# Study in Marburg-Biedenkopf district, Hesse

> Marburg-Biedenkopf is a rural district (Landkreis) in Hesse with 242,805 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has 3 universities: Marburg University (Marburg), Archivschule Marburg (Marburg), Evangelische Hochschule Tabor (Marburg). Summers average 17.9 °C and winters 1.8 °C, with about 635 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Marburg-Biedenkopf is a rural district in Hesse combining university life in Marburg with small towns, castles and countryside.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,805 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,262.37 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 3 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Archivschule Marburg, Marburg (4 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €243 per month — Published rent for a furnished 11 m² single room in Lomonosov-Haus, Studentendorf, including internet, as listed on Studierendenwerk Marburg’s undated residence page; checked November 2026. Kitchens and bathrooms are shared. This is a specific residence price, not a district-wide market average. | [source](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/studentendorf/haeuser-mit-klassischen-einzelzimmern/) |
| Mean temperature | 9.6 °C (summer 17.9 °C, winter 1.8 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 635 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,546 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Marburg-Biedenkopf district

Marburg-Biedenkopf brings together Marburg’s university setting, smaller towns and rural landscapes. Marburg’s steep streets connect its historic centre with the Landgrafenschloss, while Biedenkopf has its own hilltop castle and regional museum ([Marburg tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/marburg), [Hinterlandmuseum](https://www.marburg-biedenkopf.de/hinterlandmuseum/)).

The district offers quite different settings for everyday life: student-focused Marburg, the historic industrial landscape around Stadtallendorf, walking country around Gladenbach and the volcanic hill beneath Amöneburg. Choose a home around your actual campus and transport route, rather than treating the district as one compact university town ([Stadtallendorf](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/stadtallendorf), [Gladenbach](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/gladenbach), [Amöneburg](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/amoeneburg)).

- **Marburg**: The main university setting, with student life among steep lanes, cafés and historic buildings ([Marburg tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/marburg)).
- **Biedenkopf**: Home to the hilltop Landgrafenschloss and Hinterlandmuseum, with a direct regional railway connection to Marburg ([Hinterlandmuseum](https://www.marburg-biedenkopf.de/hinterlandmuseum/), [RMV](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/marburg-biedenkopf/mobilitaet-vor-ort/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene)).
- **Stadtallendorf**: Its Documentation and Information Centre examines the wartime explosives factories that shaped the town’s subsequent development ([Stadtallendorf tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/stadtallendorf)).
- **Gladenbach**: A base for walks in the surrounding hills, including the Gladenbacher Berglandring and Blankenstein castle ruins ([Gladenbach tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/gladenbach)).
- **Amöneburg**: A small historic town on an ancient volcanic cone, with panoramic views and the Amanaburch walking route ([Amöneburg tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/amoeneburg)).

## Universities

Marburg is the district’s principal study base, with Marburg University, Archivschule Marburg and Evangelische Hochschule Tabor. For university life without a daily inter-town commute, start your housing search in Marburg and check the location of your department: university buildings are spread between different parts of the city ([university housing handbook](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/before-studying/get-started/003-housing-handbook.pdf)). Living elsewhere can suit students who prefer a smaller-town setting, but compare the complete journey to campus. Biedenkopf has the RB94 railway to Marburg, while Gladenbach is connected by bus ([RMV district timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/marburg-biedenkopf/mobilitaet-vor-ort/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene)).

- **Marburg University** (Marburg) — 216 courses
- **Archivschule Marburg** (Marburg) — 1 courses
- **Evangelische Hochschule Tabor** (Marburg) — 0 courses

## Housing

Start early: Marburg University warns that accommodation searches become harder near the beginning of each semester and can take several weeks. Affordable central rooms attract considerable interest, so apply for residences while also looking for a shared flat ([university housing handbook](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/before-studying/get-started/003-housing-handbook.pdf)).

**How to find a place**

- Apply online to Studierendenwerk Marburg early. Its FAQ says applications can be submitted before enrolment, with proof of enrolment at Philipps-Universität required when moving in ([Studierendenwerk FAQ](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/faq/)).
- Search WG-Gesucht and Kleinanzeigen for Marburg rooms; both are recommended in the university’s housing handbook. Prepare a short personal introduction for shared-flat applications ([housing handbook](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/before-studying/get-started/003-housing-handbook.pdf)).
- Use the university’s housing peer consultation, available in German and English; online appointments are also offered ([international student consultations](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/consultation-services/contact-points/office-hours)).
- Before choosing a room outside Marburg, check weekday, evening and weekend journeys using the district’s RMV timetables, including any changes of bus or train ([RMV district timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/marburg-biedenkopf/mobilitaet-vor-ort/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene)).

**Student residences**

- [Lomonosov-Haus, Studentendorf](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/studentendorf/haeuser-mit-klassischen-einzelzimmern/) (Studierendenwerk Marburg): Furnished single rooms with a washbasin; kitchens, showers and toilets are shared ([official residence page](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/studentendorf/haeuser-mit-klassischen-einzelzimmern/)).
- [Wohnheime Wehrda](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/wohnheime-wehrda/) (Studierendenwerk Marburg): Furnished single rooms on Ernst-Lemmer-Straße, with shared kitchens and bathroom facilities ([official residence page](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/wohnheime-wehrda/)).
- [Gutenbergstraße 31](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/gutenbergstrasse-31/) (Studierendenwerk Marburg): Central furnished rooms with private bathrooms and shared kitchens; a Wohnberechtigungsschein housing eligibility certificate is required before signing the tenancy ([official residence page](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/gutenbergstrasse-31/)).

## Cost of living

Residence choice makes a substantial difference to your budget: published monthly rents include €243 at Lomonosov-Haus and €266 at Wehrda, both including internet, as checked in November 2026 ([Studentendorf](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/studentendorf/haeuser-mit-klassischen-einzelzimmern/), [Wehrda](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/wohnheime-wehrda/)). Marburg University’s winter 2026/27 semester contribution is €424.80, including the Deutschland semester ticket and a nextbike contribution; the previous DB long-distance ticket ended from summer semester 2026 ([university fee breakdown](https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/studium/im-studium/formalitaeten/semesterbeitrag)). Budget separately for food, insurance and personal expenses, and compare actual housing offers rather than assuming the whole district is cheaper than a large city.

## Jobs & employers

Research, healthcare and pharmaceuticals provide important employment routes in Marburg: the university advertises student assistant positions, UKGM recruits for its Marburg hospital, and CSL Behring identifies Marburg as a research and production location ([university careers](https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/universitaet/profil/universitaetskultur/karriere/stellenangebote), [UKGM](https://www.ukgm.de/ugm_2/deu/umr_stl/index.html), [CSL Behring](https://www.cslbehring.de/karriere)). Around Biedenkopf, Elkamet adds plastics engineering, internships and dual-study opportunities. These are useful leads for relevant subjects, rather than a guarantee of a flexible student vacancy ([Elkamet careers](https://karriere.elkamet.com/)).

- Student assistant work in university departments and central services ([university careers service](https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/studium/service/zas/careerservice/praktika-stellen/neben-jobs-marburg-umgebung)).
- Student substitute work in Marburg childcare centres, linked by the university careers service ([local job resources](https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/studium/service/zas/careerservice/praktika-stellen/neben-jobs-marburg-umgebung)).
- Software and IT opportunities: check the Marburg employers linked in the university’s local student-job resources for suitable hours and qualifications ([local job resources](https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/studium/service/zas/careerservice/praktika-stellen/neben-jobs-marburg-umgebung)).

- **Philipps-Universität Marburg** (Higher education and research): Advertises academic, administrative, technical and student assistant roles in Marburg ([university careers](https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/universitaet/profil/universitaetskultur/karriere/stellenangebote)).
- **Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg — Marburg site** (Healthcare): The university hospital maintains a dedicated Marburg recruitment page covering clinical, technical and training opportunities ([UKGM careers](https://www.ukgm.de/ugm_2/deu/umr_stl/index.html)).
- **CSL Behring** (Biopharmaceuticals): Operates a research and production location in Marburg and provides routes into internships and dual study ([CSL Behring careers](https://www.cslbehring.de/karriere)).
- **Elkamet Kunststofftechnik** (Plastics manufacturing): Produces technical plastic components for vehicles and lighting; its recruitment portal lists opportunities in Biedenkopf, Friedensdorf and Wolfgruben ([Elkamet](https://www.elkamet.com/), [careers portal](https://karriere.elkamet.com/)).

## Getting around

Use RMV for local buses and regional journeys. The RB94 links Biedenkopf with Marburg, and bus 383 connects Gladenbach with Marburg ([district timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/marburg-biedenkopf/mobilitaet-vor-ort/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene)). The published RB94 timetable shows Biedenkopf–Marburg journeys of roughly 40–45 minutes, before any onward campus travel ([RB94 timetable](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB94_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)). Fast regional trains between Gießen and Marburg take about 15 minutes; DB also lists direct Marburg–Frankfurt regional journeys of just over an hour. Check your date because slower services and disruption can change the journey ([DB Gießen–Marburg](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/giessen/marburg.shtml), [DB Marburg–Frankfurt](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/marburg/frankfurt.shtml)). The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local and regional services, but generally excludes IC and ICE trains ([DB ticket validity](https://int.bahn.de/en/faq/deutschlandticket-validity)).

- Station: Marburg (Lahn): regional services and long-distance trains towards Frankfurt ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/marburg/frankfurt.shtml)).
- Station: Biedenkopf: regional station on the RB94 towards Marburg and Bad Laasphe ([RMV timetable](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB94_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)).
- Station: Cölbe: a local boarding point on the RB94 route into Marburg ([RMV timetable](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB94_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)).
- Nearest airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) — The university identifies Frankfurt/Main as the closest major airport. A practical rail route is via Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, changing there for Marburg; check the complete connection before booking onward travel ([university airport information](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/fb04/department/contact-travel/travel-information), [arrival directions](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/fb20/departments/cyto/institute/anreise)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 1.8 °C, 55 mm rain a month, 1.6 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.4 °C, 45 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.9 °C, 61 mm rain a month, 6.8 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9.5 °C, 51 mm rain a month, 3.1 h sun a day

Expect cool, often frosty winters and relatively mild summers, with rain possible throughout the year. Bring layers and waterproof shoes for everyday travel. Spring and summer are good seasons to explore walking routes around Gladenbach and Amöneburg; July brings 3 Tage Marburg, while October’s Elisabethmarkt offers an autumn outing after the semester begins ([Gladenbach](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/gladenbach), [Amöneburg](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/amoeneburg), [3 Tage Marburg](https://3-tage-marburg.de/), [Elisabethmarkt](https://www.marburg-liebe.de/feste-und-maerkte/elisabethmarkt.html)).

## Culture & language

For regular evening activities, Marburg is the most practical starting point: the Waggonhalle programmes theatre, concerts, comedy and readings, while the historic centre has cafés and restaurants woven into its student setting. Expect a small university-town cultural scene ([Waggonhalle](https://www.waggonhalle.de/), [Marburg tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/marburg)).

Biedenkopf offers a different introduction to local identity. Its Hinterlandmuseum explores regional dress, textile crafts, ironworking and the Grenzgang boundary-walking tradition. The Grenzgang festival follows a seven-year cycle, so it should not be confused with an annual summer event ([district museum](https://www.marburg-biedenkopf.de/bildung_und_freizeit/kultur/museen-veras/Das-Museum-im-Schloss-Biedenkopf.php)).

English-language help is available through Marburg University’s international peer consultations, including advice on accommodation, finances and finding work ([university support](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/consultation-services/contact-points/office-hours)). For everyday independence, aim towards B1–B2 German as a practical learning goal for housing conversations, appointments and employment; this is guidance, not a university admission requirement. Check your programme’s actual language requirements separately, and do not assume an English-taught course means every local service operates in English.

## Local food

- **Gladenbach Riesenwindbeutel**: Oversized cream puffs are specifically highlighted by the local tourism board as a Gladenbach treat ([Gladenbach tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/gladenbach)).
- **Dagobertshausen potato snacks**: A contemporary local product: the tourism board includes potato snacks from Dagobertshausen in its selection of regional foods, alongside local preserves, honey and oils ([regional products](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/echt-regional)).
- **Regional goat’s and sheep’s cheeses**: Small regional cheesemakers feature at the Elisabethmarkt’s Mittelhessen geschmackvoll food market, alongside farm-baked bread and other local produce ([Elisabethmarkt](https://www.marburg-liebe.de/feste-und-maerkte/elisabethmarkt.html)).

## Events

- **3 Tage Marburg** (July): Marburg’s recurring city festival; the organiser currently announces the next edition for 9–11 July 2027 ([festival organiser](https://3-tage-marburg.de/)).
- **Elisabethmarkt** (October): A city-centre festival with regional produce, crafts and cultural activities. The confirmed 2026 edition took place on 10–11 October; check the organiser for the next dates ([Stadtmarketing Marburg](https://www.marburg-liebe.de/feste-und-maerkte/elisabethmarkt.html)).

## Places to see

- **Marburg historic centre and Landgrafenschloss** (Old town): Explore the narrow streets, half-timbered buildings and market square beneath the castle; allow for steep streets and steps ([Marburg tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/marburg), [historic sights](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/sehenswertes-in-marburg/pois/RPT/a058ce4b-1e6c-4d60-97f7-cae10ce76c10/landgrafenschloss-marburg)).
- **Hinterlandmuseum Schloss Biedenkopf** (Museum): A hilltop castle housing exhibitions about the Hinterland’s crafts, clothing, industry and everyday history ([district museum](https://www.marburg-biedenkopf.de/bildung_und_freizeit/kultur/museen-veras/Das-Museum-im-Schloss-Biedenkopf.php)).
- **Amöneburg** (Landscape): Walk through the hilltop town or follow the Amanaburch route around its volcanic setting and viewpoints ([Amöneburg tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/amoeneburg)).
- **Gladenbacher Berglandring** (Nature): A circular walking route passing Blankenstein castle ruins and the Rachelshausen quarry landscape ([Gladenbach tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/gladenbach)).
- **Documentation and Information Centre, Stadtallendorf** (History): A place to understand the wartime explosives factories and the history behind Stadtallendorf’s development; the nearby Münchmühle memorial adds further context ([Stadtallendorf tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/stadtallendorf)).

## FAQ

### Is Marburg-Biedenkopf a good place to live as a student?

It can suit students who want a university-town setting with smaller towns and walking country nearby. Marburg is the natural starting point for student life; for a home elsewhere in the district, check the full journey to your department before signing a lease ([Marburg tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/marburg), [RMV timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/marburg-biedenkopf/mobilitaet-vor-ort/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene)).

### Is there a university in Marburg-Biedenkopf?

Yes. Philipps-Universität Marburg is located in Marburg and provides international student support, including consultations in English ([university international support](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/consultation-services/contact-points/office-hours)).

### Can I commute from Biedenkopf to Marburg University?

The RB94 connects Biedenkopf directly with Marburg, with published station-to-station journeys of roughly 40–45 minutes. Add the journey from Marburg station to your department and check the timetable for your actual teaching hours ([RMV RB94 timetable](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB94_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)).

### Is student accommodation in Marburg expensive?

Costs depend strongly on the room: Studierendenwerk lists a furnished Lomonosov-Haus single room at €243 monthly, including internet, as checked in November 2026. This is a residence price rather than a private-room average, and the university advises starting the housing search early ([residence prices](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/studentendorf/haeuser-mit-klassischen-einzelzimmern/), [housing handbook](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/before-studying/get-started/003-housing-handbook.pdf)).

### Does Marburg University’s semester ticket cover ICE trains?

The university states that its previous DB long-distance ticket ended from summer semester 2026. The included Deutschland semester ticket covers local and regional transport; ordinary ICE and IC journeys require a separate valid ticket ([university fee information](https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/studium/im-studium/formalitaeten/semesterbeitrag), [DB validity rules](https://int.bahn.de/en/faq/deutschlandticket-validity)).

### What jobs can students find in Marburg-Biedenkopf?

Start with university student assistant positions and the careers service’s local employment resources, including childcare and software employers. For subject-related experience, CSL Behring in Marburg and Elkamet around Biedenkopf provide internship or training routes; availability and entry requirements vary ([university careers service](https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/studium/service/zas/careerservice/praktika-stellen/neben-jobs-marburg-umgebung), [CSL Behring](https://www.cslbehring.de/karriere), [Elkamet](https://karriere.elkamet.com/)).

## Sources

- [Marburg tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/marburg)
- [Stadtallendorf tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/stadtallendorf)
- [Gladenbach tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/gladenbach)
- [Amöneburg tourism](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/amoeneburg)
- [Hinterlandmuseum Schloss Biedenkopf](https://www.marburg-biedenkopf.de/hinterlandmuseum/)
- [Hinterlandmuseum collections and local traditions](https://www.marburg-biedenkopf.de/bildung_und_freizeit/kultur/museen-veras/Das-Museum-im-Schloss-Biedenkopf.php)
- [Marburg University housing handbook](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/before-studying/get-started/003-housing-handbook.pdf)
- [Studierendenwerk housing FAQ](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/faq/)
- [Studentendorf single rooms and rents](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/studentendorf/haeuser-mit-klassischen-einzelzimmern/)
- [Wehrda residences](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/wohnheime-wehrda/)
- [Gutenbergstraße 31 residence](https://studierendenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/unsere-wohnheime/gutenbergstrasse-31/)
- [International student peer consultations](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying/consultation-services/contact-points/office-hours)
- [Marburg University semester contribution](https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/studium/im-studium/formalitaeten/semesterbeitrag)
- [Marburg University careers](https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/universitaet/profil/universitaetskultur/karriere/stellenangebote)
- [University careers service: local employment](https://www.uni-marburg.de/de/studium/service/zas/careerservice/praktika-stellen/neben-jobs-marburg-umgebung)
- [UKGM Marburg recruitment](https://www.ukgm.de/ugm_2/deu/umr_stl/index.html)
- [CSL Behring careers and Marburg location](https://www.cslbehring.de/karriere)
- [Elkamet products and company](https://www.elkamet.com/)
- [Elkamet recruitment portal](https://karriere.elkamet.com/)
- [RMV district timetables](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/start/marburg-biedenkopf/mobilitaet-vor-ort/fahrplaene/linienfahrplaene)
- [RMV RB94 timetable, 2025–26](https://www.rmv.de/c/fileadmin/import/timetable/RMV_Linienfahrplan_RB94_ab_14.12.25_bis_12.12.26.pdf)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Gießen–Marburg](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/giessen/marburg.shtml)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Marburg–Frankfurt](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/marburg/frankfurt.shtml)
- [Deutschlandticket validity](https://int.bahn.de/en/faq/deutschlandticket-validity)
- [University travel information: nearest major airport](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/fb04/department/contact-travel/travel-information)
- [University arrival directions via Frankfurt](https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/fb20/departments/cyto/institute/anreise)
- [Waggonhalle cultural programme](https://www.waggonhalle.de/)
- [Marburg tourism: regional foods and products](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/echt-regional)
- [3 Tage Marburg organiser](https://3-tage-marburg.de/)
- [Elisabethmarkt organiser](https://www.marburg-liebe.de/feste-und-maerkte/elisabethmarkt.html)
- [Marburg historic sights](https://www.marburg-tourismus.de/sehenswertes-in-marburg/pois/RPT/a058ce4b-1e6c-4d60-97f7-cae10ce76c10/landgrafenschloss-marburg)
- [Commons: Marburg autumn panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marburg_Herbstpanorama_01_von_O.jpg)
- [Commons: Biedenkopf castle and old town](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2011-04-22_Biedenkopf_Schloss_Altstadt.jpg)
- [Commons: Amöneburg castle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amoenburg_castle.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/marburg-biedenkopf-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).