# Study in Oberhavel district, Brandenburg

> Oberhavel is a rural district (Landkreis) in Brandenburg with 217,690 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Hochschule der Polizei Brandenburg (Oranienburg). Summers average 18 °C and winters 1.1 °C, with about 568 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Oberhavel combines Berlin-connected towns, industrial employers and a rural lake district, with a specialist police university in Oranienburg.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 217,690 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,808.26 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Hochschule der Polizei Brandenburg, Oranienburg (13 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 9.2 °C (summer 18 °C, winter 1.1 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 568 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,727 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Oberhavel district

Oberhavel stretches north from Berlin towards Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, following the upper Havel. Oranienburg is its administrative centre; the district combines suburban towns with farmland, forests and lakes ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Oberhavel)).

Its southern towns have substantial industrial employment, including rail technology in Hennigsdorf and pharmaceuticals in Oranienburg. Further north, places such as the Stechlinsee and Mildenberg’s former brickworks offer a different setting for weekends away from studying ([Brandenburg government](https://www.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/bb1.c.765578.de), [regional tourism board](https://www.brandenburgische-seenplatte.de/herbst/), [Ziegeleipark Mildenberg](https://www.ziegeleipark.de/zp_presseblog/saisonstart-im-ziegeleipark-mildenberg-industriekultur-events-und-neue-erlebnisse-2026)).

- **Oranienburg**: The district seat, with regional rail connections and the S1 into Berlin ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Oberhavel), [S-Bahn Berlin](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s1/)).
- **Hennigsdorf**: A rail-industry town with an Alstom engineering and service site and an S25 connection through central Berlin ([Alstom](https://www.alstom.com/your-career-alstom-hennigsdorf), [S-Bahn Berlin](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s25/)).
- **Velten**: Part of the district’s industrial south, with regional trains connecting it to Hennigsdorf and Kremmen ([Brandenburg government](https://www.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/bb1.c.765578.de), [DB timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689284/24729190d9cbdeb1e2067cf98ebea912/NEU_RE-6-data.pdf)).
- **Zehdenick**: The setting for Mildenberg’s brickworks museum and the surrounding former clay-pit landscape ([Ziegeleipark Mildenberg](https://www.ziegeleipark.de/zp_presseblog/saisonstart-im-ziegeleipark-mildenberg-industriekultur-events-und-neue-erlebnisse-2026)).
- **Kremmen**: A smaller town associated with locally grown asparagus and blueberries, on the regional railway towards Neuruppin ([pro agro](https://www.brandenburger-landpartie.de/hoflaeden/hof/10676/), [DB timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689284/24729190d9cbdeb1e2067cf98ebea912/NEU_RE-6-data.pdf)).

## Universities

Oberhavel’s university is Hochschule der Polizei Brandenburg in Oranienburg. Its police-service degree requires a selection procedure and specific eligibility checks; non-EU applicants need an individual exception, which is not guaranteed ([police recruitment](https://polizei-brandenburg-karriere.de/laufbahn/gehobener-dienst)). Other nearby options include Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg in Neuruppin, Berliner Hochschule für Technik, weißensee kunsthochschule berlin and Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde. For a Berlin-based course, Oranienburg or Hennigsdorf are sensible starting points for a housing search because of their direct rail links; check the complete journey to your actual campus before signing a lease ([S1](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s1/), [S25](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s25/)). This district is worth considering if access to lakes and countryside matters more to you than living beside a broad university campus.

- **Hochschule der Polizei Brandenburg** (Oranienburg) — 3 courses

## Housing

Start with ordinary rental housing and shared flats. Oranienburg’s municipality identifies WOBA and OWG as major local housing providers. Its old rent index has not been replaced and is no longer applicable as a qualified Mietspiegel, so it should not be treated as a current asking-rent guide ([municipal housing directory](https://www.oranienburg.de/St%C3%A4dtebau-Wirtschaft/Bauen-und-Wohnen/Mieten-in-Oranienburg/Wohnungssuche.php?FID=2967.220.1&ModID=7&NavID=2967.123&object=tx,2967.5), [municipal rent information](https://www.oranienburg.de/St%C3%A4dtebau-Wirtschaft/Bauen-und-Wohnen/Mieten-in-Oranienburg)). Compare actual availability and total monthly costs before assuming that moving outside Berlin will save money.

**How to find a place**

- Contact WOBA and OWG directly using Oranienburg’s official housing-provider directory ([City of Oranienburg](https://www.oranienburg.de/St%C3%A4dtebau-Wirtschaft/Bauen-und-Wohnen/Mieten-in-Oranienburg/Wohnungssuche.php?FID=2967.220.1&ModID=7&NavID=2967.123&object=tx,2967.5)).
- If you have received an appointment offer for police training or study, ask about the police university’s town-centre apartment house; applications follow the offer ([Brandenburg careers portal](https://karriere-in-brandenburg.de/studium/studium-polizei)).
- Test each address against your lecture timetable and evening return journey. Use OVG’s journey planner for the local bus connection as well as the train ([OVG](https://www.ovg-online.de/)).
- For rental-contract questions, Oranienburg lists Mietervereinigung Nord as a local advice contact ([municipal rent information](https://www.oranienburg.de/St%C3%A4dtebau-Wirtschaft/Bauen-und-Wohnen/Mieten-in-Oranienburg)).

**Student residences**

- [Police university apartment house, Oranienburg town centre](https://karriere-in-brandenburg.de/studium/studium-polizei) (Hochschule der Polizei Brandenburg): Accommodation for police-service candidates, with applications possible after an appointment offer; it is not advertised as general accommodation for students at other universities ([Brandenburg careers portal](https://karriere-in-brandenburg.de/studium/studium-polizei)).

## Cost of living

For November 2026 budgeting, the standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month and covers local public transport and second-class regional trains. Check whether your university already provides a semester transport ticket before buying another subscription ([DB Regio](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/db-regio-no/Tickets-Tarife/Deutschlandticket)). Some cultural visits cost nothing: admission to Sachsenhausen Memorial and its museums is free ([visitor information](https://www.sachsenhausen-sbg.de/en/visitor-service/opening-times-prices-and-travel-information/)). A dependable overall saving against Berlin could not be established; compare warm rent, utilities and your complete commuting costs.

## Jobs & employers

Rail technology, pharmaceuticals and advanced materials give Oberhavel a substantial industrial employment base, especially around Hennigsdorf and Oranienburg ([Wirtschaftsförderung Brandenburg](https://www.wfbb.de/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/oberhavel-wachstumsmotor-im-norden-brandenburgs)). These employers are worth checking for subject-related experience, while local leisure businesses offer customer-facing work. Alstom also advertises apprenticeships and dual-study routes at Hennigsdorf; these are structured training commitments rather than casual student jobs ([Alstom](https://www.alstom.com/your-career-alstom-hennigsdorf)).

- Working-student roles at ORAFOL in Oranienburg; search its careers portal for Werkstudent opportunities ([ORAFOL careers](https://careers.orafol.com/)).
- Reception and customer-service work at TURM ErlebnisCity; ask about part-time hours and the qualifications required ([TURM careers](https://www.erlebniscity.de/service/karriere)).
- Restaurant and event-service work at TURM ErlebnisCity, particularly for applicants with relevant hospitality training or experience ([TURM careers](https://www.erlebniscity.de/service/karriere)).

- **Alstom** (Rail technology): Its Hennigsdorf site works on train engineering, development, testing and services, and offers apprenticeship and dual-study pathways ([Alstom](https://www.alstom.com/your-career-alstom-hennigsdorf)).
- **Takeda** (Pharmaceutical manufacturing): The Oranienburg site manufactures tablets and capsules and has pilot production for clinical development projects ([Takeda](https://jobs.takeda.com/en/oranienburg)).
- **ORAFOL Europe** (Specialist films and adhesive materials): Headquartered in Oranienburg, with products including graphic films, reflective materials and adhesive tape systems ([ORAFOL](https://www.orafol.com/de)).

## Getting around

Oranienburg has the RE5 to Berlin: the published timetable gives approximately 30–35 minutes to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, before any onward campus journey ([DB RE5 timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689308/86568a9305029e8e4fcc10e7e2c96286/NEU_RE5_RE51-data.pdf)). The S1 serves Oranienburg and the S25 serves Hennigsdorf, both running through central Berlin ([S1](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s1/), [S25](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s25/)). Hennigsdorf, Velten and Kremmen have RE6 connections towards Neuruppin; check current engineering changes rather than assuming every service continues into Berlin ([DB regional timetables](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/db-regio-no/Fahren/Fahrplaene)). OVG provides local buses and a journey planner; check evening and weekend connections for any address away from a station ([OVG](https://www.ovg-online.de/)). The Deutschlandticket covers these local and regional services ([DB ticket information](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/db-regio-no/Tickets-Tarife/Deutschlandticket)).

- Station: Oranienburg — regional services and S1 ([S-Bahn Berlin](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s1/)).
- Station: Hennigsdorf — regional services and S25 ([S-Bahn Berlin](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s25/)).
- Station: Gransee — RE5 ([DB timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689308/86568a9305029e8e4fcc10e7e2c96286/NEU_RE5_RE51-data.pdf)).
- Station: Fürstenberg (Havel) — RE5 ([DB timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689308/86568a9305029e8e4fcc10e7e2c96286/NEU_RE5_RE51-data.pdf)).
- Nearest airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) — The main nearby commercial airport is connected directly to Oranienburg by the RB32 via Berlin Ostkreuz; check the timetable for your travel date ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb32/)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 1.1 °C, 44 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 8.9 °C, 40 mm rain a month, 6 h sun a day
- Summer: 18 °C, 62 mm rain a month, 7.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9.1 °C, 44 mm rain a month, 3.6 h sun a day

Expect cold, often grey winters and a much brighter outdoor season from spring into summer. Bring waterproof layers as well as warm clothing: summer is not reliably dry. Local seasonal markers include Kremmen’s asparagus followed by summer blueberries and autumn pumpkins, while the Stechlinsee shore offers autumn walking ([pro agro](https://www.brandenburger-landpartie.de/hoflaeden/hof/10676/), [regional tourism board](https://www.brandenburgische-seenplatte.de/herbst/)).

## Culture & language

Local cultural life includes regional history at ReMO in Oranienburg Palace, industrial heritage at Mildenberg and public celebrations such as Oranienburg’s Stadtfest. For a student, these suggest an event-led social calendar rather than a conventional university quarter ([ReMO](https://remo.oberhavel.de/), [Ziegeleipark](https://www.ziegeleipark.de/zp_presseblog/saisonstart-im-ziegeleipark-mildenberg-industriekultur-events-und-neue-erlebnisse-2026), [Stadtfest organiser](https://www.laubinger.de/event/stadtfest-oranienburg/)).

Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum is an important place for learning about Nazi persecution and the site's subsequent history ([memorial](https://www.sachsenhausen-sbg.de/en/)). If regular late-night outings are central to your student life, assess the Berlin journey carefully: the S1 and S25 publish overnight weekend services, but your final bus or walk home still matters ([S1](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s1/), [S25](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s25/)).

English-language visitor information is available at Sachsenhausen, but that does not establish how widely English is spoken in everyday services ([memorial](https://www.sachsenhausen-sbg.de/en/)). For housing and employment, a practical target is B1–B2 German; this is advice, not a district-wide requirement. One local example is Schloss & Gut Liebenberg, whose careers page specifies at least B2 German for staff ([hotel careers](https://www.schloss-liebenberg.de/karriere/)). Check academic language requirements with your chosen university.

## Local food

- **Kremmener Spargel**: Locally grown asparagus is a seasonal speciality at Spargelhof Kremmen, available through its farm shop and restaurant ([pro agro](https://www.brandenburger-landpartie.de/hoflaeden/hof/10676/)).
- **Kremmen blueberries**: Blueberries grown at Spargelhof Kremmen follow the asparagus season and are a summer regional product ([pro agro](https://www.brandenburger-landpartie.de/hoflaeden/hof/10676/)).
- **Fischbrötchen at Stechlinsee**: Fish rolls from the Stechlinsee fishery are a locally documented lakeside snack; availability is seasonal ([regional tourism board](https://www.brandenburgische-seenplatte.de/herbst/)).

## Events

- **Stadtfest Oranienburg** (June; the verified 2026 edition was scheduled for 19–21 June.): The annual town festival brings stage performances, fairground rides and dragon-boat racing to the town centre and riverside ([organiser](https://www.laubinger.de/event/stadtfest-oranienburg/)).
- **Märkisches Dampfspektakel** (Spring; the verified 2026 edition was scheduled for 2–3 May.): A recurring steam-machinery gathering at Ziegeleipark Mildenberg, with demonstrations, historic vehicles and a regional market ([Ziegeleipark](https://www.ziegeleipark.de/zp_presseblog/saisonstart-im-ziegeleipark-mildenberg-industriekultur-events-und-neue-erlebnisse-2026)).

## Places to see

- **Schloss Oranienburg and ReMO** (Castle): Oranienburg Palace houses the Regionalmuseum Oberhavel, a useful introduction to the district’s history ([ReMO](https://remo.oberhavel.de/)).
- **Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum** (Memorial): A place of remembrance and historical education on the former concentration-camp site. Admission to the memorial and museums is free ([visitor information](https://www.sachsenhausen-sbg.de/en/visitor-service/opening-times-prices-and-travel-information/)).
- **Ziegeleipark Mildenberg** (Industrial heritage): A former brickworks complex near Zehdenick, with industrial exhibits and activities in the surrounding clay-pit landscape ([Ziegeleipark](https://www.ziegeleipark.de/zp_presseblog/saisonstart-im-ziegeleipark-mildenberg-industriekultur-events-und-neue-erlebnisse-2026)).
- **Großer Stechlinsee** (Lake): A northern-district destination for lakeside walking near Neuglobsow; the nearby Naturparkhaus in Menz introduces the surrounding natural environment ([regional tourism board](https://www.brandenburgische-seenplatte.de/herbst/)).

## FAQ

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

It can suit students who value access to countryside and can make a rail commute work. Oranienburg and Hennigsdorf have direct connections through Berlin; compare the complete journey to your campus before choosing housing ([S1](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s1/), [S25](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s25/)).

### Is there a university in Oberhavel?

Yes: Hochschule der Polizei Brandenburg is in Oranienburg. Its degree is a route into police service, with selection and eligibility requirements; non-EU applicants require an exception that is not guaranteed ([police recruitment](https://polizei-brandenburg-karriere.de/laufbahn/gehobener-dienst)).

### How long is the train journey from Oranienburg to Berlin?

The published RE5 timetable gives approximately 30–35 minutes from Oranienburg to Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Allow additional time for the journey from the station to your university and check current disruptions ([DB timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689308/86568a9305029e8e4fcc10e7e2c96286/NEU_RE5_RE51-data.pdf)).

### Is Oberhavel cheaper than Berlin for students?

A reliable current student-rent comparison was not established. Oranienburg’s old Mietspiegel is no longer a qualified rent index, so compare available rooms and their total costs rather than relying on historic figures ([City of Oranienburg](https://www.oranienburg.de/St%C3%A4dtebau-Wirtschaft/Bauen-und-Wohnen/Mieten-in-Oranienburg)).

### What jobs can students find in Oberhavel?

Search ORAFOL for working-student opportunities and TURM ErlebnisCity for reception or hospitality roles. Availability, qualifications and suitable part-time hours vary ([ORAFOL careers](https://careers.orafol.com/), [TURM careers](https://www.erlebniscity.de/service/karriere)).

### Are there student residences in Oberhavel?

The Brandenburg careers portal lists an apartment house in central Oranienburg for police-service candidates, who can apply after receiving an appointment offer. It is not presented as general accommodation for students attending other universities ([Brandenburg careers portal](https://karriere-in-brandenburg.de/studium/studium-polizei)).

## Sources

- [Oberhavel geography and administrative background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Oberhavel)
- [Brandenburg government: Oberhavel economy and landscape](https://www.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/bb1.c.765578.de)
- [Brandenburg police: degree and eligibility](https://polizei-brandenburg-karriere.de/laufbahn/gehobener-dienst)
- [Brandenburg careers portal: police study and accommodation](https://karriere-in-brandenburg.de/studium/studium-polizei)
- [Oranienburg municipal rent information](https://www.oranienburg.de/St%C3%A4dtebau-Wirtschaft/Bauen-und-Wohnen/Mieten-in-Oranienburg)
- [Oranienburg municipal housing-provider directory](https://www.oranienburg.de/St%C3%A4dtebau-Wirtschaft/Bauen-und-Wohnen/Mieten-in-Oranienburg/Wohnungssuche.php?FID=2967.220.1&ModID=7&NavID=2967.123&object=tx,2967.5)
- [DB Regio: Deutschlandticket price and coverage](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/db-regio-no/Tickets-Tarife/Deutschlandticket)
- [S-Bahn Berlin: S1](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s1/)
- [S-Bahn Berlin: S25](https://sbahn.berlin/fahren/s25/)
- [DB Regio: regional timetable directory](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/db-regio-no/Fahren/Fahrplaene)
- [DB Regio: RE5 and RE51 timetable](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689308/86568a9305029e8e4fcc10e7e2c96286/NEU_RE5_RE51-data.pdf)
- [DB Regio: RE6 and RB55 timetable from October 2026](https://www.dbregio-berlin-brandenburg.de/resource/blob/13689284/24729190d9cbdeb1e2067cf98ebea912/NEU_RE-6-data.pdf)
- [VBB: RB32 airport connection](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb32/)
- [OVG: local buses and journey planning](https://www.ovg-online.de/)
- [Wirtschaftsförderung Brandenburg: Oberhavel employers](https://www.wfbb.de/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/oberhavel-wachstumsmotor-im-norden-brandenburgs)
- [Alstom: Hennigsdorf site and careers](https://www.alstom.com/your-career-alstom-hennigsdorf)
- [Takeda: Oranienburg production site](https://jobs.takeda.com/en/oranienburg)
- [ORAFOL: products and Oranienburg headquarters](https://www.orafol.com/de)
- [ORAFOL careers portal](https://careers.orafol.com/)
- [TURM ErlebnisCity careers](https://www.erlebniscity.de/service/karriere)
- [Schloss & Gut Liebenberg careers and language requirements](https://www.schloss-liebenberg.de/karriere/)
- [ReMO: Regionalmuseum Oberhavel](https://remo.oberhavel.de/)
- [Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum](https://www.sachsenhausen-sbg.de/en/)
- [Sachsenhausen visitor information and admission](https://www.sachsenhausen-sbg.de/en/visitor-service/opening-times-prices-and-travel-information/)
- [Ziegeleipark Mildenberg: museum and 2026 events](https://www.ziegeleipark.de/zp_presseblog/saisonstart-im-ziegeleipark-mildenberg-industriekultur-events-und-neue-erlebnisse-2026)
- [Oranienburg Stadtfest organiser](https://www.laubinger.de/event/stadtfest-oranienburg/)
- [pro agro: Spargelhof Kremmen and regional produce](https://www.brandenburger-landpartie.de/hoflaeden/hof/10676/)
- [Brandenburgische Seenplatte: Stechlinsee and seasonal food](https://www.brandenburgische-seenplatte.de/herbst/)
- [Commons: Oranienburg Palace photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schloss_Oranienburg_.jpg)
- [Commons: Großer Stechlinsee photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gro%C3%9Fer_Stechlinsee_2021-06-17_08.jpg)
- [Commons: Mildenberg factory-hall photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Halle_Ziegeleipark_Mildenberg.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/oberhavel-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).