# Study in Main-Taunus-Kreis district, Hesse

> Main-Taunus-Kreis is a rural district (Landkreis) in Hesse with 238,775 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Main-Taunus-Kreis district itself; the nearest is RheinMain University of Applied Sciences in Rüsselsheim, about 12 km away. Summers average 18 °C and winters 1.7 °C, with about 712 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Main-Taunus-Kreis is a suburban district west of Frankfurt.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,775 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 222.53 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Rüsselsheim (12 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 9.7 °C (summer 18 °C, winter 1.7 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 712 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,617 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Main-Taunus-Kreis district

Main-Taunus-Kreis lies between Frankfurt and Wiesbaden, with Hofheim am Taunus as its administrative centre. It combines commuter towns with the slopes of the Taunus and settlements along the Main ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main-Taunus-Kreis)).

Its character changes noticeably between towns: Eschborn houses Deutsche Börse’s headquarters, Bad Soden preserves its spa-town parks, and Hochheim has vineyards and a half-timbered old town ([Deutsche Börse](https://www.deutsche-boerse.com/dbg-en/about-us/deutsche-boerse-group/location-frankfurt-eschborn), [Bad Soden](https://www.bad-soden.de/freizeit/bad-soden-am-taunus-erleben/gruene-oasen-parkanlagen/alter-kurpark/), [Hochheim tourism](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten)).

- **Hofheim am Taunus**: The district’s administrative centre and a useful starting point for exploring housing options ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main-Taunus-Kreis)).
- **Eschborn**: An important office location, including Deutsche Börse’s headquarters and IT operations ([Deutsche Börse](https://www.deutsche-boerse.com/dbg-en/about-us/deutsche-boerse-group/location-frankfurt-eschborn)).
- **Bad Soden am Taunus**: A former spa town whose Alter Kurpark retains springs and historic spa buildings ([city park guide](https://www.bad-soden.de/freizeit/bad-soden-am-taunus-erleben/gruene-oasen-parkanlagen/alter-kurpark/)).
- **Hochheim am Main**: A wine-growing town with vineyards, a historic centre and the church of St Peter and Paul ([Hochheim tourism](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten)).
- **Eppstein**: A town beneath a ruined castle in the wooded Taunus hills ([Taunus tourism](https://www.taunus.info/city/eppstein)).

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Main-Taunus-Kreis. Nearby options include Hochschule RheinMain in Wiesbaden and Rüsselsheim, with other institutions in Frankfurt and Oberursel. Treat living here as a commuting choice: the S1 serves Hochheim towards Wiesbaden and Frankfurt, the S2 serves Hofheim, and the S3/S4 connect Eschborn with Frankfurt ([RMV routes](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/vgf/fahrplaene-und-netzplaene)). Check the journey to your actual campus before choosing accommodation. The district may suit you if you prefer a residential base and access to local employers; Deutsche Börse also offers dual study programmes combining employment with study at Hochschule Mainz ([dual study information](https://careers.deutsche-boerse.com/dualstudy)).

- **RheinMain University of Applied Sciences** (Rüsselsheim) — 12 km away, 7 courses
- **Wiesbadener Musikakademie** (Wiesbaden) — 14 km away, 6 courses
- **Lutherische Theologische Hochschule Oberursel** (Oberursel) — 15 km away, 2 courses
- **Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences** (Frankfurt am Main) — 15 km away, 3 courses
- **Hochschule RheinMain** (Wiesbaden) — 16 km away, 92 courses

## Housing

Do not assume that moving outside Frankfurt guarantees inexpensive housing. Hesse identifies several district municipalities, including Bad Soden, Eschborn, Flörsheim, Kelkheim and Kriftel, as having pressured housing markets ([Hesse housing ministry](https://wirtschaft.hessen.de/wohnen-und-bauen/wohnungsrecht/mieterschutzverordnung)). For a student search, compare shared rooms across several towns and weigh the total rent against the campus commute.

**How to find a place**

- Search WG-Gesucht and ImmobilienScout24 by individual town rather than only by district name; both are recommended in Hochschule RheinMain’s housing guidance ([HSRM housing guide](https://www.hs-rm.de/international/wege-an-die-hsrm/internationale-studierende/studium/wohnen)).
- If you attend Hochschule RheinMain, check Stud.IP and campus noticeboards for private housing advertisements ([HSRM housing guide](https://www.hs-rm.de/international/wege-an-die-hsrm/internationale-studierende/studium/wohnen)).
- Compare private accommodation here with Studierendenwerk Frankfurt residences in your university town. Its published residence directory lists options in Wiesbaden and Rüsselsheim, outside this district ([residence directory](https://www.swffm.de/wohnen/wohnheime/)).
- Before accepting a room, test the morning and evening journey from its nearest stop, including any connecting bus; use the district’s RMV timetable collection ([MTV local timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/main-taunus/mobilitaet-vor-ort/linienfahrplaene)).

## Cost of living

Budget from an actual room offer rather than assuming a suburban discount: several local towns are officially classified as pressured housing markets ([Hesse housing ministry](https://wirtschaft.hessen.de/wohnen-und-bauen/wohnungsrecht/mieterschutzverordnung)). For transport, the standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026 and covers local and regional public transport; RMV lists €66.80 from 2027 ([RMV ticket details](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket)). Check your university’s semester-ticket arrangements before buying a separate subscription. No reliable district-specific student budget or like-for-like saving against Frankfurt was established.

## Jobs & employers

The verified employers offer routes into financial technology, international cooperation and consumer-goods administration or research. Eschborn hosts Deutsche Börse and a GIZ head office, while P&G has its German administration and a research centre in Schwalbach ([Deutsche Börse](https://www.deutsche-boerse.com/dbg-en/about-us/deutsche-boerse-group/location-frankfurt-eschborn), [GIZ](https://www.giz.de/en/about-us/locations), [P&G](https://www.pgcareers.com/de/en/bewirb-dich-an-einem-unserer-standorte)). For work alongside study, Deutsche Börse has a dedicated student recruitment programme, and the Main-Taunus-Zentrum in Sulzbach publishes retail vacancies ([student careers](https://careers.deutsche-boerse.com/students), [shopping-centre jobs](https://www.main-taunus-zentrum.de/jobs/)).

- Working-student roles in finance and business at Deutsche Börse; availability depends on the department ([student recruitment](https://careers.deutsche-boerse.com/students)).
- Technology-oriented working-student roles at Deutsche Börse, whose recruitment programme welcomes IT and quantitative backgrounds ([student recruitment](https://careers.deutsche-boerse.com/students)).
- Part-time sales and shop-assistant work at Main-Taunus-Zentrum in Sulzbach ([centre job portal](https://www.main-taunus-zentrum.de/jobs/)).

- **Deutsche Börse Group** (Financial-market infrastructure and technology): Its headquarters in Eschborn also directs systems operations and IT development ([official location page](https://www.deutsche-boerse.com/dbg-en/about-us/deutsche-boerse-group/location-frankfurt-eschborn)).
- **GIZ** (International cooperation): Its Eschborn head office coordinates international projects, develops concepts and supports partners worldwide ([official locations](https://www.giz.de/en/about-us/locations)).
- **Procter & Gamble** (Consumer goods): Schwalbach houses the German administration and research and development for paper hygiene products ([official location information](https://www.pgcareers.com/de/en/bewirb-dich-an-einem-unserer-standorte)).

## Getting around

Choose your town around the rail corridor you need: S1 connects Hochheim with Wiesbaden and Frankfurt, S2 serves Hofheim and Eppstein, and S3/S4 connect Eschborn with Frankfurt ([RMV route directory](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/vgf/fahrplaene-und-netzplaene)). The published S2 timetable gives approximately 20 minutes from Hofheim station to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, before any onward campus journey; engineering work can change services ([RMV timetable](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_G_S2_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)). The X26 also links Hofheim with Wiesbaden and Oberursel ([district timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/main-taunus/mobilitaet-vor-ort/linienfahrplaene)). The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local buses, S-Bahn and regional trains, but not standard ICE, IC or EC journeys ([ticket validity](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket)).

- Station: Hofheim (Taunus): S2 and regional services on the Frankfurt–Niedernhausen corridor ([RMV timetable](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_G_S2_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)).
- Station: Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, outside the district: a destination for several local S-Bahn corridors and onward rail connections ([RMV rail directory](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/vgf/fahrplaene-und-netzplaene)).
- Nearest airport: Frankfurt Airport — The X17 provides a direct bus connection from Hofheim via Hattersheim to Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1 ([MTV route directory](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/main-taunus/mobilitaet-vor-ort/linienfahrplaene)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 1.7 °C, 60 mm rain a month, 1.6 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.7 °C, 52 mm rain a month, 5.7 h sun a day
- Summer: 18 °C, 67 mm rain a month, 7.1 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9.6 °C, 58 mm rain a month, 3.2 h sun a day

Expect chilly, often grey winters, a gradual spring warm-up and generally mild-to-warm summers, with rain possible throughout the year. Bring layers and waterproof clothing for the walk between home and public transport. Summer brings Hochheim’s wine festival and Bad Soden’s Sommernachtsfest, while November brings the Hochheimer Markt ([wine festival](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/veranstaltungen/hochheimer-weinfest), [summer festival](https://www.bad-soden.de/freizeit/veranstaltungen-feste/sommernachtsfest/), [autumn market](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/veranstaltungen/hochheimer-markt)).

## Culture & language

Local traditions are particularly visible in Hochheim’s wine festival and autumn market, while Bad Soden’s Sommernachtsfest brings live music into the town centre ([Hochheimer Weinfest](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/veranstaltungen/hochheimer-weinfest), [Hochheimer Markt](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/veranstaltungen/hochheimer-markt), [Bad Soden festival](https://www.bad-soden.de/freizeit/veranstaltungen-feste/sommernachtsfest/)). For a student social life, plan deliberately around these events and your university community rather than expecting a campus scene within the district.

Classes can provide another way to meet people locally: the district adult-education centre offers cultural, practical and language courses ([VHS programme](https://www.vhs-mtk.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Programmhefte/2026_02_VHS/PDF/vhs_MTK_2-26_web.pdf)). If evenings out in your university town matter to you, check the last connection home before choosing a neighbourhood.

Do not plan an English-only move: ask prospective landlords and employers which languages they can use. As a practical learning target, aim for B1 German for everyday independence and work towards B2 for more demanding conversations; these are recommendations, not district-wide admission or employment requirements. VHS Main-Taunus-Kreis offers German courses at these levels in Hofheim ([current course programme](https://www.vhs-mtk.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Programmhefte/2026_02_VHS/PDF/vhs_MTK_2-26_web.pdf)).

## Local food

- **Hochheimer wine and Sekt**: Wine and sparkling wine are central to Hochheim’s identity; the town’s tourism guide highlights Riesling and its Sekt-making tradition ([Hochheim wine guide](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/wein-und-genuss/rund-um-den-wein)).
- **Kriftel strawberries and orchard fruit**: Kriftel grows strawberries and pome fruit, sold through farm shops and roadside stands during harvest ([municipal agriculture guide](https://www.kriftel.de/wirtschaft-wohnen/landwirtschaft-obstbau/landwirtschaft-und-obstbau/)).

## Events

- **Hochheimer Weinfest** (July): A recurring wine festival with winery courtyards, live music and activities in the old town; the organiser confirms its continuation in July 2027 ([official festival page](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/veranstaltungen/hochheimer-weinfest)).
- **Hochheimer Markt** (November): An annual autumn fair combining rides, market stalls and a traditional livestock market; the published 2026 dates are 6–10 November ([official market page](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/veranstaltungen/hochheimer-markt)).
- **Bad Sodener Sommernachtsfest** (August): A recurring town-centre festival with food and live music; the city’s 2026 programme names 15 August ([official festival page](https://www.bad-soden.de/freizeit/veranstaltungen-feste/sommernachtsfest/)).

## Places to see

- **Burg Eppstein** (Castle): The ruined castle above Eppstein has a keep offering views across the surrounding Taunus landscape ([Taunus tourism](https://www.taunus.info/poi/bergfried-der-burg-eppstein)).
- **Hochheim old town and vineyards** (Old town): Combine the half-timbered centre with a walk through the vineyards towards the Queen Victoria monument ([Hochheim tourism](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten)).
- **Alter Kurpark, Bad Soden** (Park): A historic spa park with mature trees, the former bathhouse and publicly accessible springs ([city park guide](https://www.bad-soden.de/freizeit/bad-soden-am-taunus-erleben/gruene-oasen-parkanlagen/alter-kurpark/)).

## FAQ

### Is Main-Taunus-Kreis a good place to live as a student?

It can suit students who prefer a residential base and are willing to commute. Choose accommodation around your campus journey: the district has several S-Bahn corridors towards Frankfurt and a direct S1 connection from Hochheim to Wiesbaden ([RMV routes](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/vgf/fahrplaene-und-netzplaene)).

### Is there a university in Main-Taunus-Kreis?

There is no university in the district. Nearby study locations include Wiesbaden and Rüsselsheim for Hochschule RheinMain, as well as Frankfurt and Oberursel.

### How long does it take to get from Hofheim to Frankfurt?

The published S2 timetable gives approximately 20 minutes from Hofheim station to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. Allow additional time to reach your campus and check current engineering-work changes ([RMV timetable](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_G_S2_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)).

### Is Main-Taunus-Kreis cheaper than Frankfurt?

A general saving cannot be assumed. Several district towns, including Eschborn and Bad Soden, are officially classified as pressured housing markets, so compare actual room offers and commuting requirements ([Hesse housing ministry](https://wirtschaft.hessen.de/wohnen-und-bauen/wohnungsrecht/mieterschutzverordnung)).

### What jobs can students find in Main-Taunus-Kreis?

Useful routes include Deutsche Börse’s working-student programme and part-time retail work at Main-Taunus-Zentrum in Sulzbach. Check each vacancy’s location, language requirements and hours ([Deutsche Börse student careers](https://careers.deutsche-boerse.com/students), [centre job portal](https://www.main-taunus-zentrum.de/jobs/)).

### Can I live in Main-Taunus-Kreis without a car?

It is worth considering if your accommodation and campus connect well by rail or bus. Check the exact address and evening return journey; the district includes S-Bahn services and express buses such as the X17 and X26 ([local timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/main-taunus/mobilitaet-vor-ort/linienfahrplaene)).

## Sources

- [Main-Taunus-Kreis: geography and administrative centre](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main-Taunus-Kreis)
- [Hesse: pressured housing markets](https://wirtschaft.hessen.de/wohnen-und-bauen/wohnungsrecht/mieterschutzverordnung)
- [Hochschule RheinMain: housing guidance](https://www.hs-rm.de/international/wege-an-die-hsrm/internationale-studierende/studium/wohnen)
- [Studierendenwerk Frankfurt: residence directory](https://www.swffm.de/wohnen/wohnheime/)
- [RMV: rail routes and timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/vgf/fahrplaene-und-netzplaene)
- [MTV: Main-Taunus local timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/main-taunus/mobilitaet-vor-ort/linienfahrplaene)
- [RMV: S2 and regional corridor timetable](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_G_S2_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)
- [RMV: Deutschlandticket price and validity](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket)
- [Deutsche Börse: Eschborn location](https://www.deutsche-boerse.com/dbg-en/about-us/deutsche-boerse-group/location-frankfurt-eschborn)
- [Deutsche Börse: student careers](https://careers.deutsche-boerse.com/students)
- [Deutsche Börse: dual study programmes](https://careers.deutsche-boerse.com/dualstudy)
- [GIZ: official locations](https://www.giz.de/en/about-us/locations)
- [P&G: German site information](https://www.pgcareers.com/de/en/bewirb-dich-an-einem-unserer-standorte)
- [Main-Taunus-Zentrum: job portal](https://www.main-taunus-zentrum.de/jobs/)
- [Taunus tourism: Eppstein](https://www.taunus.info/city/eppstein)
- [Taunus tourism: Eppstein Castle keep](https://www.taunus.info/poi/bergfried-der-burg-eppstein)
- [Bad Soden: Alter Kurpark](https://www.bad-soden.de/freizeit/bad-soden-am-taunus-erleben/gruene-oasen-parkanlagen/alter-kurpark/)
- [Hochheim tourism: sights](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/erleben/sehenswuerdigkeiten)
- [Hochheim tourism: wine and sparkling wine](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/wein-und-genuss/rund-um-den-wein)
- [Kriftel: agriculture and fruit growing](https://www.kriftel.de/wirtschaft-wohnen/landwirtschaft-obstbau/landwirtschaft-und-obstbau/)
- [Hochheimer Weinfest](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/veranstaltungen/hochheimer-weinfest)
- [Hochheimer Markt](https://www.hochheim-tourismus.de/veranstaltungen/hochheimer-markt)
- [Bad Sodener Sommernachtsfest](https://www.bad-soden.de/freizeit/veranstaltungen-feste/sommernachtsfest/)
- [VHS Main-Taunus-Kreis: autumn/winter 2026 programme](https://www.vhs-mtk.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Programmhefte/2026_02_VHS/PDF/vhs_MTK_2-26_web.pdf)
- [Commons: Eppstein Castle photo and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burg_Eppstein_(Taunus).JPG)
- [Commons: Hofheim town hall photo and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hofheim,_altes_Rathaus,_Seite.JPG)
- [Commons: Hochheim vineyards photo and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HochheimH%C3%B6lleViktoriaberg.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/hesse/main-taunus-kreis-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).