# Study in Cuxhaven district, Lower Saxony

> Cuxhaven is a rural district (Landkreis) in Lower Saxony with 198,842 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Cuxhaven district itself; the nearest is Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences in Bremerhaven, about 17 km away. Summers average 16.9 °C and winters 2.5 °C, with about 931 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Cuxhaven is a coastal district of seaside towns, working harbours and rural landscapes. Cuxland

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,842 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 2,058.96 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, Bremerhaven (17 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 9.5 °C (summer 16.9 °C, winter 2.5 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 931 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,622 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Cuxhaven district

Cuxhaven district stretches between the North Sea, Elbe and Weser. Its coastal character comes from tidal flats, fishing harbours and seaside settlements, while inland destinations include lakes, woodland and moorland. [Cuxland Tourism](https://www.cuxland.de/)

Cuxhaven town combines beaches with a working waterfront; Otterndorf offers a historic town centre, and Geestland includes the spa settlement of Bad Bederkesa. Offshore wind manufacturing is another important part of the local picture: Siemens Gamesa assembles turbine nacelles in Cuxhaven. [Cuxland Tourism](https://www.cuxland.de/) [Siemens Gamesa](https://www.siemensgamesa.com/global/en/home/explore/journal/Cuxhaven.html)

- **Cuxhaven**: Coastal town with fishing harbours, beaches and the Kugelbake landmark at the Elbe mouth. [Cuxland Tourism](https://www.cuxland.de/)
- **Geestland**: A municipality encompassing several settlements, including Bad Bederkesa with its castle, lake and Moor-Therme. [Geestland visitor information](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaubsorte/geestland)
- **Otterndorf**: Small town near the Elbe mouth with a historic centre, old warehouses and recreational lakes behind the dyke. [Otterndorf visitor information](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaubsorte/nordseebad-otterndorf)
- **Wurster Nordseeküste**: A coastal municipality of villages and fishing harbours, with railway stations at Wremen, Dorum and Nordholz. [Cuxland Tourism](https://www.cuxland.de/) [evb railway](https://www.evb-elbe-weser.de/meine-fahrt/bahn/)
- **Hemmoor**: An inland town associated with the Kreidesee diving lake and the nearby transporter bridge across the Oste. [Cuxland Tourism](https://www.cuxland.de/)

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Cuxhaven district. The nearest university options include Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, with further choices in Bremen and at Jade University's campuses. For regular attendance in Bremerhaven, assess the exact address carefully: DB currently shows direct Cuxhaven–Bremerhaven Hbf journeys of about 44 minutes, before travel to campus. [Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/cuxhaven/bremerhaven.shtml) Local vocational alternatives include public-administration dual study with the city and port-logistics apprenticeships at CuxPort; these are separate application routes, not casual student jobs. [City of Cuxhaven](https://www.cuxhaven.de/jobs-ausbildung-und-studium/ausbildungsangebote.html) [CuxPort recruitment](https://www.rhenus.group/karriere/JR125684/) Consider living here if access to the coast matters enough to justify commuting, and compare actual housing offers before assuming a saving.

- **Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences** (Bremerhaven) — 17 km away, 26 courses
- **Jade University of Applied Sciences Wilhelmshaven/Oldenburg/Elsfleth** (Wilhelmshaven) — 47 km away, 63 courses
- **Constructor University** (Bremen) — 51 km away, 59 courses
- **University of Bremen** (Bremen) — 57 km away, 170 courses
- **APOLLON Hochschule der Gesundheitswirtschaft** (Bremen) — 57 km away, 18 courses

## Housing

Treat this as a search for ordinary rental housing rather than a campus accommodation market. Siedlungsgesellschaft Cuxhaven welcomes suitable shared-flat arrangements and rents unfurnished apartments on indefinite contracts, generally without fitted kitchens. [Siedlung Cuxhaven FAQ](https://www.siedlung.de/service/faq) Its published offer for Ditmar-Koel-Straße 8 quotes €7.80/m² basic rent, but requires a Wohnberechtigungsschein, or housing eligibility certificate; this restricted offer is not a district-wide rent benchmark. [Available apartments](https://www.siedlung.de/mieten/wohnungen) The evidence does not establish whether the student housing market is generally tight or relaxed.

**How to find a place**

- Register your requirements through Siedlungsgesellschaft Cuxhaven's housing enquiry form, including your preferred location and apartment size. [Available apartments](https://www.siedlung.de/mieten/wohnungen)
- If forming a WG, ask Siedlungsgesellschaft about a suitable apartment and prepare proof of income and identification; its FAQ also explains the credit check. [Rental requirements](https://www.siedlung.de/service/faq)
- For the advertised subsidised apartments, ask the landlord about the required Wohnberechtigungsschein before relying on the quoted rent. [Available apartments](https://www.siedlung.de/mieten/wohnungen)
- Check the journey from each prospective address to campus, including the evening return. VBN publishes regional bus routes connecting Bad Bederkesa, Langen and other district settlements with Bremerhaven. [VBN timetables](https://www.vbn.de/service/linienfahrplaene)
- If you are also considering living near your university, compare Studierendenwerk Bremen's Bremerhaven accommodation. Those residences are outside Cuxhaven district. [Studierendenwerk housing](https://www.stw-bremen.de/de/wohnen/)

## Cost of living

Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences lists a semester contribution of €438 from winter semester 2026/27. [University admissions](https://www.hs-bremerhaven.de/bachelorbewerbung) A separately purchased Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month through December 2026; DB lists €66.80 from January 2027. Check your university's semester-ticket arrangements before buying another subscription. [Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket) Allow for moving-in costs: Siedlungsgesellschaft Cuxhaven requires a deposit of three basic monthly rents and generally supplies neither furniture nor a fitted kitchen. [Landlord FAQ](https://www.siedlung.de/service/faq) A reliable overall saving against a large city could not be established; compare the full housing bill and commuting needs.

## Jobs & employers

The verified employment picture includes offshore wind manufacturing, port logistics, healthcare and hospitality. Siemens Gamesa operates its nacelle factory, CuxPort recruits for port-logistics training, and Helios offers both clinical and support roles. [Siemens Gamesa](https://www.siemensgamesa.com/global/en/home/explore/journal/Cuxhaven.html) [CuxPort](https://www.rhenus.group/karriere/JR125684/) [Helios](https://www.helios-gesundheit.de/karriere/job/c509b49f-1b2a-47fa-bec5-2c05f5ec3213/) For work alongside lectures, hotel housekeeping, reception and service roles are more directly evidenced than specialist student engineering vacancies. [Hotel Deichvoigt](https://www.hotel-deichvoigt-cuxhaven.de/jobs/)

- Hotel housekeeping: Hotel Deichvoigt advertises year-round part-time cleaning work. [Hotel jobs](https://www.hotel-deichvoigt-cuxhaven.de/jobs/)
- Hotel reception: Hotel Deichvoigt also advertises part-time reception work. [Hotel jobs](https://www.hotel-deichvoigt-cuxhaven.de/jobs/)
- Hospital kitchen, cafeteria, cleaning and service work: Helios accepts applications for these areas and lists part-time employment among its options; ask about hours compatible with study. [Helios recruitment](https://www.helios-gesundheit.de/karriere/job/c509b49f-1b2a-47fa-bec5-2c05f5ec3213/)

- **Siemens Gamesa** (Offshore wind manufacturing): Assembles offshore wind-turbine nacelles at its Cuxhaven factory and advertises technical careers and apprenticeships. [Factory and recruitment](https://www.siemensgamesa.com/global/en/home/explore/journal/Cuxhaven.html)
- **CuxPort GmbH** (Port logistics): Based at Neufelder Schanze in Cuxhaven; its current recruitment page includes training as a port-logistics specialist. [CuxPort recruitment](https://www.rhenus.group/karriere/JR125684/)
- **Helios Klinik Cuxhaven** (Healthcare): Hospital on Altenwalder Chaussee with clinical, administrative, technical and service employment. [Helios recruitment](https://www.helios-gesundheit.de/karriere/job/c509b49f-1b2a-47fa-bec5-2c05f5ec3213/)
- **Stadt Cuxhaven** (Local government): Offers public-administration dual study and apprenticeships in administration, IT, libraries and practical municipal services. [City training opportunities](https://www.cuxhaven.de/jobs-ausbildung-und-studium/ausbildungsangebote.html)

## Getting around

The RB33 connects Cuxhaven, Nordholz, Dorum and Wremen with Bremerhaven. [evb](https://www.evb-elbe-weser.de/meine-fahrt/bahn/) DB's published November 2026 examples take about 44 minutes from Cuxhaven to Bremerhaven Hbf and 1 hour 24 minutes to Bremen Hbf with one change; these are station-to-station times, not campus journeys. [Bremerhaven connections](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/cuxhaven/bremerhaven.shtml) [Bremen connections](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/cuxhaven/bremen.shtml) Elsewhere, buses and demand-responsive services make the exact address important. [VNN district transport](https://vnn.de/regionen/landkreis-cuxhaven/) The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local and regional public transport. [DB ticket rules](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket) Cuxhaven city's RufMobil also accepts it and requires advance booking at least 30 minutes before departure. Check separate arrangements for rural AST services. [City RufMobil](https://www.cuxhaven.de/unser-service-fuer-sie/strasse-verkehr/ruf-mobil.html)

- Station: Cuxhaven — regional rail interchange and starting point for the RB33 towards Bremerhaven. [evb](https://www.evb-elbe-weser.de/meine-fahrt/bahn/)
- Station: Nordholz, Dorum and Wremen — useful district boarding stations on the RB33. [evb](https://www.evb-elbe-weser.de/meine-fahrt/bahn/)
- Station: Bremerhaven Hbf — outside the district, with onward regional connections towards Bremen. [VBN timetables](https://www.vbn.de/service/linienfahrplaene)
- Nearest airport: Bremen Airport (BRE) — A practical scheduled-flight airport for the district; Cuxhaven tourism identifies Bremen and Hamburg as the nearby commercial airports. [Arrival information](https://www.nordseeheilbad-cuxhaven.de/planen-buchen/anreise) For Bremen Airport, travel by train to Bremen Hbf and continue on tram 6. [Bremen transport information](https://www.bremen.de/leben-in-bremen/shopping/parken-in-bremen)

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2.5 °C, 78 mm rain a month, 1.7 h sun a day
- Spring: 8.7 °C, 55 mm rain a month, 5.8 h sun a day
- Summer: 16.9 °C, 91 mm rain a month, 6.9 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10 °C, 86 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect cool summers, damp weather throughout the year and winters with limited daylight rather than dependable snow. Waterproof layers are useful for the daily commute as well as days outside. Spring and summer give you more daylight for exploring; the coast's guided mudflat walks depend on tides rather than a fixed daily schedule. [Cuxland mudflat guidance](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaub-an-der-nordsee/wattwandern) In autumn and winter, build your routine around the actual bus or booked RufMobil connection home. [City RufMobil](https://www.cuxhaven.de/unser-service-fuer-sie/strasse-verkehr/ruf-mobil.html)

## Culture & language

Maritime traditions remain visible in fishing harbours and landmarks such as the Kugelbake and Alte Liebe. The Duhner Wattrennen brings horse racing onto the exposed seabed, while DEICHBRAND brings a major music festival to Cuxhaven/Nordholz. [Maritime landmarks](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaub-an-der-nordsee/maritime-wahrzeichen) [Wattrennen](https://www.nordseeheilbad-cuxhaven.de/veranstaltungen/event-highlights/duhner-wattrennen) [DEICHBRAND](https://deichbrand.de/)

Low German, or Plattdeutsch, is part of the area's cultural life, with language courses specifically listed for Cuxhaven district. [University of Münster's Low German centre](https://www.uni-muenster.de/CfN/tipps/sprachkurse.html) For student life, treat festivals as occasional highlights rather than evidence of a year-round campus nightlife scene; try an ordinary weekday evening before choosing where to live.

Do not assume that English will cover every rental enquiry, appointment or workplace conversation. As practical preparation, aim for conversational German around B1 and keep building towards B2 for work and paperwork; these are recommendations, not verified local entry requirements. Plattdeutsch is part of the regional culture, and Cuxhaven district has dedicated courses, but standard German should be your priority. [University of Münster's Low German centre](https://www.uni-muenster.de/CfN/tipps/sprachkurse.html)

## Local food

- **Fischbrötchen**: Fish-filled bread rolls are a characteristic waterfront snack highlighted by the local tourism board. [Cuxland food guide](https://www.cuxland.de/service/gastronomie)
- **Nordseekrabben**: North Sea shrimp are a regional speciality associated with the coast's fishing culture. [Cuxland food guide](https://www.cuxland.de/service/gastronomie)

## Events

- **DEICHBRAND** (July; next announced edition 15–18 July 2027): Music festival in Cuxhaven/Nordholz with camping and a programme spanning several musical styles. The organiser has announced the next edition. [DEICHBRAND](https://deichbrand.de/)
- **Duhner Wattrennen** (Summer; next announced edition 11 July 2027): Horse racing on the exposed tidal flats at Duhnen. Check the date each year rather than assuming a fixed weekend. [Official event information](https://www.nordseeheilbad-cuxhaven.de/veranstaltungen/event-highlights/duhner-wattrennen)

## Places to see

- **Wadden Sea coast** (UNESCO): The district's coast borders the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea. A guided low-tide walk introduces its mudflats, tidal channels and wildlife; follow local tide guidance. [Cuxland Tourism](https://www.cuxland.de/) [Mudflat walks](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaub-an-der-nordsee/wattwandern)
- **Kugelbake and Alte Liebe** (Coast): Two characteristic Cuxhaven waterfront landmarks: the Kugelbake navigation mark and the Alte Liebe harbour platform. [Maritime landmarks](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaub-an-der-nordsee/maritime-wahrzeichen)
- **Otterndorf old town** (Old town): Explore the historic town hall, old warehouses, St Severi church and the former Latin school. [Otterndorf visitor information](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaubsorte/nordseebad-otterndorf)
- **Museum Burg Bederkesa** (Castle): The castle houses the district's archaeological museum, with finds illustrating settlement in the Elbe–Weser region. [Museum information](https://www.cuxland.de/poi/museum-burg-bederkesa)
- **Bederkesaer See** (Lake): A lake with a circular walking route beside Bad Bederkesa, convenient for combining a walk with a castle visit. [Geestland visitor information](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaubsorte/geestland)

## FAQ

### Is Cuxhaven district a good place to live as a student?

It can suit someone who values the coast and accepts a commute. From Cuxhaven station, direct trains to Bremerhaven Hbf take about 44 minutes in DB's published examples, before the onward trip to campus. [Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/cuxhaven/bremerhaven.shtml)

### Is there a university in Cuxhaven district?

There is no university in the district. Nearby options include Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, Jade University and universities in Bremen; local public-administration dual study is a separate route offered by the city. [City training opportunities](https://www.cuxhaven.de/jobs-ausbildung-und-studium/ausbildungsangebote.html)

### How do I get from Cuxhaven to Bremerhaven for university?

Take the RB33, which serves Cuxhaven, Nordholz, Dorum and Wremen before Bremerhaven. Check the complete journey to your campus and the evening return before choosing housing. [evb railway](https://www.evb-elbe-weser.de/meine-fahrt/bahn/)

### Is Cuxhaven expensive for students?

There is no verified representative student rent figure in this guide. One local landlord advertises €7.80/m² basic rent for a specific subsidised new-build offer, but it requires a housing eligibility certificate and should not be treated as the market average. [Siedlung Cuxhaven](https://www.siedlung.de/mieten/wohnungen)

### What part-time jobs can students find in Cuxhaven?

Verified examples include hotel housekeeping and reception, plus hospital service, cleaning and catering work. Availability and hours need checking with the employer. [Hotel Deichvoigt](https://www.hotel-deichvoigt-cuxhaven.de/jobs/) [Helios](https://www.helios-gesundheit.de/karriere/job/c509b49f-1b2a-47fa-bec5-2c05f5ec3213/)

### Can I live in Cuxhaven district without a car?

Start your search near a useful rail station or bus route and check your actual timetable. Buses and demand-responsive services cover different parts of the district; Cuxhaven city's RufMobil requires advance booking and accepts the Deutschlandticket. [VNN](https://vnn.de/regionen/landkreis-cuxhaven/) [City RufMobil](https://www.cuxhaven.de/unser-service-fuer-sie/strasse-verkehr/ruf-mobil.html)

## Sources

- [Cuxland Tourism — regional overview](https://www.cuxland.de/)
- [Cuxland Tourism — Geestland](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaubsorte/geestland)
- [Cuxland Tourism — Otterndorf](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaubsorte/nordseebad-otterndorf)
- [Siedlung Cuxhaven — rental requirements](https://www.siedlung.de/service/faq)
- [Siedlung Cuxhaven — apartment offers](https://www.siedlung.de/mieten/wohnungen)
- [Studierendenwerk Bremen — residence locations](https://www.stw-bremen.de/de/wohnen/)
- [Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences — semester contribution](https://www.hs-bremerhaven.de/bachelorbewerbung)
- [Deutsche Bahn — Deutschlandticket](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket)
- [Deutsche Bahn — Cuxhaven to Bremerhaven](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/cuxhaven/bremerhaven.shtml)
- [Deutsche Bahn — Cuxhaven to Bremen](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/cuxhaven/bremen.shtml)
- [evb — RB33 and stations](https://www.evb-elbe-weser.de/meine-fahrt/bahn/)
- [VBN — regional timetables](https://www.vbn.de/service/linienfahrplaene)
- [VNN — Cuxhaven district transport](https://vnn.de/regionen/landkreis-cuxhaven/)
- [City of Cuxhaven — RufMobil](https://www.cuxhaven.de/unser-service-fuer-sie/strasse-verkehr/ruf-mobil.html)
- [Cuxhaven tourism — arrival and airports](https://www.nordseeheilbad-cuxhaven.de/planen-buchen/anreise)
- [Bremen — airport tram connection](https://www.bremen.de/leben-in-bremen/shopping/parken-in-bremen)
- [Siemens Gamesa — Cuxhaven factory](https://www.siemensgamesa.com/global/en/home/explore/journal/Cuxhaven.html)
- [CuxPort — port-logistics apprenticeship](https://www.rhenus.group/karriere/JR125684/)
- [Helios Klinik Cuxhaven — employment](https://www.helios-gesundheit.de/karriere/job/c509b49f-1b2a-47fa-bec5-2c05f5ec3213/)
- [Hotel Deichvoigt — part-time jobs](https://www.hotel-deichvoigt-cuxhaven.de/jobs/)
- [City of Cuxhaven — apprenticeships and dual study](https://www.cuxhaven.de/jobs-ausbildung-und-studium/ausbildungsangebote.html)
- [Cuxland Tourism — maritime landmarks](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaub-an-der-nordsee/maritime-wahrzeichen)
- [Cuxland Tourism — mudflat walks](https://www.cuxland.de/unser-cuxland/urlaub-an-der-nordsee/wattwandern)
- [Cuxland Tourism — regional food](https://www.cuxland.de/service/gastronomie)
- [Museum Burg Bederkesa](https://www.cuxland.de/poi/museum-burg-bederkesa)
- [University of Münster — Low German courses](https://www.uni-muenster.de/CfN/tipps/sprachkurse.html)
- [DEICHBRAND — official festival website](https://deichbrand.de/)
- [Cuxhaven tourism — Duhner Wattrennen](https://www.nordseeheilbad-cuxhaven.de/veranstaltungen/event-highlights/duhner-wattrennen)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Kugelbake photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cuxhaven_-_D%C3%B6se_-_Kugelbake_-_2009_08_04.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Bederkesa Castle photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burg_Bederkesa.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Otterndorf town hall photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Otterndorf_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/lower-saxony/cuxhaven-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).