yes. Theologische Hochschule Elstal is located in Elstal, part of Wustermark, and specialises in theological study ([TH Elstal](https://www.th-elstal.de/)).

### How do I get from Havelland to the University of Potsdam area?

The best route depends on your town and campus. In the timetable valid from 2 October to 12 December 2026, RB21 runs from Priort to Golm in about 10 minutes and usually reaches Potsdam Hbf in 23 minutes; add your journey to Priort and onward campus travel ([DB RB21 timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689354/d7ba49d18f202ef9ee0b56e0afe0a5d3/NEU_RB-21-data.pdf)).

### Is Havelland expensive for students?

There is no single reliable student budget for the whole district. TH Elstal published campus shared-room rents of €200–270 per month including ancillary costs in May 2025, but that range does not describe private rentals elsewhere ([TH Elstal costs](https://www.th-elstal.de/fileadmin/content/Theologische_Hochschule_Elstal/Dokumente/Kosten_und_Finanzierung_deines_Studium__Stand_Mai_2025_.pdf)).

### What jobs can students find in Havelland?

Retail is a concrete starting point: Designer Outlet Berlin in Wustermark lists student assistant, part-time and minijob opportunities, including sales and stock-related duties. Check current vacancies and working hours with each shop ([outlet recruitment](https://www.designeroutletberlin.com/designer-outlet-berlin/unternehmen/jobs/offene-stellen)).

### Can I study at TH Elstal in English?

Its international-applicant information states that lectures, seminars and written assignments are in German. It specifies German proficiency at DSH-2 or C1 level ([TH Elstal](https://www.th-elstal.de/foreign-applicants)).

## Sources

- [Havelland district overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Havelland)
- [City of Falkensee: town character](https://www.falkensee.de/seite/10818/gewerbestandort-falkensee.html)
- [City of Nauen: historic centre](https://www.nauen.de/nauen-entdecken/sehenswuerdigkeiten/historische-altstadt-in-nauen/)
- [Theologische Hochschule Elstal](https://www.th-elstal.de/)
- [TH Elstal: international applicants](https://www.th-elstal.de/foreign-applicants)
- [TH Elstal: costs and financing, May 2025](https://www.th-elstal.de/fileadmin/content/Theologische_Hochschule_Elstal/Dokumente/Kosten_und_Finanzierung_deines_Studium__Stand_Mai_2025_.pdf)
- [Elstal residence application and allocation rules](https://www.th-elstal.de/fileadmin/content/Theologische_Hochschule_Elstal/Medien/Bewerben/Einfuhrung-Bewerbungsformular-und-Belegungskonzept.pdf#page=4)
- [Rathenower Wohnungsbaugenossenschaft](https://rwg-wohnen.de/)
- [ImmoScout24: Nauen rental overview](https://www.immobilienscout24.de/Suche/de/brandenburg/havelland-kreis/nauen/wohnung-mieten)
- [Brandenburg economic development agency: Havelland economy](https://www.wfbb.de/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/das-havelland-ein-brandenburger-wachstumsstar)
- [Rathenower Optik: careers](https://www.rathenoweroptik.de/karriere/)
- [Havelland Kliniken: recruitment portal](https://havelland-kliniken.de/current-jobs/?job-category=all)
- [OHST Medizintechnik](https://www.ohst.de/)
- [Designer Outlet Berlin: careers](https://www.designeroutletberlin.com/designer-outlet-berlin/unternehmen/jobs)
- [Designer Outlet Berlin: shared vacancy portal](https://www.designeroutletberlin.com/designer-outlet-berlin/unternehmen/jobs/offene-stellen)
- [Havelbus timetables](https://www.havelbus.de/fahrplan/)
- [VBB: RE4 normal route and construction notice](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re4/)
- [VBB: Berlin–Stendal closure, October–December 2026](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/baustellen-bei-regional-und-s-bahn/berlin-stendal)
- [DB: Nauen–Falkensee–Berlin timetable, October–December 2026](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689288/1fcae3159802e0e1fe77b21d54f87a83/NEU_RE-4-West-data.pdf)
- [DB: RB21 timetable, October–December 2026](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689354/d7ba49d18f202ef9ee0b56e0afe0a5d3/NEU_RB-21-data.pdf)
- [VBB: Deutschlandticket](https://www.vbb.de/abonnements/deutschlandticket/)
- [VBB: BER airport connections](https://www.vbb.de/en/driving-information/ber-airport/how-to-get-to-ber)
- [Havelland tourism: Ribbeck](https://www.visithavelland.de/poi/ribbeck)
- [Havelland tourism: Ketzin/Havel](https://www.visithavelland.de/ketzin-havel)
- [Heinz Sielmann Foundation: Döberitzer Heide](https://www.sielmann-stiftung.de/umweltbildung-naturerlebnis/landschaften-besuchen/sielmanns-naturlandschaft-doeberitzer-heide-erleben)
- [Sternenpark Westhavelland: observing sites](https://www.sternenpark-westhavelland.de/beobachtungspl%C3%A4tze/)
- [Sternenpark Westhavelland: WHAT astronomy gathering](https://www.sternenpark-westhavelland.de/veranstaltungen/sternfreundetreffen-what/)
- [Havelland district: 2026 harvest festival flyer](https://www.havelland.de/fileadmin/dateien/amt83/diverses/Flyer_16._Havellaender_Erntefest.pdf)
- [Alte Brennerei Ribbeck: café and pear cake](https://brennerei-ribbeck.de/)
- [Havelland tourism: regional food producers](https://shop.visithavelland.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WEBVERSION_RegionaleProdukteKarte.pdf)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Havel in Rathenow](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rathenow_Weinbergbr%C3%BCcke_lub_2024-06-08_img04_Aussicht.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Schloss Ribbeck](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ribbeck_Schloss-02.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: evening near Gülpe](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abend_an_der_Havel.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/brandenburg/havelland-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).