# Study in Spree-Neiße district, Brandenburg

> Spree-Neiße is a rural district (Landkreis) in Brandenburg with 109,635 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Spree-Neiße district itself; the nearest is Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg in Cottbus, about 8 km away. Summers average 19 °C and winters 1.5 °C, with about 572 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Spree-Neiße is a rural Brandenburg district with small towns, Spreewald waterways and options for commuting to university in Cottbus.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,635 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,657 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Cottbus (8 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 10 °C (summer 19 °C, winter 1.5 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 572 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,770 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Spree-Neiße district

Spree-Neiße lies in southeastern Brandenburg on the Polish border. Forst (Lausitz) is the district seat, while Guben forms a cross-border twin town with Polish Gubin. ([District location](https://www.lkspn.de/buergerservice/statistik/lage.html), [VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb46/), [Guben–Gubin](https://www.guwo.de/eurostadt-guben-gubin.html))

The district combines countryside and tourism with substantial industry. Around Burg, the Spreewald landscape has waterways, wet meadows and woodland; Spremberg has paper manufacturing and an important energy-sector training centre. ([Burg tourism](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter/erleben/unesco-biosphaerenreservat-spreewald.html), [Hamburger Containerboard](https://www.hamburger-containerboard.com/company/locations/spremberg/), [LEAG](https://www.leag.de/de/karriere/schueler-und-schulabgaenger/))

- **Forst (Lausitz)**: The district seat, with a direct regional railway connection to Cottbus. ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb46/))
- **Guben**: The German half of the Guben–Gubin twin town on the Polish border. ([GuWo](https://www.guwo.de/eurostadt-guben-gubin.html))
- **Spremberg**: An industrial town with Hamburger Rieger's paper mill and LEAG's Schwarze Pumpe training centre. ([Hamburger Containerboard](https://www.hamburger-containerboard.com/company/locations/spremberg/), [LEAG](https://www.leag.de/de/karriere/schueler-und-schulabgaenger/))
- **Burg (Spreewald)**: A tourism and spa village offering Spreewald boat trips and thermal bathing. ([Burg tourism](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter.html))
- **Peitz**: Its ironworks and fisheries museum introduces the area's industrial and fishing heritage. ([Brandenburg Museums Association](https://www.museen-brandenburg.de/museen/nach-themen/technikmuseen/huetten-und-fischereimuseum))

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Spree-Neiße. The nearest university option is Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg in nearby Cottbus. Forst and Spremberg have direct regional trains to Cottbus; allow additional time from the station to your teaching location. ([VBB RB46](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb46/), [VBB RB65](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/), [BTU campus directions](https://www.b-tu.de/careercenter/jobmesse/fuer-aussteller/anreise)) Employer-linked study is another possibility: LEAG offers apprenticeships and dual degrees, with training at Schwarze Pumpe and a business-administration degree linked to BTU. ([LEAG](https://www.leag.de/de/karriere/schueler-und-schulabgaenger/)) Consider the district if you value small-town living and outdoor time, but test the full commute before choosing a home.

- **Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg** (Cottbus) — 8 km away, 77 courses
- **Berufsakademie Sachsen Staatliche Studienakademie Bautzen** (Bautzen, Sachsen) — 64 km away, 6 courses
- **European University Viadrina** (Frankfurt (Oder)) — 65 km away, 27 courses
- **Fachhochschule für Finanzen Brandenburg** (Königs Wusterhausen) — 81 km away, 1 courses
- **Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau** (Wildau) — 83 km away, 51 courses

## Housing

Look at ordinary rental flats as well as shared housing: GuWo advertises apartments in Guben, and the Forster Wohnungsbaugesellschaft handles housing in Forst and its surroundings. These provide concrete alternatives, but do not establish that the entire district has an easy housing market. ([GuWo](https://www.guwo.de/wohnungsangebote.html), [FWG](https://zuhauseinderlausitz.de/)) Nearby university accommodation requires early planning: Studierendenwerk Ost:Brandenburg explicitly warns that demand substantially exceeds its room supply. ([Studierendenwerk](https://studierendenwerk-ostbrandenburg.de/project/wohnen/))

**How to find a place**

- Search GuWo's Guben apartment overview and use its housing-request or email-alert options. ([GuWo](https://www.guwo.de/wohnungsangebote.html))
- Contact the Forster Wohnungsbaugesellschaft about available flats in Forst and the surrounding area. ([FWG](https://zuhauseinderlausitz.de/))
- For Spremberg, use the local relocation service's directory of housing providers, including GeWoBa and Spremberger Wohnungsbaugenossenschaft. ([Heeme fehlste](https://www.heeme-fehlste.de/wohnen/))
- If studying at BTU, also apply for accommodation in Cottbus and keep a private-rental search running alongside it; the Studierendenwerk recommends this explicitly. ([Studierendenwerk](https://studierendenwerk-ostbrandenburg.de/project/wohnen/))
- Check the journey from each prospective address to your actual campus, including the last return connection. BTU's central-campus directions include a further bus or tram journey from Cottbus Hauptbahnhof. ([BTU](https://www.b-tu.de/careercenter/jobmesse/fuer-aussteller/anreise))

## Cost of living

For BTU students, the published standard semester contribution for winter semester 2026/27 is €391.80, including €226.80 for the semester ticket. ([BTU](https://www.b-tu.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/formalia/semestergebuehr)) The separate Deutschlandticket subscription costs €63 per month as checked in November 2026; check your semester-ticket entitlement before buying another subscription. ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/abonnements/deutschlandticket/)) Compare housing offers using the full monthly cost, including heating, electricity and commuting. The evidence checked does not support a dependable district-wide student budget or a quantified saving against a large city.

## Jobs & employers

The verified employment options span paper manufacturing in Spremberg, energy-sector work and training around Schwarze Pumpe, and hospitality in Burg. ([Hamburger Containerboard](https://www.hamburger-containerboard.com/company/locations/spremberg/), [LEAG](https://www.leag.de/de/karriere/schueler-und-schulabgaenger/), [Spreewald Therme](https://spreewald-therme.de/jobs/)) For work alongside classes, Burg's Kräutermühlenhof explicitly lists minijob and working-student categories. LEAG also lists student positions in nearby Cottbus, outside the district. ([Kräutermühlenhof](https://www.kraeutermuehlenhof.de/offene-stellenangebote/), [LEAG careers](https://jobs.leag.de/))

- Restaurant service and bar work in Burg, advertised as minijob or working-student roles. ([Kräutermühlenhof](https://www.kraeutermuehlenhof.de/offene-stellenangebote/))
- Breakfast service and housekeeping in tourist accommodation. ([Kräutermühlenhof](https://www.kraeutermuehlenhof.de/offene-stellenangebote/))
- Kitchen-assistant work alongside study. ([Kräutermühlenhof](https://www.kraeutermuehlenhof.de/offene-stellenangebote/))
- Degree-related working-student roles in energy analysis or technical projects in nearby Cottbus; availability depends on the vacancy and your qualifications. ([LEAG careers](https://jobs.leag.de/))

- **LEAG** (Energy and industrial services): Runs a training centre at Schwarze Pumpe in Spremberg and offers apprenticeships and dual-study routes. Its recruitment portal also covers nearby Cottbus. ([LEAG training](https://www.leag.de/de/karriere/schueler-und-schulabgaenger/), [LEAG careers](https://jobs.leag.de/))
- **Hamburger Rieger GmbH / Hamburger Containerboard** (Paper manufacturing): Operates the Spremberg paper mill, producing corrugated-containerboard papers and gypsum-grade paperboard. ([Company location page](https://www.hamburger-containerboard.com/company/locations/spremberg/))
- **Spreewald Therme GmbH** (Hospitality and thermal bathing): Operates the thermal baths and adjoining hotel in Burg; its careers page covers restaurant, kitchen and other hotel roles. ([Spreewald Therme](https://spreewald-therme.de/jobs/))

## Getting around

Forst has an approximately hourly rail connection to Cottbus through the RB46/RB93 service pattern; Spremberg is served hourly by the RB65. ([VBB RB46](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb46/), [VBB RB65](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/)) The Guben corridor links Cottbus with Frankfurt (Oder) through RE10 and RB43 services. ([VBB RE10](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re10/)) Regional buses provide additional connections, including the PlusBus route through Cottbus, Spremberg and Schwarze Pumpe. ([Local operator](https://www.spn-cottbusverkehr.de/fahrplan-regionalverkehr/)) From Cottbus Hbf, DB's checked examples to Berlin Hbf take roughly 1½–2 hours; add your journey into Cottbus and check the date-specific timetable. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/cottbus/berlin.shtml)) The Deutschlandticket covers local and regional public transport, with long-distance trains generally excluded. ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/abonnements/deutschlandticket/))

- Station: Forst (Lausitz): regional trains to Cottbus. ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb46/))
- Station: Spremberg: RB65 towards Cottbus and Görlitz/Zittau. ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/))
- Station: Guben: on the Cottbus–Frankfurt (Oder) corridor. ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re10/))
- Station: Cottbus Hbf, outside the district: interchange for university access and onward travel to Berlin. ([BTU](https://www.b-tu.de/careercenter/jobmesse/fuer-aussteller/anreise), [Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/cottbus/berlin.shtml))
- Nearest airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) — BTU identifies BER as its nearest international arrival airport and advises approximately 1½–2 hours by public transport to Cottbus. Add the onward journey to your district address; the closest airport geographically depends on your town. ([BTU arrival guidance](https://www.b-tu.de/en/international/international-students/studystart-international/arrival))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 1.5 °C, 40 mm rain a month, 2 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.8 °C, 42 mm rain a month, 5.9 h sun a day
- Summer: 19 °C, 65 mm rain a month, 7.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9.8 °C, 43 mm rain a month, 3.9 h sun a day

Expect cold, often grey winters, a gradually warming spring and warm summers with occasional hot days and rain. Bring layers for commuting and waterproof clothing for outdoor trips. Burg's visitor programme continues into winter with walks, thermal bathing and winter boat trips, so outdoor recreation is not limited to the summer semester. ([Burg tourism](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter.html))

## Culture & language

Sorbian/Wendish heritage is part of the area's identity: the district publishes Sorbian place names, while Burg's traditions include regional dress, Fastnacht celebrations and harvest customs. ([District place names](https://www.lkspn.de/buergerservice/sorbische_ortsnamen.html), [Burg traditions](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter/erleben/traditionen-sagenwelt.html), [Regional dress](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter/erleben/traditionen-sagenwelt/artikel-trachten-im-spreewald.html))

Local festivals provide opportunities for live music and evening entertainment: Burg's Heimat- und Trachtenfest mixes traditional performances with bands and DJs, while Forst's Rosengartenfesttage includes evening concerts and illuminations. ([Burg festival](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/sommer/erleben/heimat-und-trachtenfest.html), [Forst festival](https://www.rosengarten-forst.de/rosengartenfesttage.157733.htm)) For regular university social life, plan time in Cottbus and check your return connection before staying late.

BTU provides arrival guidance in English, which is useful when settling into the area. ([BTU](https://www.b-tu.de/en/international/international-students/studystart-international/arrival)) For life in the district, plan to use German for housing enquiries, appointments and job applications; B1 is a sensible practical learning target, rather than a universal requirement. You will also encounter Sorbian place names, reflecting the area's cultural heritage. ([District place-name guide](https://www.lkspn.de/buergerservice/sorbische_ortsnamen.html))

## Local food

- **Quark with linseed oil and potatoes**: A characteristic Spreewald meal combining quark, linseed oil and boiled potatoes. ([Burg tourism](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/sommer/geniessen.html))
- **Spreewälder Hefeplinsen**: Regional yeast pancakes highlighted by Burg's tourism office among local specialities. ([Burg tourism](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/sommer/geniessen.html))
- **Fish in Spreewald sauce**: Another regional dish listed in Burg's guide to local cooking. ([Burg tourism](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/sommer/geniessen.html))

## Events

- **Rosengartenfesttage, Forst** (June): The rose garden's annual festival combines flower displays, concerts and evening illuminations. The organiser lists 11–13 June for the 2027 edition. ([Official festival page](https://www.rosengarten-forst.de/rosengartenfesttage.157733.htm))
- **Heimat- und Trachtenfest des Amtes Burg** (Late August): A local heritage festival with traditional dress, music, crafts and a parade. The tourism calendar lists the next edition for 27–29 August 2027. ([Festival programme](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/sommer/erleben/heimat-und-trachtenfest.html), [Burg calendar](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter.html))
- **Advent auf den Höfen, Burg** (December): A seasonal event across Burg's scattered settlement, with participating courtyards and Christmas food. The calendar lists editions in both 2026 and 2027. ([Burg tourism](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter.html))

## Places to see

- **Ostdeutscher Rosengarten, Forst** (Garden): A rose garden and park that also hosts the town's annual Rosengartenfesttage. ([Official garden website](https://www.rosengarten-forst.de/rosengartenfesttage.157733.htm))
- **Spreewald around Burg** (Nature): Explore the waterways and wet-meadow landscape associated with the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with options for walking and traditional boat trips. ([Burg tourism](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter/erleben/unesco-biosphaerenreservat-spreewald.html))
- **Eisenhütten- und Fischereimuseum Peitz** (Museum): Historic ironworks buildings house exhibitions about iron production, the fortress and inland fishing. ([Brandenburg Museums Association](https://www.museen-brandenburg.de/museen/nach-themen/technikmuseen/huetten-und-fischereimuseum))

## FAQ

### Is Spree-Neiße a good place to live as a student?

It can suit students who prefer small towns and are comfortable commuting. Forst and Spremberg have direct regional rail connections to Cottbus, but you should check the complete journey to your campus before renting. ([VBB RB46](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb46/), [VBB RB65](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/))

### Is there a university in Spree-Neiße?

There is no university in the district. The nearest university option is Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg in nearby Cottbus; its central campus requires an onward journey from Cottbus Hauptbahnhof. ([BTU directions](https://www.b-tu.de/careercenter/jobmesse/fuer-aussteller/anreise))

### How do I get from Spree-Neiße to university in Cottbus?

From Forst, use the RB46/RB93 connection; from Spremberg, use the RB65. Both corridors have an approximately hourly service, and BTU provides bus and tram directions from Cottbus Hauptbahnhof to its central campus. ([VBB RB46](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb46/), [VBB RB65](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/), [BTU](https://www.b-tu.de/careercenter/jobmesse/fuer-aussteller/anreise))

### Is Spree-Neiße expensive for students?

There is no verified district-wide student budget in this guide. Compare actual flats from local providers such as GuWo, including utilities and commuting costs; BTU's standard winter 2026/27 semester contribution is €391.80. ([GuWo](https://www.guwo.de/wohnungsangebote.html), [BTU](https://www.b-tu.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/formalia/semestergebuehr))

### What student jobs are available in Spree-Neiße?

Hospitality is a concrete option: Kräutermühlenhof in Burg lists working-student and minijob categories in service, bar work, housekeeping and kitchen assistance. Degree-related opportunities can also be found through LEAG's recruitment portal, including roles in nearby Cottbus. ([Kräutermühlenhof](https://www.kraeutermuehlenhof.de/offene-stellenangebote/), [LEAG](https://jobs.leag.de/))

### Can I do a dual degree or apprenticeship in Spree-Neiße?

LEAG offers apprenticeships and dual-study routes, with a training centre at Schwarze Pumpe in Spremberg. Its business-administration dual degree combines practical training in the Lusatian region with study at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. ([LEAG](https://www.leag.de/de/karriere/schueler-und-schulabgaenger/))

## Sources

- [Spree-Neiße district location](https://www.lkspn.de/buergerservice/statistik/lage.html)
- [District Sorbian place names](https://www.lkspn.de/buergerservice/sorbische_ortsnamen.html)
- [GuWo: Guben–Gubin](https://www.guwo.de/eurostadt-guben-gubin.html)
- [GuWo apartment search](https://www.guwo.de/wohnungsangebote.html)
- [Forster Wohnungsbaugesellschaft](https://zuhauseinderlausitz.de/)
- [Spremberg housing-provider directory](https://www.heeme-fehlste.de/wohnen/)
- [Studierendenwerk Ost:Brandenburg housing](https://studierendenwerk-ostbrandenburg.de/project/wohnen/)
- [District-run trainee residence in Forst](https://www.lkspn.de/kreisverwaltung/schulekultursport/wohnheime/forst.html)
- [BTU semester contribution](https://www.b-tu.de/studium/im-studium/studienorganisation/formalia/semestergebuehr)
- [BTU central-campus directions](https://www.b-tu.de/careercenter/jobmesse/fuer-aussteller/anreise)
- [BTU international arrival guidance](https://www.b-tu.de/en/international/international-students/studystart-international/arrival)
- [VBB RB46](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb46/)
- [VBB RB65](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/)
- [VBB RE10](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/re10/)
- [Spree-Neiße-Cottbusverkehr regional buses](https://www.spn-cottbusverkehr.de/fahrplan-regionalverkehr/)
- [VBB Deutschlandticket](https://www.vbb.de/abonnements/deutschlandticket/)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Cottbus–Berlin](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/cottbus/berlin.shtml)
- [LEAG apprenticeships and dual study](https://www.leag.de/de/karriere/schueler-und-schulabgaenger/)
- [LEAG recruitment portal](https://jobs.leag.de/)
- [Hamburger Containerboard Spremberg](https://www.hamburger-containerboard.com/company/locations/spremberg/)
- [Spreewald Therme careers](https://spreewald-therme.de/jobs/)
- [Kräutermühlenhof careers](https://www.kraeutermuehlenhof.de/offene-stellenangebote/)
- [Burg tourism and event calendar](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter.html)
- [Spreewald Biosphere Reserve visitor information](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter/erleben/unesco-biosphaerenreservat-spreewald.html)
- [Burg traditions](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter/erleben/traditionen-sagenwelt.html)
- [Spreewald regional dress](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/winter/erleben/traditionen-sagenwelt/artikel-trachten-im-spreewald.html)
- [Burg regional food](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/sommer/geniessen.html)
- [Burg Heimat- und Trachtenfest](https://www.burgimspreewald.de/de/sommer/erleben/heimat-und-trachtenfest.html)
- [Forst Rosengartenfesttage](https://www.rosengarten-forst.de/rosengartenfesttage.157733.htm)
- [Peitz ironworks and fisheries museum](https://www.museen-brandenburg.de/museen/nach-themen/technikmuseen/huetten-und-fischereimuseum)
- [Commons: Forst rose garden](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rosengarten_Forst_01.jpg)
- [Commons: River Spree near Burg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burg_(Spreewald)_-_Spree_0001.jpg)
- [Commons: Spremberg town hall](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spremberg_Rathaus.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/spree-neisse-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).