# Study in Werra-Meißner-Kreis district, Hesse

> Werra-Meißner-Kreis is a rural district (Landkreis) in Hesse with 97,695 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has 2 universities: DIPLOMA Hochschule - Private Fachhochschule Nordhessen (Bad Sooden-Allendorf), University of Kassel (Witzenhausen). Summers average 17.6 °C and winters 2 °C, with about 846 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Werra-Meißner-Kreis is a rural district in northern Hesse, with small university towns, wooded hills and life along the Werra.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 97,695 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,024.83 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 2 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | DIPLOMA Hochschule - Private Fachhochschule Nordhessen, Bad Sooden-Allendorf (9 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €308–355 per month — Published rent range across rooms and apartments at Am Sande 1/1A, Witzenhausen, including internet, electricity, water and heating; broadcasting contribution extra. Undated operator page, checked November 2026. This is a residence price range, not a district-wide market average. | [source](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/wohnen/standorte/am-sande-1/1a-vielsprachig-und-multikulturell) |
| Mean temperature | 9.5 °C (summer 17.6 °C, winter 2 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 846 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,539 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Werra-Meißner-Kreis district

Werra-Meißner-Kreis lies in northeastern Hesse. The Werra runs through a landscape of wooded hills and agricultural valleys, with Eschwege as the district capital. ([Regional overview](https://www.werra-meissner-klinikum.de/klinikum/arbeit-ausbildung/leben-und-arbeiten-im-werra-meissner-kreis.php))

Its towns have distinct identities: Witzenhausen celebrates its cherry-growing traditions, Bad Sooden-Allendorf preserves its salt-making heritage, and Eschwege combines a half-timbered old town with access to the Werratalsee. ([Witzenhausen](https://kirschenland.de/die-kesperkirmes/), [Bad Sooden-Allendorf](https://www.bad-sooden-allendorf.de/urlaub/sehenswertes/gradierwerk), [Eschwege](https://www.eschwege.de/stadt/stadtportraet/werratalsee.php?navid=989806201384))

- **Eschwege**: The district capital, with a half-timbered centre and the nearby Werratalsee. ([Regional overview](https://www.werra-meissner-klinikum.de/klinikum/arbeit-ausbildung/leben-und-arbeiten-im-werra-meissner-kreis.php), [City of Eschwege](https://www.eschwege.de/stadt/stadtportraet/werratalsee.php?navid=989806201384))
- **Witzenhausen**: A university town with student residences and a cherry festival rooted in local growing traditions. ([University housing guide](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/kontakt-anfahrt/zimmersuche.html), [Kesperkirmes](https://kirschenland.de/die-kesperkirmes/))
- **Bad Sooden-Allendorf**: A spa town whose surviving Gradierwerk recalls its history of concentrating brine for salt production. ([Town tourism office](https://www.bad-sooden-allendorf.de/urlaub/sehenswertes/gradierwerk))

## Universities

The district has DIPLOMA Hochschule in Bad Sooden-Allendorf and the University of Kassel's Witzenhausen location; further university options are in Kassel. Choose your home around your actual teaching location. Witzenhausen has dedicated student residences near the university, making it a practical first choice for students based there. ([University housing guide](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/kontakt-anfahrt/zimmersuche.html)) Commuting from Witzenhausen to Kassel is possible by direct train, but station-to-campus travel adds to the journey. ([DB departure timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_6838.pdf)) This setting is likely to suit someone who values a smaller town and access to countryside.

- **DIPLOMA Hochschule - Private Fachhochschule Nordhessen** (Bad Sooden-Allendorf) — 43 courses
- **University of Kassel** (Witzenhausen) — 17 courses

## Housing

The university describes Witzenhausen's rooms and shared flats as varied and comparatively inexpensive. That is useful local guidance, but it does not establish current vacancy levels across the district. ([University housing guide](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/kontakt-anfahrt/zimmersuche.html)) Apply early for a residence: Studierendenwerk Kassel accepts applications once you intend to study locally, even before you have applied to the university. ([Residence application](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/index.php?id=373))

**How to find a place**

- Apply through Studierendenwerk Kassel's online residence application and select Witzenhausen accommodation. ([Application](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/index.php?id=373))
- Use the university's digital noticeboard and its Witzenhausen housing categories; the student advisory service can help place an advert if you lack a university account. ([Housing guide](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/kontakt-anfahrt/zimmersuche.html))
- Check the housing notices beside the main entrance at the Steinstraße campus. ([Housing guide](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/kontakt-anfahrt/zimmersuche.html))
- Look in HNA and Marktspiegel classifieds, both recommended by the university for local accommodation searches. ([Housing guide](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/kontakt-anfahrt/zimmersuche.html))

**Student residences**

- [Am Sande 1/1A, Witzenhausen](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/wohnen/standorte/am-sande-1/1a-vielsprachig-und-multikulturell) (Studierendenwerk Kassel): Furnished rooms and apartments near Campus Steinstraße; an income eligibility limit applies. ([Official residence page](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/wohnen/standorte/am-sande-1/1a-vielsprachig-und-multikulturell))
- [Stubenstraße 20, Witzenhausen](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/wohnen/standorte/stubenstrasse-20-leben-am-fluss) (Studierendenwerk Kassel): Furnished accommodation near Campus Steinstraße; listed monthly rents are €322–335 including internet, electricity, water and heating, checked November 2026. ([Official residence page](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/wohnen/standorte/stubenstrasse-20-leben-am-fluss))

## Cost of living

The clearest local budgeting anchors are residence costs: Am Sande lists €308–355 monthly including utilities and internet, plus a €400 deposit; the broadcasting contribution is additional. ([Studierendenwerk Kassel](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/wohnen/standorte/am-sande-1/1a-vielsprachig-und-multikulturell)) A separately purchased Deutschlandticket costs €63 monthly in 2026; the published price from 2027 is €66.80. Check your university ticket arrangements before buying another subscription. ([Deutschlandticket](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket)) No reliable local comparison was found for groceries or an overall student budget against a large city, so compare actual housing offers and commuting costs.

## Jobs & employers

Local employment includes hydraulic engineering at Pacoma in Eschwege, paper manufacturing at DS Smith in Witzenhausen and healthcare at Klinikum Werra-Meißner. These are relevant employers to investigate for placements and longer-term careers; their presence does not guarantee student vacancies. ([Pacoma](https://www.pacoma.com/de/unternehmen/), [DS Smith](https://www.dssmith.com/de/produkte-und-service/papierprodukte/ds-smith-papierfabriken/werk-witzenhausen), [Klinikum careers](https://www.werra-meissner-klinikum.de/klinikum/arbeit-ausbildung/stellenangebote.php)) For study-related work, Witzenhausen's agricultural sciences department maintains student-assistant listings and job and internship mailing lists. ([University job resources](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/berufsfeld/job-und-praktikumsboerse-fuer-studierende-und-absolventinnen.html))

- Student-assistant work at the Witzenhausen agricultural sciences department. ([University job resources](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/berufsfeld/job-und-praktikumsboerse-fuer-studierende-und-absolventinnen.html))
- Supermarket sales and shelf-stocking work: Lidl offers student employment and operates locally in Eschwege; check the current location filter for vacancies. ([Student roles](https://jobs.lidl.de/studenten/jobs-studenten-und-werkstudenten), [Eschwege branch](https://www.lidl.de/s/de-DE/filialen/eschwege/bahnhofstr-19/))
- Hotel housekeeping and hospitality work around Bad Sooden-Allendorf; Hotel Ahrenberg recruits in these areas, although student-compatible hours need confirming directly. ([Hotel careers](https://www.hotel-ahrenberg.de/index.php/de/service/jobs))

- **Pacoma** (Hydraulic engineering): Headquartered in Eschwege, producing hydraulic cylinders with functions including development, production and quality assurance. ([Company and careers](https://www.pacoma.com/de/unternehmen/))
- **DS Smith** (Paper manufacturing): Operates the Witzenhausen paper mill, producing liner and medium grades used in corrugated packaging. ([Mill profile](https://www.dssmith.com/de/produkte-und-service/papierprodukte/ds-smith-papierfabriken/werk-witzenhausen))
- **Klinikum Werra-Meißner** (Healthcare): Local hospital employer with medical, nursing, administrative and service career paths. ([Official careers portal](https://www.werra-meissner-klinikum.de/klinikum/arbeit-ausbildung/stellenangebote.php))

## Getting around

Use NVV for local public transport planning. Witzenhausen Nord has direct regional trains to Kassel and Göttingen: the published timetable includes journeys of approximately 31 minutes to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, 36 minutes to Kassel Hauptbahnhof and 25 minutes to Göttingen. These are station-to-station examples, not door-to-campus times. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_6838.pdf)) RB87 links Eschwege and Bad Sooden-Allendorf with Eichenberg, Göttingen and Bebra; Eichenberg is a useful interchange for Witzenhausen and Kassel. ([NVV regional rail](https://www.nvv.de/fahrtinfo/fahrplaene/persoenliches-fahrplanbuch/regionalexpress-und-regionalbahn), [RB87 timetable](https://www.nvv.de/api/vc-nvv-fahrplanbuch/route-pdf/161/926)) The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local buses and second-class regional trains, but not ordinary ICE, IC or EC travel. For a village address, check the exact evening and weekend connections before signing a lease. ([Ticket coverage](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket))

- Station: Witzenhausen Nord — direct regional services towards Kassel and Göttingen. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_6838.pdf))
- Station: Eichenberg — interchange between the Kassel/Witzenhausen and Eschwege/Bebra routes. ([NVV](https://www.nvv.de/fahrtinfo/fahrplaene/persoenliches-fahrplanbuch/regionalexpress-und-regionalbahn))
- Station: Eschwege — town station on RB87. ([NVV timetable](https://www.nvv.de/api/vc-nvv-fahrplanbuch/route-pdf/161/926))
- Station: Bad Sooden-Allendorf — regional station on RB87. ([NVV timetable](https://www.nvv.de/api/vc-nvv-fahrplanbuch/route-pdf/161/926))
- Nearest airport: Kassel Airport / Kassel-Calden (KSF) — A nearby regional airport option reached via Kassel. Bus 100 connects the airport with Kassel Hauptbahnhof and Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe; continue by regional train towards the district. Compare available flights before choosing your arrival airport. ([NVV airport connections](https://www.nvv.de/en/anreise))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2 °C, 73 mm rain a month, 1.6 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.2 °C, 63 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.6 °C, 78 mm rain a month, 6.8 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9.6 °C, 69 mm rain a month, 3.1 h sun a day

Expect cold, dim winters, a gradually milder spring and generally moderate summers with occasional hot days. Rain is possible throughout the year, so waterproof layers are useful for walking or cycling to class. Summer brings Witzenhausen's cherry festival and Eschwege's Open Flair. ([Kesperkirmes](https://kirschenland.de/die-kesperkirmes/), [Open Flair](https://www.open-flair.de/)) On the Hoher Meißner, winter cross-country skiing can affect access to parts of the P1 walking route; check conditions before setting out. ([Nature park route information](https://www.naturparkfrauholle.land/wandern/premiumwege/detail/premiumweg-p1-hoher-meissner))

## Culture & language

Local traditions have clear connections to the landscape: Witzenhausen's Kesperkirmes celebrates cherries, while stories of Frau Holle are associated with the Hoher Meißner and its Frau-Holle-Teich. ([Kesperkirmes](https://kirschenland.de/die-kesperkirmes/), [Hoher Meißner](https://www.bad-sooden-allendorf.de/urlaub/sehenswertes/hoher-meissner))

For evenings out, useful starting points are Eschwege's Kulturfabrik E-Werk, which hosts concerts, theatre and parties, and Witzenhausen's Capitol cinema. Expect a calendar of individual events rather than assume a big-city club scene. ([Regional cultural guide](https://www.werra-meissner.de/lebensraum/freizeit-und-kultur/))

Do not assume English will cover every housing, workplace or administrative conversation. As a practical target, work towards B1 German for everyday independence and B2 for customer-facing employment; these are planning recommendations, not universal requirements. For example, REWE specifies B2 German for store work. ([REWE employment guidance](https://karriere.rewe.de/berufserfahrung/aushilfe)) The University of Kassel's language centre provides German-language teaching and support contacts. ([Language centre](https://www.uni-kassel.de/einrichtung/internationales-studienzentrum-sprachenzentrum/das-sprachenzentrum/team-und-organisation.html))

## Local food

- **Ahle Wurscht**: North Hessian air-dried sausage, highlighted among the region's traditional foods. ([Geo-Naturpark culinary guide](https://www.naturparkfrauholle.land/tourismus/kulinarische-entdeckungen))
- **Schmandkuchen**: A regional baking speciality made with Schmand, a thick cultured cream. ([Geo-Naturpark culinary guide](https://www.naturparkfrauholle.land/tourismus/kulinarische-entdeckungen))
- **Witzenhausen cherries**: The fruit at the centre of Witzenhausen's Kesperkirmes and local cherry-growing identity. ([Witzenhausen tourism](https://kirschenland.de/die-kesperkirmes/))
- **Regional poppy-seed products**: Locally grown poppy seeds appear in sweet and savoury dishes and in poppy-seed oil. ([Geo-Naturpark culinary guide](https://www.naturparkfrauholle.land/tourismus/kulinarische-entdeckungen))

## Events

- **Kesperkirmes, Witzenhausen** (July; the 2026 edition ran from 10–12 July.): Annual old-town festival celebrating cherries, with music, a cherry queen and cherry-stone spitting. ([Official festival page](https://kirschenland.de/die-kesperkirmes/))
- **Open Flair, Eschwege** (August; the next announced edition is 4–8 August 2027.): An annual music festival in Eschwege, with German and international performers. ([Festival organiser](https://www.open-flair.de/), [Regional cultural guide](https://www.werra-meissner.de/lebensraum/freizeit-und-kultur/))

## Places to see

- **Hoher Meißner** (Nature): Woodland walking and Frau Holle folklore; the P1 hiking route includes steep sections and rocky steps, so bring suitable footwear. ([Official walking guide](https://www.naturparkfrauholle.land/wandern/premiumwege/detail/premiumweg-p1-hoher-meissner), [Local tourism](https://www.bad-sooden-allendorf.de/urlaub/sehenswertes/hoher-meissner))
- **Werratalsee** (Lake): A lake close to Eschwege with designated bathing areas and a protected wildlife area; follow local access signs. ([City of Eschwege](https://www.eschwege.de/stadt/stadtportraet/werratalsee.php?navid=989806201384))
- **Gradierwerk, Bad Sooden-Allendorf** (Heritage): A large wooden structure where brine runs over blackthorn branches, preserving a visible part of the town's salt-making history. ([Town tourism office](https://www.bad-sooden-allendorf.de/urlaub/sehenswertes/gradierwerk))
- **Eschwege old town** (Old town): Explore the half-timbered centre and combine the visit with a walk towards the Werratalsee. ([City of Eschwege](https://www.eschwege.de/stadt/stadtportraet/werratalsee.php?navid=989806201384))

## FAQ

### Is Werra-Meißner-Kreis a good place to live as a student?

It is worth considering if you prefer a smaller town and access to countryside. Witzenhausen is particularly practical for students taught there because it has student residences near the university. ([University housing guide](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/kontakt-anfahrt/zimmersuche.html))

### Is there a university in Werra-Meißner-Kreis?

Yes. DIPLOMA Hochschule is in Bad Sooden-Allendorf, and the University of Kassel has a location in Witzenhausen. Check your programme's actual teaching location before choosing accommodation.

### How long is the train journey from Witzenhausen to Kassel?

The published timetable includes direct journeys of about 31 minutes to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe and 36 minutes to Kassel Hauptbahnhof. Allow additional time to reach your university building and check your particular travel date. ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_6838.pdf))

### How much does student accommodation cost in Witzenhausen?

Studierendenwerk Kassel lists €308–355 monthly at Am Sande, including internet, electricity, water and heating, checked November 2026. This is a residence price range, not an average for private rentals. ([Official residence page](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/wohnen/standorte/am-sande-1/1a-vielsprachig-und-multikulturell))

### What student jobs can I look for in Werra-Meißner-Kreis?

Start with student-assistant opportunities at Witzenhausen's agricultural sciences department and retail student roles at employers with local branches, such as Lidl in Eschwege. Availability changes, so use the university's job resources and the employer's location search. ([University jobs](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/berufsfeld/job-und-praktikumsboerse-fuer-studierende-und-absolventinnen.html), [Lidl student roles](https://jobs.lidl.de/studenten/jobs-studenten-und-werkstudenten), [Eschwege branch](https://www.lidl.de/s/de-DE/filialen/eschwege/bahnhofstr-19/))

### Can I live in Werra-Meißner-Kreis without a car?

Start your housing search near the regional stations in Witzenhausen, Eschwege or Bad Sooden-Allendorf, then check the complete route to your campus. Rail connections serve these towns, but a village address needs its own bus and evening-return check. ([NVV rail overview](https://www.nvv.de/fahrtinfo/fahrplaene/persoenliches-fahrplanbuch/regionalexpress-und-regionalbahn), [RB87 timetable](https://www.nvv.de/api/vc-nvv-fahrplanbuch/route-pdf/161/926))

## Sources

- [Klinikum Werra-Meißner — regional overview](https://www.werra-meissner-klinikum.de/klinikum/arbeit-ausbildung/leben-und-arbeiten-im-werra-meissner-kreis.php)
- [University of Kassel — accommodation in Witzenhausen](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/kontakt-anfahrt/zimmersuche.html)
- [Studierendenwerk Kassel — residence application](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/index.php?id=373)
- [Studierendenwerk Kassel — Am Sande](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/wohnen/standorte/am-sande-1/1a-vielsprachig-und-multikulturell)
- [Studierendenwerk Kassel — Stubenstraße](https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/wohnen/standorte/stubenstrasse-20-leben-am-fluss)
- [DB — Witzenhausen Nord departure timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_6838.pdf)
- [NVV — regional rail routes](https://www.nvv.de/fahrtinfo/fahrplaene/persoenliches-fahrplanbuch/regionalexpress-und-regionalbahn)
- [NVV — RB87 timetable](https://www.nvv.de/api/vc-nvv-fahrplanbuch/route-pdf/161/926)
- [NVV — airport connections](https://www.nvv.de/en/anreise)
- [RMV — Deutschlandticket price and coverage](https://www.rmv.de/c/de/tickets/sortiment/tickets-im-ueberblick/deutschland-ticket)
- [Pacoma — company and careers](https://www.pacoma.com/de/unternehmen/)
- [DS Smith — Witzenhausen mill](https://www.dssmith.com/de/produkte-und-service/papierprodukte/ds-smith-papierfabriken/werk-witzenhausen)
- [Klinikum Werra-Meißner — careers](https://www.werra-meissner-klinikum.de/klinikum/arbeit-ausbildung/stellenangebote.php)
- [University of Kassel — agricultural sciences job resources](https://www.uni-kassel.de/fb11agrar/berufsfeld/job-und-praktikumsboerse-fuer-studierende-und-absolventinnen.html)
- [Hotel Ahrenberg — careers](https://www.hotel-ahrenberg.de/index.php/de/service/jobs)
- [Lidl — student employment](https://jobs.lidl.de/studenten/jobs-studenten-und-werkstudenten)
- [Lidl — Eschwege branch](https://www.lidl.de/s/de-DE/filialen/eschwege/bahnhofstr-19/)
- [REWE — casual employment and language requirements](https://karriere.rewe.de/berufserfahrung/aushilfe)
- [University of Kassel — language centre contacts](https://www.uni-kassel.de/einrichtung/internationales-studienzentrum-sprachenzentrum/das-sprachenzentrum/team-und-organisation.html)
- [Regional economic development agency — culture](https://www.werra-meissner.de/lebensraum/freizeit-und-kultur/)
- [Witzenhausen tourism — Kesperkirmes](https://kirschenland.de/die-kesperkirmes/)
- [Open Flair — official festival website](https://www.open-flair.de/)
- [Geo-Naturpark Frau-Holle-Land — regional food](https://www.naturparkfrauholle.land/tourismus/kulinarische-entdeckungen)
- [Bad Sooden-Allendorf — Gradierwerk](https://www.bad-sooden-allendorf.de/urlaub/sehenswertes/gradierwerk)
- [Bad Sooden-Allendorf — Hoher Meißner](https://www.bad-sooden-allendorf.de/urlaub/sehenswertes/hoher-meissner)
- [Geo-Naturpark Frau-Holle-Land — P1 walking route](https://www.naturparkfrauholle.land/wandern/premiumwege/detail/premiumweg-p1-hoher-meissner)
- [City of Eschwege — Werratalsee](https://www.eschwege.de/stadt/stadtportraet/werratalsee.php?navid=989806201384)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Eschwege panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eschwege.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Witzenhausen town hall](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Witzenhausen_Rathaus_2.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Hoher Meißner landscape](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ausblick_vom_Naturpark_Hoher_Mei%C3%9Fner.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/werra-meissner-kreis-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).