# Study in Lippe district, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Lippe is a rural district (Landkreis) in North Rhine-Westphalia with 347,149 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has 3 universities: Detmold University of Music (Detmold), OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Lemgo), Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe (Lemgo). Summers average 17.5 °C and winters 2.3 °C, with about 861 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Lippe is a district of historic towns and wooded hills, with student life centred on Detmold and Lemgo.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 347,149 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,246.21 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 3 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lemgo (4 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €361.80/month plus electricity — Listed warm rent for an unfurnished room in a two-person shared flat at Gutenbergstraße 1/13, Detmold; internet included, electricity extra. Operator’s undated listing checked November 2026; not a district-wide average. | [source](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/wohnanlage/wohnanlage-gutenbergstrasse-1-13-detmold) |
| Mean temperature | 9.7 °C (summer 17.5 °C, winter 2.3 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 861 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,488 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Lippe district

Lippe lies in northeastern North Rhine-Westphalia, adjoining Bielefeld and Lower Saxony. Detmold is its administrative centre; the district also preserves the identity of the former state of Lippe. ([District background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Lippe))

The landscape combines historic town centres with the wooded hills of the Teutoburg Forest. The Hermannsdenkmal, Externsteine sandstone formations and Renaissance castles are prominent local landmarks. For students, this means opportunities for walking and cultural outings alongside everyday campus life. ([Regional tourism board](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ueberblick/regionen/land-des-hermann))

- **Detmold**: The district’s administrative centre, with a historic residential palace in the town centre. ([District background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Lippe), [Regional tourism board](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ueberblick/regionen/land-des-hermann))
- **Lemgo**: A university town where the Innovation Campus connects with a historic centre of half-timbered buildings and museums. ([Innovation Campus Lemgo](https://www.icl-owl.de/en/lemgo/kultur-freizeit))
- **Bad Salzuflen**: A spa town known for its brine graduation structures beside the Kurpark. ([Staatsbad Salzuflen](https://www.staatsbad-salzuflen.de/sole-kneipp/gradierwerke))
- **Lage**: A useful railway interchange where the RB72, RB73 and RE82 routes meet. ([Eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-73/))
- **Horn-Bad Meinberg**: Home to the Externsteine sandstone formations and surrounding protected landscape. ([Regional tourism board](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ausflugsziele/externsteine-mythischer-ort-im-teutoburger-wald))

## Universities

Student life centres on Detmold University of Music and TH OWL, whose English name is OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Student housing is available in Detmold and Lemgo. ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnen-faq), [TH OWL](https://www.th-owl.de/en/studies/application-and-enrollment/semester-dues/), [Housing directory](https://www.th-owl.de/studium/studienstart/wohnen-in-owl/)) Choose accommodation around your actual teaching location: Lemgo has the RB73 connection to Bielefeld, while Detmold has the RE82. Add the journey between station and campus when comparing addresses. ([Eurobahn routes](https://www.eurobahn.de/download-center/)) Lippe is worth considering if you enjoy smaller-town routines, historic surroundings and outdoor breaks.

- **Detmold University of Music** (Detmold) — 30 courses
- **OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts** (Lemgo) — 6 courses
- **Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe** (Lemgo) — 0 courses

## Housing

Purpose-built student accommodation exists, but do not assume an immediate place is available. The Mozartstraße residence in Detmold currently lists a three-to-four-semester wait for its furnished apartments. This describes that accommodation category, not the whole private rental market. Search for shared flats alongside residence applications. ([Mozartstraße residence](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/wohnanlage/wohnanlage-mozartstrasse-17-detmold))

**How to find a place**

- For Lemgo, contact Landesverband Lippe about its Lüttfeld and Liebigstraße residences near TH OWL. ([Landesverband Lippe](https://www.landesverband-lippe.de/angebote/immobilien/liegenschaften/studentenwohnheime/))
- Apply to Studierendenwerk Bielefeld once you have your admission letter, and keep the application active by responding to its confirmation emails. ([Application guidance](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnen-faq))
- Check WG-Gesucht and Kleinanzeigen for shared rooms: the Studierendenwerk explains that existing residents often choose new flatmates through these platforms. ([Shared-flat guidance](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnen-faq))
- Use TH OWL’s housing directory and the AStA housing noticeboards for Detmold and Lemgo. Confirm prices directly with the operator, because university directory figures can lag behind residence pages. ([TH OWL housing directory](https://www.th-owl.de/studium/studienstart/wohnen-in-owl/))

**Student residences**

- [Wohnanlage Mozartstraße 17, Detmold](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/wohnanlage/wohnanlage-mozartstrasse-17-detmold) (Studierendenwerk Bielefeld): Residence above the music university, with music practice rooms in the building. ([Official residence page](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/wohnanlage/wohnanlage-mozartstrasse-17-detmold))
- [Wohnanlage Gutenbergstraße 1/13, Detmold](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/wohnanlage/wohnanlage-gutenbergstrasse-1-13-detmold) (Studierendenwerk Bielefeld): Two-person shared flats, with furnished and unfurnished options; electricity is billed separately. ([Official residence page](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/wohnanlage/wohnanlage-gutenbergstrasse-1-13-detmold))
- [Studentenwohnheim Lemgo — Lüttfeld and Liebigstraße](https://www.landesverband-lippe.de/angebote/immobilien/liegenschaften/studentenwohnheime/) (Landesverband Lippe): Student accommodation at Lüttfeld 15/15a and Liebigstraße 55/57/59/61, close to TH OWL. ([Landesverband Lippe](https://www.landesverband-lippe.de/angebote/immobilien/liegenschaften/studentenwohnheime/))

## Cost of living

For a concrete housing benchmark, furnished apartments at Mozartstraße in Detmold are listed at €309.10–€436.10 monthly, including electricity and internet, checked November 2026. Availability is separate from price. ([Residence operator](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/wohnanlage/wohnanlage-mozartstrasse-17-detmold)) TH OWL’s winter-semester 2026/27 contribution is €352.80 and includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket. ([TH OWL semester dues](https://www.th-owl.de/en/studies/application-and-enrollment/semester-dues/)) These provide useful budget anchors, but there is insufficient comparable evidence here to quantify savings against a large German city.

## Jobs & employers

Industrial technology and specialist manufacturing offer concrete starting points for a student job search. Phoenix Contact lists student roles in Blomberg, Weidmüller recruits working students in Detmold, and Brasseler’s portal includes development-engineering work for students. Match applications to your subject and skills; these examples do not guarantee a vacancy when you apply. ([Phoenix Contact](https://www.phoenixcontact.com/de-de/karriere/jobboerse/jobboerse-studierende), [Weidmüller](https://www.weidmueller.com/int/jobboard/stellenangebote.html), [Brasseler](https://karriere.brasseler.de/))

- Working-student roles in product management and process optimisation at Phoenix Contact in Blomberg. ([Student careers portal](https://www.phoenixcontact.com/de-de/karriere/jobboerse/jobboerse-studierende))
- IT and AI-related working-student roles at Weidmüller in Detmold. ([Careers portal](https://www.weidmueller.com/int/jobboard/stellenangebote.html))
- Marketing and exhibition/showroom support at Weidmüller in Detmold. ([Careers portal](https://www.weidmueller.com/int/jobboard/stellenangebote.html))
- Development-engineering student work at Brasseler. ([Careers portal](https://karriere.brasseler.de/))

- **Phoenix Contact** (Electrical connection and automation technology): Its student careers portal lists Blomberg-based roles, including product management and process optimisation. ([Phoenix Contact](https://www.phoenixcontact.com/de-de/karriere/jobboerse/jobboerse-studierende))
- **Weidmüller** (Industrial connectivity and electrical technology): Based on Klingenbergstraße in Detmold, with products including terminal blocks and power supplies. ([Company website](https://www.weidmueller.com/int/index.jsp))
- **Gebr. Brasseler** (Medical and precision instruments): A substantial Lemgo employer producing Komet instruments for dentistry, surgery and jewellery manufacture. ([Company profile](https://brasseler.de/unternehmen/))

## Getting around

The RB73 connects Lemgo and Lemgo-Lüttfeld with Bielefeld; its published timetable gives roughly 40 minutes between Bielefeld Hbf and Lemgo-Lüttfeld. ([RB73 timetable](https://www.eurobahn.de/fileadmin/dokumente/fahrplaene/ENP2026/RB73_Fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf)) The RE82 takes about 31 minutes between Detmold and Bielefeld Hbf on typical daytime services. These are scheduled station-to-station times, so check your travel date for changes. ([RE82 timetable](https://www.eurobahn.de/fileadmin/dokumente/fahrplaene/ENP2026/RE82_Fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf)) Lippemobil provides local transport information; the Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local buses and regional trains, but generally excludes IC, EC and ICE services. ([Lippemobil](https://www.lippemobil.de/de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)) Before choosing a village address, check both the morning journey and the last connection home.

- Station: Lage (Lippe): interchange for RB72, RB73 and RE82. ([Eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-73/))
- Station: Detmold: RE82 connection towards Bielefeld and Altenbeken. ([Eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/download-center/))
- Station: Lemgo and Lemgo-Lüttfeld: RB73 stations on the Bielefeld route. ([Eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-73/))
- Nearest airport: Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport (PAD) — A regional airport option for Lippe. From Paderborn Hbf, the airport lists the S60 express bus with a journey of about 20 minutes. Compare the complete journey from your town before booking. ([Airport access information](https://www.airport-pad.com/de/fluege-reisen/anreisen-parken-uebernachten/anreisen/))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2.3 °C, 77 mm rain a month, 1.4 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.3 °C, 58 mm rain a month, 5.3 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.5 °C, 81 mm rain a month, 6.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9.8 °C, 71 mm rain a month, 3 h sun a day

Expect cool, often grey winters, milder spring days and moderately warm summers, with rain possible throughout the year. Waterproof layers are useful for everyday travel and outdoor breaks. Longer summer evenings suit walks around Lemgo’s ramparts and nearby woodland. ([Local recreation guide](https://www.icl-owl.de/en/lemgo/leben-wohnen)) Late autumn brings Detmold’s Andreasmesse, followed by Kläschen in Lemgo in early December. ([Detmold](https://www.detmold.de/kultur/maerkte-und-feste/andreasmesse), [Lemgo](https://www.lemgo.de/kultur-und-tourismus/veranstaltungen-events/maerkte-feste/klaeschen))

## Culture & language

Lippe has a distinct regional identity rooted in its former statehood; the Lippe rose also appears in North Rhine-Westphalia’s coat of arms. ([Historical background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Lippe)) In Lemgo, the local cultural offer includes handball, concerts and comedy at the PHOENIX CONTACT arena, the Hansa cinema and museums. Its campus guide also points to pubs and places to meet beside the Bega. Expect a social routine built around particular venues and events; check their programmes when deciding whether the town suits you. ([Culture guide](https://www.icl-owl.de/en/lemgo/kultur-freizeit), [Going-out guide](https://www.icl-owl.de/en/lemgo/essen-ausgehen))

Do not plan an English-only daily routine. As practical preparation, aim for conversational German for housing, appointments and work; B1–B2 is a useful personal target, not a universal admission requirement. TH OWL offers German as a foreign language and directs international students to its International Office for course information. Check the language requirements of your own programme separately. ([TH OWL language courses](https://www.th-owl.de/en/fremdsprachen/translate-to-englisch-kostenlose-kursangebote/))

## Local food

- **Lippischer Pickert**: A traditional potato-based speciality associated with Lippe. ([Regional tourism board](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ueberblick/regionen/land-des-hermann))
- **Lippische Palme**: The local nickname for kale, a recognised regional food tradition. ([Regional tourism board](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ueberblick/regionen/land-des-hermann))
- **Lemgoer Strohsemmel**: A traditional bread roll particularly associated with Lemgo’s bakeries. ([Innovation Campus Lemgo](https://www.icl-owl.de/en/lemgo/essen-ausgehen))

## Events

- **Andreasmesse, Detmold** (Late November; 25–29 November in 2026): An annual fair held in the week before the first Advent, with rides and stalls in the historic centre and on Kronenplatz. ([City of Detmold](https://www.detmold.de/kultur/maerkte-und-feste/andreasmesse))
- **Kläschen, Lemgo** (Early December; 3–6 December in 2026): Lemgo’s annual Christmas fair around St Nicholas Day combines town-centre stalls with fairground rides. ([City of Lemgo](https://www.lemgo.de/kultur-und-tourismus/veranstaltungen-events/maerkte-feste/klaeschen))

## Places to see

- **Hermannsdenkmal** (Landmark): The monument to Hermann/Arminius above Detmold is a focal point for exploring the surrounding forest. ([Visitor information](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ausflugsziele/mein-ziel/hermannsdenkmal))
- **Externsteine** (Nature): Distinctive sandstone towers in the protected landscape at Horn-Bad Meinberg. ([Visitor information](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ausflugsziele/externsteine-mythischer-ort-im-teutoburger-wald))
- **Fürstliches Residenzschloss Detmold** (Castle): A former princely residence with historic interiors illustrating several periods of court life. ([Regional tourism board](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ueberblick/regionen/land-des-hermann))
- **Lemgo old town and ramparts** (Old town): Explore the historic centre, then follow the surrounding ramparts for a walk or jog. ([Local living guide](https://www.icl-owl.de/en/lemgo/leben-wohnen))
- **Junkerhaus, Lemgo** (Museum): An unusual wooden house highlighted in the campus cultural guide alongside the town’s historic architecture. ([Culture guide](https://www.icl-owl.de/en/lemgo/kultur-freizeit))

## FAQ

### Is Lippe a good place to live as a student?

Consider Lippe if you want smaller-town surroundings and outdoor recreation. Lemgo combines campus life with a historic centre, cinema, museums and arena events; choosing accommodation near your teaching location is the most practical starting point. ([Lemgo cultural guide](https://www.icl-owl.de/en/lemgo/kultur-freizeit))

### Are there universities in Lippe?

Yes. Detmold University of Music and TH OWL serve students in the district; student housing is available in Detmold and Lemgo. ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnen-faq), [TH OWL housing directory](https://www.th-owl.de/studium/studienstart/wohnen-in-owl/))

### How do I travel from Lippe to Bielefeld?

The RE82 typically takes about 31 minutes from Detmold to Bielefeld Hbf. From Lemgo-Lüttfeld, the RB73 takes roughly 40 minutes; allow extra time for reaching your final destination and check current disruptions. ([RE82 timetable](https://www.eurobahn.de/fileadmin/dokumente/fahrplaene/ENP2026/RE82_Fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf), [RB73 timetable](https://www.eurobahn.de/fileadmin/dokumente/fahrplaene/ENP2026/RB73_Fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf))

### How much does student housing in Lippe cost?

One published example is €361.80 per month for an unfurnished room in a two-person flat at Gutenbergstraße in Detmold, including internet but excluding electricity, checked November 2026. This is a residence-specific price, not the average rent across Lippe. ([Residence operator](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/wohnanlage/wohnanlage-gutenbergstrasse-1-13-detmold))

### What jobs can students find in Lippe?

Verified examples include working-student roles in product management at Phoenix Contact in Blomberg and IT or marketing at Weidmüller in Detmold. Search their main careers portals because individual openings change. ([Phoenix Contact](https://www.phoenixcontact.com/de-de/karriere/jobboerse/jobboerse-studierende), [Weidmüller](https://www.weidmueller.com/int/jobboard/stellenangebote.html))

### Does TH OWL’s semester contribution include public transport?

Yes. TH OWL’s winter-semester 2026/27 contribution includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket for public local and regional transport throughout Germany. ([TH OWL](https://www.th-owl.de/en/studies/application-and-enrollment/semester-dues/))

## Sources

- [District geography and historical background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Lippe)
- [Teutoburg Forest tourism: Lippe](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ueberblick/regionen/land-des-hermann)
- [Studierendenwerk housing FAQ](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnen-faq)
- [Mozartstraße residence, Detmold](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/wohnanlage/wohnanlage-mozartstrasse-17-detmold)
- [Gutenbergstraße residence, Detmold](https://www.studierendenwerk-bielefeld.de/wohnen/wohnanlagen/wohnanlage/wohnanlage-gutenbergstrasse-1-13-detmold)
- [Landesverband Lippe student residences](https://www.landesverband-lippe.de/angebote/immobilien/liegenschaften/studentenwohnheime/)
- [TH OWL housing directory](https://www.th-owl.de/studium/studienstart/wohnen-in-owl/)
- [TH OWL semester contribution and ticket](https://www.th-owl.de/en/studies/application-and-enrollment/semester-dues/)
- [TH OWL language courses](https://www.th-owl.de/en/fremdsprachen/translate-to-englisch-kostenlose-kursangebote/)
- [Phoenix Contact student careers](https://www.phoenixcontact.com/de-de/karriere/jobboerse/jobboerse-studierende)
- [Weidmüller company website](https://www.weidmueller.com/int/index.jsp)
- [Weidmüller careers portal](https://www.weidmueller.com/int/jobboard/stellenangebote.html)
- [Brasseler company profile](https://brasseler.de/unternehmen/)
- [Brasseler careers portal](https://karriere.brasseler.de/)
- [Eurobahn route and timetable directory](https://www.eurobahn.de/download-center/)
- [Eurobahn RB73 route and stations](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/rb-73/)
- [RB73 published timetable 2025/26](https://www.eurobahn.de/fileadmin/dokumente/fahrplaene/ENP2026/RB73_Fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf)
- [RE82 published timetable 2025/26](https://www.eurobahn.de/fileadmin/dokumente/fahrplaene/ENP2026/RE82_Fahrplan_2025_2026.pdf)
- [Lippemobil Deutschlandticket information](https://www.lippemobil.de/de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)
- [Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport access](https://www.airport-pad.com/de/fluege-reisen/anreisen-parken-uebernachten/anreisen/)
- [Innovation Campus Lemgo: culture and leisure](https://www.icl-owl.de/en/lemgo/kultur-freizeit)
- [Innovation Campus Lemgo: dining and going out](https://www.icl-owl.de/en/lemgo/essen-ausgehen)
- [Innovation Campus Lemgo: living and recreation](https://www.icl-owl.de/en/lemgo/leben-wohnen)
- [Bad Salzuflen graduation structures](https://www.staatsbad-salzuflen.de/sole-kneipp/gradierwerke)
- [City of Detmold: Andreasmesse](https://www.detmold.de/kultur/maerkte-und-feste/andreasmesse)
- [City of Lemgo: Kläschen](https://www.lemgo.de/kultur-und-tourismus/veranstaltungen-events/maerkte-feste/klaeschen)
- [Hermannsdenkmal visitor information](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ausflugsziele/mein-ziel/hermannsdenkmal)
- [Externsteine visitor information](https://www.teutoburgerwald.de/region/ausflugsziele/externsteine-mythischer-ort-im-teutoburger-wald)
- [Commons: Schloss Detmold photograph and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schloss_Detmold.jpg)
- [Commons: Lemgo town hall photograph and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lemgo_-_Rathaus_(9).jpg)
- [Commons: Externsteine photograph and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NSG_Externsteine_(63).jpg)

---

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/lippe-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).