# Study in Oberbergischer Kreis district, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Oberbergischer Kreis is a rural district (Landkreis) in North Rhine-Westphalia with 274,057 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Oberbergischer Kreis district itself; the nearest is WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management in Düsseldorf, about 30 km away. Summers average 17.9 °C and winters 3 °C, with about 1,292 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Oberbergischer Kreis is a wooded, hilly district.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 274,057 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 918.85 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, Düsseldorf (30 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €287–297 per month — Published warm rent for a room in a shared flat at Am Sandberg 7, 9, 11 in Gummersbach, effective April 2025; this is a residence-specific range, not a district average or a confirmed November 2026 quotation. | [source](https://www.kstw.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Wohnen/Wohnheime/UEbersicht_Wohnheime_ab_04.2025.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 10.3 °C (summer 17.9 °C, winter 3 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 1,292 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,549 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Oberbergischer Kreis district

Oberbergischer Kreis belongs to the Bergisches Land in southern North Rhine-Westphalia. Gummersbach is its administrative centre; the surrounding landscape combines wooded hills, villages, farmland and reservoirs ([district overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberbergischer_Kreis)).

Industry and outdoor recreation sit close together here. Gummersbach has manufacturing businesses and an engineering-services cluster around the Steinmüller site, while the nearby Aggertalsperre offers walking and designated swimming opportunities ([Gummersbach economy](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/wirtschaft/wirtschaftsfoerderung/standortinformationen.html), [reservoirs](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/hier-zu-gast/ausflugsziele-und-aktivitaeten/sehenswuerdigkeiten/talsperren.html)).

- **Gummersbach**: The district's administrative centre and an important starting point for local journeys ([district overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberbergischer_Kreis), [transport](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/hier-zu-gast/lageplan-anfahrt.html)).
- **Wiehl**: Home to BPW Bergische Achsen, which offers industrial placements and thesis opportunities ([BPW](https://www.bpw.de/karriere/studium)).
- **Engelskirchen**: A useful location to consider for rail commuting because the RB25 serves both Engelskirchen and Ründeroth ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-25)).
- **Waldbröl**: Home to a Klinikum Oberberg hospital and a recurring town-centre fair ([Klinikum Oberberg](https://www.klinikum-oberberg.de/karriereausbildung/pj-studenten-famulanten), [Waldbröl](https://www.waldbroel.de/waldbroeler-stadtfest-2026/)).
- **Lindlar**: Known for its open-air museum of Bergisches Land buildings, crafts and rural life ([Tourismus NRW](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/barrierefrei/lvr-freilichtmuseum-lindlar)).

## Nearest universities

The supplied university catalogue contains no university entry for this district; however, the local Studierendenwerk's housing pages explicitly refer to a TH campus in Gummersbach, so the empty list should not be read as proof that there is no local teaching ([Kölner Studierendenwerk](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/Am-sandberg-7-9-11)). The supplied nearby options include institutions in Cologne, Sankt Augustin, Wuppertal, Siegen and Düsseldorf. For those studying outside the district, test the full journey to your actual campus before choosing accommodation: Cologne–Gummersbach regional trains take roughly 70 minutes before onward travel ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/koeln/gummersbach.shtml)). This is worth considering if you value countryside access or have a local placement; BPW also advertises cooperative study and apprenticeship routes in Wiehl ([BPW careers](https://stellen.bpw.de/go/Alle-Stellenangebote/9137955/)).

- **WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management** (Düsseldorf) — 30 km away, 9 courses
- **Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, University of Applied Sciences** (Sankt Augustin) — 35 km away, 39 courses
- **ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln** (Köln) — 36 km away, 3 courses
- **Bergische Universität Wuppertal** (Wuppertal) — 36 km away, 276 courses
- **University of Siegen** (Siegen) — 38 km away, 251 courses

## Housing

Gummersbach has dedicated student residences as well as private shared-room listings. The verified residence prices offer a useful starting point, but they do not establish that the whole district has a relaxed rental market. Studierendenwerk accommodation is restricted to eligible students, and a place is not guaranteed ([Kölner Studierendenwerk](https://www.kstw.de/wohnen/auf-wohnungssuche/), [private rooms](https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-auf-zeit-wg/gummersbach/wg-zimmer/k0c199l1883)).

**How to find a place**

- Check Kölner Studierendenwerk's eligible-university list before applying for a Gummersbach residence; do not assume enrolment at any nearby university qualifies ([eligibility and application guidance](https://www.kstw.de/wohnen/auf-wohnungssuche/)).
- Compare Am Sandberg with Reininghauser Straße, including furniture and the journey to your destination ([Am Sandberg](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/Am-sandberg-7-9-11), [Reininghauser Straße](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/reininghauser-str-41-43)).
- Use Kleinanzeigen's Gummersbach shared-housing search and save an alert for suitable rooms ([local search](https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-auf-zeit-wg/gummersbach/wg-zimmer/k0c199l1883)).
- If commuting towards Cologne, compare addresses near the RB25 stations in Gummersbach, Dieringhausen, Ründeroth and Engelskirchen; check the connecting bus and evening return journey before signing ([route and stations](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-25)).

**Student residences**

- [Am Sandberg 7, 9, 11](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/Am-sandberg-7-9-11) (Kölner Studierendenwerk): Gummersbach residence with furnished and unfurnished shared-flat accommodation; the operator lists Am Hepel as the nearby bus stop ([residence details](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/Am-sandberg-7-9-11)).
- [Reininghauser Straße 41, 43](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/reininghauser-str-41-43) (Kölner Studierendenwerk): Gummersbach residence offering furnished rooms in shared flats ([residence details](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/reininghauser-str-41-43)).

## Cost of living

The operator's April 2025 schedule lists monthly warm rents of €287–297 at Am Sandberg and €310–319 at Reininghauser Straße; confirm the current quotation before budgeting ([residence prices](https://www.kstw.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Wohnen/Wohnheime/UEbersicht_Wohnheime_ab_04.2025.pdf)). Its general housing guidance says warm rent includes utilities and internet, but excludes the broadcasting contribution ([rent inclusions](https://www.kstw.de/wohnen/auf-wohnungssuche/)). A standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month as checked in November 2026; check whether your university already provides a semester ticket before buying another subscription ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)). These residence prices are useful budget anchors, but there is insufficient comparable evidence here to promise that private housing or total living costs will be cheaper than Cologne.

## Jobs & employers

Manufacturing, engineering services and healthcare provide concrete routes into local work experience. Gummersbach identifies manufacturing and engineering as local strengths; BPW offers industrial placements in Wiehl, FERCHAU advertises working-student opportunities at its Gummersbach headquarters, and Klinikum Oberberg welcomes medical trainees ([Gummersbach](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/wirtschaft/wirtschaftsfoerderung/standortinformationen.html), [BPW](https://www.bpw.de/karriere/studium), [FERCHAU](https://www.ferchau.com/de/de/bewerber/studenten), [Klinikum Oberberg](https://www.klinikum-oberberg.de/karriereausbildung/pj-studenten-famulanten)). Treat placements, cooperative study and casual jobs as different commitments when planning around classes.

- Working-student roles in business development, product management and key-account support at FERCHAU's Gummersbach headquarters ([FERCHAU](https://www.ferchau.com/de/de/bewerber/studenten)).
- Engineering placements and thesis projects in manufacturing, electrical engineering or business informatics at BPW in Wiehl ([BPW](https://www.bpw.de/karriere/studium)).
- Casual event setup and dismantling work at Halle 32 in Gummersbach ([Halle 32 careers](https://www.halle32.de/die-halle/jobs-karriere/)).
- Medical electives and practical-year placements for appropriately qualified medical students at Klinikum Oberberg; these are training placements rather than general student jobs ([Klinikum Oberberg](https://www.klinikum-oberberg.de/karriereausbildung/pj-studenten-famulanten)).

- **BPW Bergische Achsen** (Industrial manufacturing): Based in Wiehl, with student opportunities involving development, manufacturing and industrial business processes ([BPW](https://www.bpw.de/karriere/studium)).
- **FERCHAU** (Engineering and IT services): Its Gummersbach headquarters houses central functions including IT, business development, marketing and recruiting ([FERCHAU headquarters](https://www.ferchau.com/de/de/ueber-uns/niederlassungen/gummersbach/ferchau-headquarter-113?cHash=ad0292859489ec89ed897d0e63b0e3ae)).
- **Klinikum Oberberg** (Healthcare): Operates hospitals in Gummersbach and Waldbröl and provides medical electives and practical-year training ([Klinikum Oberberg](https://www.klinikum-oberberg.de/karriereausbildung/pj-studenten-famulanten)).

## Getting around

OVAG buses connect Gummersbach with surrounding places, while the RB25 links Cologne with Engelskirchen, Ründeroth, Dieringhausen, Gummersbach and Marienheide ([local transport](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/hier-zu-gast/lageplan-anfahrt.html), [go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-25)). Allow roughly 70 minutes for the Cologne–Gummersbach rail leg, plus travel to your campus ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/koeln/gummersbach.shtml)). As checked in November 2026, construction restrictions are scheduled through 12 December 2026, including reduced through service towards Cologne and replacement buses for some journeys ([RBK Mobil](https://www.rbk-mobil.de/aktuelle-meldungen-rb25)). The Deutschlandticket covers local buses and regional trains ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)). For a home away from the railway, check the complete weekday and weekend timetable rather than judging accessibility from map distance.

- Station: Gummersbach — RB25 and local bus connections ([Gummersbach](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/hier-zu-gast/lageplan-anfahrt.html)).
- Station: Gummersbach-Dieringhausen — RB25 regional service ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-25)).
- Station: Engelskirchen — RB25 regional service ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-25)).
- Station: Marienheide — RB25 regional service ([go.Rheinland](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-25)).
- Nearest airport: Cologne Bonn Airport — Gummersbach's visitor information lists Cologne/Bonn as the closest of its nearby airports, approximately 50 km from the town; plan your onward connection for the actual flight date ([Gummersbach arrival information](https://www.gmerleben.de/service/anreise.html)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 3 °C, 136 mm rain a month, 1.7 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.9 °C, 84 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.9 °C, 102 mm rain a month, 6.6 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.4 °C, 110 mm rain a month, 3.2 h sun a day

Expect cool, wet winters, changeable spring weather and generally mild summers, with rain possible throughout the year. Waterproof layers and shoes are sensible for walking and bus commutes. Summer provides opportunities to visit the designated bathing facilities at the Aggertalsperre; the reservoirs also have walking routes for other seasons ([Gummersbach](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/hier-zu-gast/ausflugsziele-und-aktivitaeten/sehenswuerdigkeiten/talsperren.html)).

## Culture & language

Bergisch traditions are an accessible way into local life: the shared Bergische Kaffeetafel combines coffee, bread, savoury accompaniments and sweet dishes. Community celebrations such as Hückeswagen's Altstadtfest bring together clubs, music and market stalls ([Naturpark Bergisches Land](https://www.naturparkbergischesland.de/typisch-bergisch/genuss/bergische-kaffeetafel), [Altstadtfest report](https://www.oberberg-aktuell.de/hueckeswagen/gemeinsam-in-der-altstadt-feiern-a-136405)).

For evenings out, Gummersbach's Halle 32 programmes music, theatre and comedy, while Schloss Homburg hosts concerts, readings and film screenings ([Halle 32](https://www.halle32.de/), [Schloss Homburg](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/schloesser-burgen/schloss-homburg)). A useful expectation is an event-led social life: check programmes and your return transport rather than assuming a large student club district.

Plan to use German for housing, appointments and local job applications; ask individual employers and services whether English support is available. As practical preparation, aim for conversational B1 and work towards B2 for more confident workplace communication—these are recommendations, not verified local admission requirements. Traditional speech varies across Oberberg, with several dialect areas rather than one uniform local dialect; standard German should be your learning priority ([dialect overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundarten_in_Oberberg)).

## Local food

- **Bergische Kaffeetafel**: A substantial coffee meal with regional breads, butter, quark, preserves, rice pudding, cold cuts and waffles; coffee is traditionally served from a Dröppelmina pot ([Naturpark Bergisches Land](https://www.naturparkbergischesland.de/typisch-bergisch/genuss/bergische-kaffeetafel)).
- **Bergische Waffeln**: Regional waffles commonly served with hot cherries and cream ([Naturpark Bergisches Land](https://www.naturparkbergischesland.de/typisch-bergisch/genuss/bergische-kaffeetafel)).
- **Krentensemel with rice pudding**: Currant bread topped with butter, fruit or beet syrup and firm rice pudding is a traditional part of the Bergische Kaffeetafel ([Naturpark Bergisches Land](https://www.naturparkbergischesland.de/typisch-bergisch/genuss/bergische-kaffeetafel)).

## Events

- **Hückeswagener Altstadtfest** (September; the verified 2026 edition was scheduled for 12–13 September.): A traditional community festival with club stalls, flea-market stands and live music ([Oberberg-Aktuell](https://www.oberberg-aktuell.de/hueckeswagen/gemeinsam-in-der-altstadt-feiern-a-136405)).
- **Waldbröler Stadtfest** (Late May/early June; the verified 2026 edition was scheduled for 29 May–1 June.): A recurring town-centre fair with rides, food stalls and a programme around the market square and adjoining streets ([Waldbröl](https://www.waldbroel.de/waldbroeler-stadtfest-2026/)).

## Places to see

- **Schloss Homburg** (Castle): A castle above Nümbrecht housing the district's museum, with regional-history exhibitions, gardens and cultural events ([Tourismus NRW](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/schloesser-burgen/schloss-homburg)).
- **LVR-Freilichtmuseum Lindlar** (Museum): An open-air museum with relocated Bergisch buildings and demonstrations of rural work and crafts ([Tourismus NRW](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/barrierefrei/lvr-freilichtmuseum-lindlar)).
- **Aggertalsperre** (Lake): A reservoir near Gummersbach with walking routes, designated bathing facilities and boating opportunities ([Gummersbach](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/hier-zu-gast/ausflugsziele-und-aktivitaeten/sehenswuerdigkeiten/talsperren.html)).
- **Genkeltalsperre** (Nature): A protected drinking-water reservoir with a circular walking route; choose it for walking rather than water sports ([Gummersbach](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/hier-zu-gast/ausflugsziele-und-aktivitaeten/sehenswuerdigkeiten/talsperren.html)).

## FAQ

### Is Oberbergischer Kreis a good place to live as a student?

It is worth considering if you value countryside access and can make your campus journey work. Gummersbach has student residences, while the surrounding reservoirs offer walking and recreation ([Kölner Studierendenwerk](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/Am-sandberg-7-9-11), [Gummersbach](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/hier-zu-gast/ausflugsziele-und-aktivitaeten/sehenswuerdigkeiten/talsperren.html)).

### Is there a university in Oberbergischer Kreis?

The supplied catalogue has no university entry for the district, but Kölner Studierendenwerk explicitly identifies a TH campus in Gummersbach. The empty catalogue list therefore needs clarification before being used to claim that students must study outside the district ([Kölner Studierendenwerk](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/Am-sandberg-7-9-11)).

### How do I travel between Gummersbach and Cologne?

The RB25 connects the two cities, with a rail journey of roughly 70 minutes ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/koeln/gummersbach.shtml)). Construction restrictions are scheduled through 12 December 2026, so check your specific journey ([RBK Mobil](https://www.rbk-mobil.de/aktuelle-meldungen-rb25)).

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

Kölner Studierendenwerk's April 2025 schedule lists €287–297 monthly warm rent at Am Sandberg and €310–319 at Reininghauser Straße. These are residence-specific published prices; confirm current rent, eligibility and availability with the operator ([official price list](https://www.kstw.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Wohnen/Wohnheime/UEbersicht_Wohnheime_ab_04.2025.pdf)).

### What jobs can students find in Oberbergischer Kreis?

Verified options include working-student roles at FERCHAU's Gummersbach headquarters, industrial placements at BPW in Wiehl and casual event setup work at Halle 32. Availability and requirements depend on the role ([FERCHAU](https://www.ferchau.com/de/de/bewerber/studenten), [BPW](https://www.bpw.de/karriere/studium), [Halle 32](https://www.halle32.de/die-halle/jobs-karriere/)).

### Can I live in Oberbergischer Kreis without a car?

Start your search near an RB25 station or a suitable bus connection; Gummersbach combines regional rail with local buses ([Gummersbach transport](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/hier-zu-gast/lageplan-anfahrt.html)). Check the last return service and weekend timetable for each address before committing.

## Sources

- [Oberbergischer Kreis — geographical background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberbergischer_Kreis)
- [Gummersbach — business location](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/wirtschaft/wirtschaftsfoerderung/standortinformationen.html)
- [Gummersbach — reservoirs and recreation](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/hier-zu-gast/ausflugsziele-und-aktivitaeten/sehenswuerdigkeiten/talsperren.html)
- [Gummersbach — local transport](https://www.gummersbach.de/de/hier-zu-gast/lageplan-anfahrt.html)
- [Kölner Studierendenwerk — Am Sandberg](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/Am-sandberg-7-9-11)
- [Kölner Studierendenwerk — Reininghauser Straße](https://www.kstw.de/wohnheim/reininghauser-str-41-43)
- [Kölner Studierendenwerk — housing eligibility and rent inclusions](https://www.kstw.de/wohnen/auf-wohnungssuche/)
- [Kölner Studierendenwerk — residence prices effective April 2025](https://www.kstw.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Wohnen/Wohnheime/UEbersicht_Wohnheime_ab_04.2025.pdf)
- [Kleinanzeigen — Gummersbach shared-room search](https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-auf-zeit-wg/gummersbach/wg-zimmer/k0c199l1883)
- [BPW — student placements and theses](https://www.bpw.de/karriere/studium)
- [BPW — careers, apprenticeships and cooperative study](https://stellen.bpw.de/go/Alle-Stellenangebote/9137955/)
- [FERCHAU — Gummersbach headquarters](https://www.ferchau.com/de/de/ueber-uns/niederlassungen/gummersbach/ferchau-headquarter-113?cHash=ad0292859489ec89ed897d0e63b0e3ae)
- [FERCHAU — working-student opportunities](https://www.ferchau.com/de/de/bewerber/studenten)
- [Klinikum Oberberg — medical student placements](https://www.klinikum-oberberg.de/karriereausbildung/pj-studenten-famulanten)
- [Halle 32 — careers and casual work](https://www.halle32.de/die-halle/jobs-karriere/)
- [Halle 32 — cultural programme](https://www.halle32.de/)
- [go.Rheinland — RB25 route and stations](https://www.gorheinland.com/auskunft/linien/linie/rb-25)
- [Deutsche Bahn — Cologne–Gummersbach journey times](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/koeln/gummersbach.shtml)
- [RBK Mobil — RB25 construction restrictions](https://www.rbk-mobil.de/aktuelle-meldungen-rb25)
- [VRR — Deutschlandticket price and validity](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)
- [Gummersbach visitor information — nearby airports](https://www.gmerleben.de/service/anreise.html)
- [Naturpark Bergisches Land — Bergische Kaffeetafel](https://www.naturparkbergischesland.de/typisch-bergisch/genuss/bergische-kaffeetafel)
- [Oberberg-Aktuell — Hückeswagen Altstadtfest 2026](https://www.oberberg-aktuell.de/hueckeswagen/gemeinsam-in-der-altstadt-feiern-a-136405)
- [Waldbröl — Stadtfest 2026](https://www.waldbroel.de/waldbroeler-stadtfest-2026/)
- [Tourismus NRW — Schloss Homburg](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/schloesser-burgen/schloss-homburg)
- [Tourismus NRW — LVR-Freilichtmuseum Lindlar](https://www.nrw-tourismus.de/barrierefrei/lvr-freilichtmuseum-lindlar)
- [Mundarten in Oberberg — dialect background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundarten_in_Oberberg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Aggertalsperre photograph and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aggertalsperre_Halbinsel.JPG)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Schloss Homburg photograph and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schloss_Homburg_(N%C3%BCmbrecht).jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons — Gummersbach panorama and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_von_der_Berstig_auf_Gummersbach.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/oberbergischer-kreis-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).