# Study in Herford district, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Herford is a rural district (Landkreis) in North Rhine-Westphalia with 254,404 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Herford district itself; the nearest is Hochschule Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI) in Bielefeld, about 18 km away. Summers average 18.1 °C and winters 3 °C, with about 775 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Herford is a district of towns and countryside near Bielefeld, with rail commuting options, industrial employers and art museums.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 254,404 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 450.4 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Hochschule Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI), Bielefeld (18 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €7.18–€10.72/m² monthly cold rent — Range of the published mean rents across construction-age categories for apartments up to 40 m² in Herford’s Mietspiegel dated 1 November 2025, before applicable location or modernisation adjustments. This is a comparison-rent benchmark for unfurnished, non-price-controlled housing, excluding operating costs; it is not an advertised-room average. | [source](https://mieterbund-owl.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mietspiegel_Herford.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 10.4 °C (summer 18.1 °C, winter 3 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 775 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,625 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Herford district

Herford district lies in East Westphalia, in north-eastern North Rhine-Westphalia. Herford, Bünde and Löhne form its main urban corridor, surrounded by the rolling Ravensberg countryside; Vlotho reaches the Weser valley ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Herford)).

Manufacturing and culture sit close together here. Hettich makes furniture fittings at several district locations, while Herford’s Marta museum presents contemporary art in a building designed by Frank Gehry ([Hettich](https://karriere.hettich.com/), [Marta Herford](https://marta-herford.de/architektur-konzept/)).

- **Herford**: The district seat, with the Marta contemporary-art museum and direct trains to Bielefeld ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Herford), [Marta](https://marta-herford.de/architektur-konzept/), [Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/herford/bielefeld.shtml)).
- **Bünde**: An industrial town with a Miele plant developing and producing hobs, steam ovens and warming drawers ([Miele](https://www.miele.de/c/miele-werk-buende-4923.htm)).
- **Löhne**: A railway junction with regional routes towards Bielefeld, Hannover and the Osnabrück–Rheine corridor ([transport overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahverkehr_im_Kreis_Herford)).
- **Vlotho**: A Weser-side town whose castle ruins overlook the river valley ([Teutoburger Wald Tourism](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ausflugsziele/mein-ziel/burg-vlotho)).

## Nearest universities

No university is listed within Herford district. Nearby choices include Bielefeld University, HSBI, FHM and Fachhochschule der Diakonie in Bielefeld. Living here therefore means planning a commute: direct trains reach Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof, followed by a separate campus journey; Bielefeld University directs passengers onwards by Stadtbahn line 4 ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/herford/bielefeld.shtml), [university directions](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/uni/anreise-kontakt/anreise/)). Herford is worth considering if you prefer living outside the university city or want links to local industry. Hettich offers apprenticeships and dual study, alongside opportunities for enrolled students ([training routes](https://ausbildung.hettich.com/), [student opportunities](https://karriere.hettich.com/category/studierende/3c305d1a-c36c-5a86-a73b-921717271cbb)).

- **Hochschule Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI)** (Bielefeld) — 18 km away, 67 courses
- **Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM)** (Bielefeld) — 18 km away, 48 courses
- **Bielefeld University** (Bielefeld) — 18 km away, 173 courses
- **Fachhochschule der Diakonie - Diaconia - University of Applied Sciences** (Bielefeld) — 20 km away, 9 courses
- **Berufsakademie Melle** (Melle, Wiehengeb) — 21 km away, 2 courses

## Housing

Start with private shared flats and ordinary rental apartments. WWS publishes local apartment offers, while WG-Gesucht has a Herford search page ([WWS](https://www.wws-herford.de/wohnen/wohnungsangebote/), [WG-Gesucht](https://www.wg-gesucht.de/wg-zimmer-und-wohnungen-in-Herford.225.0+2.1.0.html)). The city’s Mietspiegel provides a useful cold-rent benchmark, but does not establish how easily a student can find a room or what a furnished room will cost ([City of Herford](https://www.herford.de/Mietspiegel)).

**How to find a place**

- Set up a Herford search alert on WG-Gesucht, checking both shared rooms and small apartments ([Herford listings](https://www.wg-gesucht.de/wg-zimmer-und-wohnungen-in-Herford.225.0+2.1.0.html)).
- Check WWS Herford’s apartment portal and contact the provider about suitable smaller properties ([WWS housing offers](https://www.wws-herford.de/wohnen/wohnungsangebote/)).
- Compare an apartment’s cold rent with the correct size, building-age and location category in the official Mietspiegel; ask separately about heating and other charges ([City of Herford](https://www.herford.de/Mietspiegel)).
- Before signing, test the full journey from the address to your teaching building, including the connection from Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof and the return after evening classes ([DB journey planner](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/herford/bielefeld.shtml), [Bielefeld University directions](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/uni/anreise-kontakt/anreise/)).

## Cost of living

Budget for warm rent rather than the cold rent alone: Herford’s official rent table excludes operating costs ([Mietspiegel](https://mieterbund-owl.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mietspiegel_Herford.pdf)). For students enrolled at Bielefeld University, the winter 2026/27 semester contribution is €351.65, including €226.80 for the Germany-wide semester ticket ([Bielefeld University](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/studium/studierende/studienorganisation/rueckmeldung/)). The ordinary Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026; check whether your institution already provides a semester ticket before buying it separately ([WestfalenTarif](https://www.westfalentarif.de/news/deutschlandticket)). Compare actual housing offers and commuting costs before assuming that living here will save money over Bielefeld.

## Jobs & employers

Furniture fittings, domestic appliances and healthcare provide useful starting points for career research: Hettich operates district sites, Miele has its Bünde plant, and Kreiskliniken Herford-Bünde runs hospitals in both towns ([Hettich](https://karriere.hettich.com/), [Miele](https://www.miele.de/c/miele-werk-buende-4923.htm), [Kreiskliniken](https://kkhb.de/)). Hettich explicitly offers internships, working-student positions and degree projects. Local restaurant careers pages also confirm service and kitchen work suitable for part-time job searches ([Hettich students](https://karriere.hettich.com/category/studierende/3c305d1a-c36c-5a86-a73b-921717271cbb), [FÖGE](https://www.foege-herford.de/seite/jobs), [Gourmet World](https://www.gourmetworld-hf.de/karriere)).

- Engineering and technical-project working-student roles at Hettich in Kirchlengern ([student careers](https://karriere.hettich.com/category/studierende/3c305d1a-c36c-5a86-a73b-921717271cbb)).
- Restaurant and event-service shifts, including student-compatible casual work at FÖGE in Herford ([FÖGE careers](https://www.foege-herford.de/seite/jobs)).
- Kitchen assistance and restaurant-service work on part-time or minijob contracts ([Gourmet World Herford careers](https://www.gourmetworld-hf.de/karriere)).

- **Hettich** (Furniture fittings and manufacturing): District locations include Kirchlengern/Bünde, Spenge and Vlotho; local operations specialise in hinges, runners and drawer systems ([Hettich careers and locations](https://karriere.hettich.com/)).
- **Miele — Bünde plant** (Domestic appliances): Develops and manufactures hobs, steam ovens and warming drawers at its Bünde plant ([Miele](https://www.miele.de/c/miele-werk-buende-4923.htm)).
- **Kreiskliniken Herford-Bünde** (Healthcare): Operates Klinikum Herford and Lukas-Krankenhaus Bünde; its careers portal covers employment and training routes ([hospital group](https://kkhb.de/), [careers](https://kkhb.de/karriere)).

## Getting around

Regional rail links connect the main towns, with local and regional buses serving surrounding neighbourhoods ([district transport overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahverkehr_im_Kreis_Herford)). DB’s checked examples for Herford–Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof take 6–17 minutes without changing; these are station-to-station examples, not a complete university commute ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/herford/bielefeld.shtml)). Bielefeld University gives approximately seven minutes on Stadtbahn line 4 from Hauptbahnhof to Universität, before allowing for interchange and walking ([university directions](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/uni/anreise-kontakt/anreise/)). The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local buses, Stadtbahn and regional trains in second class, but not standard IC, EC or ICE journeys ([WestfalenTarif](https://www.westfalentarif.de/news/deutschlandticket)). Check evening and weekend connections for the exact address before choosing accommodation.

- Station: Herford — regional interchange with long-distance services ([transport overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahverkehr_im_Kreis_Herford)).
- Station: Bünde (Westf) — regional connections and long-distance services ([transport overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahverkehr_im_Kreis_Herford)).
- Station: Löhne (Westf) — regional railway junction ([transport overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahverkehr_im_Kreis_Herford)).
- Nearest airport: Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport (PAD) — The nearest commercial airport to Herford town according to the checked airport comparison; access by public transport involves a train to Paderborn and an onward airport bus. Compare the full connection with your flight time ([airport comparison](https://www.rome2rio.com/de/s/Nearby-Airports/Herford), [airport access information](https://www.airport-pad.com/en/flights-journey/parking-overnight-stay/access-to-the-airport/)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 3 °C, 69 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 10 °C, 52 mm rain a month, 5.6 h sun a day
- Summer: 18.1 °C, 72 mm rain a month, 6.9 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.4 °C, 65 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect cool, often damp winters, changeable spring and autumn weather, and generally mild summers with occasional hot days. A waterproof jacket and good bicycle lights are sensible for commuting. Summer offers more opportunities for outdoor evenings and trips to Hücker Moor, while Marta is an indoor option throughout the colder part of the year ([Hücker Moor](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ausflugsziele/mein-ziel/huecker-moor), [Marta](https://marta-herford.de/architektur-konzept/)).

## Culture & language

Marta gives Herford a substantial contemporary-art venue, while the Hoeker-Fest brings live music and local associations into the town centre ([Marta](https://marta-herford.de/architektur-konzept/), [Hoeker-Fest](https://herford-erleben.herford.de/Events/Veranstaltungen-vom-Stadtmarketing/Hoeker-Fest-2026.php?object=tx,3156.176.1)). Regional heritage also includes Low German: the Kreisheimatverein maintains conversation activities, publications and recorded local place names ([Kreisheimatverein](https://www.kreisheimatverein.de/wissen/plattdeutsch/)). For a student, these are useful routes into local life; if frequent campus evenings are central to your plans, weigh the return journey to Herford when choosing where to live.

Plan to use practical German for apartment viewings, official appointments and customer-facing work; do not assume English will be available in every situation. As a personal learning goal, B1–B2 German would make independent everyday life easier, rather than being a district-wide formal requirement. Standard German is the everyday language, with a regional accent; Low German remains part of local heritage and organised activities ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Herford), [Kreisheimatverein](https://www.kreisheimatverein.de/wissen/plattdeutsch/)).

## Local food

- **Westfälischer Pickert**: A regional potato-based pancake, served with sweet or savoury accompaniments such as compote or liver sausage ([regional food guide](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ueberblick/regionale-kueche)).
- **Pumpernickel**: The traditional Westphalian dark rye bread, with a dense texture and mildly sweet flavour ([regional food guide](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ueberblick/regionale-kueche)).
- **Westfälischer Schinken**: Smoked, matured ham associated with the wider Westphalian region, often eaten with bread ([regional food guide](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ueberblick/regionale-kueche)).

## Events

- **Herford Hoeker-Fest** (Summer; the announced 2027 edition runs 30 June–4 July.): An annual town-centre festival with live music, food stalls and activities across several squares; the organiser describes admission as free ([official festival page](https://herford-erleben.herford.de/Events/Veranstaltungen-vom-Stadtmarketing/Hoeker-Fest-2026.php?object=tx,3156.176.1)).
- **Bünder Zwiebelmarkt** (September; the confirmed 2026 edition ran 24–27 September.): Bünde’s recurring town festival combines fairground rides, market stalls, live music and food ([City of Bünde](https://www.buende.de/Freizeit-Tourismus/Stadtfeste/Zwiebelmarkt)).

## Places to see

- **Marta Herford** (Museum): Contemporary art with connections to architecture and design, housed in Frank Gehry’s curved brick-and-metal museum building ([Marta Herford](https://marta-herford.de/architektur-konzept/)).
- **Burg Vlotho** (Castle): Castle ruins on the Amtshausberg with views over the Weser valley. The tourism board lists entry as free ([visitor information](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ausflugsziele/mein-ziel/burg-vlotho)).
- **Hücker Moor** (Lake): A small lake in Spenge with rowing-boat hire and waterside restaurants, accessible on local cycling routes ([Teutoburger Wald Tourism](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ausflugsziele/mein-ziel/huecker-moor)).

## FAQ

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

It is worth considering if you are comfortable commuting and prefer to live outside Bielefeld. Herford town has direct trains to Bielefeld, but compare the full journey to your campus and the last connection home before choosing an address ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/herford/bielefeld.shtml), [university directions](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/uni/anreise-kontakt/anreise/)).

### Is there a university in Herford district?

Where Is My Uni?’s catalogue lists no university within Herford district. Nearby options include Bielefeld University, HSBI, FHM and Fachhochschule der Diakonie in Bielefeld.

### How do I get from Herford to Bielefeld University?

Take a direct train from Herford to Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof, then Stadtbahn line 4 towards the Universität stop. DB’s checked train examples take 6–17 minutes, and the university gives about seven minutes for the Stadtbahn leg; add transfer and walking time ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/herford/bielefeld.shtml), [Bielefeld University](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/uni/anreise-kontakt/anreise/)).

### Is Herford expensive for students?

There is no verified student-specific monthly budget for the district. Herford’s 2025 rent table gives mean cold rents of €7.18–€10.72 per square metre across building-age categories for apartments up to 40 m², before adjustments and running costs; this is not a shared-room price ([official rent table](https://mieterbund-owl.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mietspiegel_Herford.pdf)).

### What jobs can students find in Herford district?

Verified routes include Hettich’s working-student and internship opportunities, restaurant service at FÖGE, and kitchen or service work at Gourmet World Herford. Availability changes, so use the employers’ careers pages ([Hettich](https://karriere.hettich.com/category/studierende/3c305d1a-c36c-5a86-a73b-921717271cbb), [FÖGE](https://www.foege-herford.de/seite/jobs), [Gourmet World](https://www.gourmetworld-hf.de/karriere)).

### Are there Studierendenwerk residences in Herford district?

No Herford-district residence appears in the checked Studierendenwerk Bielefeld directory, which lists locations in Bielefeld, Detmold and Minden. For housing within Herford district, start with private rentals and local housing providers ([residence directory](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen), [WWS Herford](https://www.wws-herford.de/wohnen/wohnungsangebote/)).

## Sources

- [Wikipedia — Herford district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Herford)
- [City of Herford — official Mietspiegel information](https://www.herford.de/Mietspiegel)
- [Herford Mietspiegel 2025 — city publication hosted by Mieterbund OWL](https://mieterbund-owl.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mietspiegel_Herford.pdf)
- [WWS Herford — apartment offers](https://www.wws-herford.de/wohnen/wohnungsangebote/)
- [WG-Gesucht — Herford housing search](https://www.wg-gesucht.de/wg-zimmer-und-wohnungen-in-Herford.225.0+2.1.0.html)
- [Studierendenwerk Bielefeld — residence directory](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen)
- [Bielefeld University — semester contribution](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/studium/studierende/studienorganisation/rueckmeldung/)
- [Bielefeld University — travel directions](https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/uni/anreise-kontakt/anreise/)
- [Deutsche Bahn — Herford to Bielefeld](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/herford/bielefeld.shtml)
- [WestfalenTarif — Deutschlandticket](https://www.westfalentarif.de/news/deutschlandticket)
- [Wikipedia — district transport network](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahverkehr_im_Kreis_Herford)
- [Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport — access information](https://www.airport-pad.com/en/flights-journey/parking-overnight-stay/access-to-the-airport/)
- [Rome2Rio — airports near Herford](https://www.rome2rio.com/de/s/Nearby-Airports/Herford)
- [Hettich — careers and locations](https://karriere.hettich.com/)
- [Hettich — student opportunities](https://karriere.hettich.com/category/studierende/3c305d1a-c36c-5a86-a73b-921717271cbb)
- [Hettich — apprenticeships and dual study](https://ausbildung.hettich.com/)
- [Miele — Bünde plant](https://www.miele.de/c/miele-werk-buende-4923.htm)
- [Kreiskliniken Herford-Bünde — hospital group](https://kkhb.de/)
- [Kreiskliniken Herford-Bünde — careers](https://kkhb.de/karriere)
- [FÖGE Herford — careers](https://www.foege-herford.de/seite/jobs)
- [Gourmet World Herford — careers](https://www.gourmetworld-hf.de/karriere)
- [Marta Herford — architecture and museum concept](https://marta-herford.de/architektur-konzept/)
- [Teutoburger Wald Tourism — Burg Vlotho](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ausflugsziele/mein-ziel/burg-vlotho)
- [Teutoburger Wald Tourism — Hücker Moor](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ausflugsziele/mein-ziel/huecker-moor)
- [Teutoburger Wald Tourism — regional food](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ueberblick/regionale-kueche)
- [Herford city marketing — Hoeker-Fest](https://herford-erleben.herford.de/Events/Veranstaltungen-vom-Stadtmarketing/Hoeker-Fest-2026.php?object=tx,3156.176.1)
- [City of Bünde — Zwiebelmarkt](https://www.buende.de/Freizeit-Tourismus/Stadtfeste/Zwiebelmarkt)
- [Kreisheimatverein Herford — Low German heritage](https://www.kreisheimatverein.de/wissen/plattdeutsch/)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Herford town hall photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Herford_-_2014-07-20_-_Rathaus_(01).jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Marta entrance photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MARTa_Herford_Eingangsbereich.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Hücker Moor aerial photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:H%C3%BCcker_Moor.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/north-rhine-westphalia/herford-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).