# Study in Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Solingen is a district-free city in North Rhine-Westphalia with 165,626 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Solingen itself; the nearest is Bergische Universität Wuppertal in Wuppertal, about 11 km away. Summers average 17.8 °C and winters 3.1 °C, with about 1,046 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Solingen is a blade-making city in the Bergisches Land.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 165,626 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 89.54 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Wuppertal (11 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €5.71–6.47/m² monthly base cold rent — A specific comparison-rent bracket in the Solingen Mietspiegel 2025: flats up to 50 m², built in 1955–1970, in the middle location category, before applicable additions and deductions. Excludes operating and heating costs. This is neither a citywide average nor a current advertised student-room price; the publication states that its values are unchanged from 2024. | [source](https://www.mieterbundrbl.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mietspiegel_2025.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 10.3 °C (summer 17.8 °C, winter 3.1 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 1,046 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,572 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Solingen

Solingen is an independent city in North Rhine-Westphalia’s Bergisches Land, neighbouring Wuppertal and Remscheid. Its identity is closely tied to knives, scissors and metalworking—the reason for its name Klingenstadt, or ‘City of Blades’. ([City background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solingen))

Neighbourhood choice matters here: Ohligs contains the main railway station, while Gräfrath has a preserved historic centre around its market square. The Wupper valley offers a different side of the city, including the park beneath Müngsten’s railway bridge. ([Ohligs](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohligs), [Gräfrath](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%A4frath), [Brückenpark Müngsten](https://www.bergisch-mal-drei.de/staedte-kultur/sehenswuerdigkeiten/muengsten))

- **Ohligs**: Home to Solingen Hauptbahnhof and the Düsseldorfer Straße shopping area; a useful starting point when comparing commuter accommodation. ([Ohligs](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohligs))
- **Solingen-Mitte**: The central district includes the Graf-Wilhelm-Platz bus interchange and Südpark, where former railway premises accommodate studios, homes and gastronomy. ([City background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solingen))
- **Gräfrath**: A northern neighbourhood bordering Wuppertal, with a historic market square and the Deutsches Klingenmuseum. ([Gräfrath](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%A4frath))

## Nearest universities

Where Is My Uni? currently lists no university within Solingen. Nearby options include Bergische Universität Wuppertal and the universities in Düsseldorf, including Heinrich Heine University and Hochschule Düsseldorf. Treat Solingen as a commuting base: direct trains connect its main station with Wuppertal, but reaching Campus Grifflenberg requires an onward journey from Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/solingen/wuppertal.shtml), [University campus directions](https://fact.wiwi.uni-wuppertal.de/de/anfahrt/anfahrt-bus/)) Employer-linked study is another possibility: Stadtwerke Solingen advertises dual study and internships. ([Stadtwerke careers](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/ueber-uns/karriere/)) Solingen may suit you if you value access to the Wupper valley and are comfortable organising your social life around a commute.

- **Bergische Universität Wuppertal** (Wuppertal) — 11 km away, 276 courses
- **IST-Hochschule für Management** (Düsseldorf) — 19 km away, 39 courses
- **Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf** (Düsseldorf) — 19 km away, 91 courses
- **Hochschule Düsseldorf** (Düsseldorf) — 21 km away, 43 courses
- **Kunstakademie Düsseldorf** (Düsseldorf) — 22 km away, 5 courses

## Housing

Plan a search across private rooms, ordinary flats and cooperative housing. Solingen has a dedicated shared-room search page on meinestadt.de, and the local Spar- und Bauverein accepts housing enquiries even when its advertised properties do not match your needs. These sources do not establish whether the student housing market is currently tight or relaxed. ([Solingen room search](https://www.meinestadt.de/solingen/immobilien/wg-zimmer), [Spar- und Bauverein](https://sbv-solingen.de/wohnen/wohnungssuche/))

**How to find a place**

- Search the Solingen WG-room page on meinestadt.de, checking the actual address because search results can include surrounding places. ([Room search](https://www.meinestadt.de/solingen/immobilien/wg-zimmer))
- Check Spar- und Bauverein Solingen and submit a general housing enquiry if no suitable flat is advertised. ([Housing enquiries](https://sbv-solingen.de/wohnen/wohnungssuche/))
- Test each address against your campus journey before arranging a viewing. Use Stadtwerke Solingen’s network maps and linked VRR journey planner to check the connection to your railway station. ([Local transport planning](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/mobil/fahrplan-mobilitaet/netzplaene/))
- Use the local Mietspiegel to understand how age, size, location and fittings affect comparison rents; ask separately for the complete monthly payment including heating and operating costs. ([Mietspiegel 2025](https://www.mieterbundrbl.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mietspiegel_2025.pdf))

## Cost of living

The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per calendar month in 2026 and covers ordinary local and regional public transport; long-distance trains are excluded. Check whether your university already provides a semester ticket before buying another subscription. ([mobil.nrw](https://infoportal.mobil.nrw/nrw-tarif/weitere-tickets-in-nrw/bundesweite-tickets.html)) For inexpensive leisure, Brückenpark Müngsten is freely accessible. ([Regional tourism board](https://www.bergisch-mal-drei.de/staedte-kultur/sehenswuerdigkeiten/muengsten)) Compare complete housing costs and the time spent commuting before assuming that living in Solingen will save money over a university city.

## Jobs & employers

Manufacturing remains part of Solingen’s identity, with ZWILLING’s headquarters in the city; utilities and healthcare provide other employment routes. ([ZWILLING](https://careers.zwilling.com/kontakt), [Stadtwerke Solingen](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/ueber-uns/karriere/unsere-stellenangebote/), [Klinikum Solingen](https://www.klinikumsolingen.de/karriere)) For work alongside a degree, look for student assistant positions and retail shifts. For a structured work-and-study route, ZWILLING’s Solingen careers listing includes dual study, while Stadtwerke offers dual study and internships. Availability and entry requirements depend on the programme. ([ZWILLING opportunities](https://careers.zwilling.com/karrieremoeglichkeiten/alle-stellenangebote?standort%5B%5D=5), [Stadtwerke study and training](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/ueber-uns/karriere/))

- Student assistant positions at Stadtwerke Solingen, according to its dedicated careers page. ([Stadtwerke vacancies](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/ueber-uns/karriere/unsere-stellenangebote/))
- Retail sales and checkout shifts, including supermarket and convenience-shop work. ([Solingen part-time job listings](https://www.minijob-anzeigen.de/Aushilfsjobs/Solingen))
- Shelf filling, goods handling and stockroom support within local retail teams, including seasonal work. ([Solingen part-time job listings](https://www.minijob-anzeigen.de/Aushilfsjobs/Solingen))

- **ZWILLING J.A. Henckels** (Kitchen products and cutlery): The group’s headquarters are on Grünewalder Straße in central Solingen. ([ZWILLING location](https://careers.zwilling.com/kontakt))
- **Stadtwerke Solingen** (Energy and public transport): Provides electricity, gas and local public transport in Solingen; its recruitment page explicitly includes student assistants. ([Stadtwerke careers](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/ueber-uns/karriere/unsere-stellenangebote/))
- **Städtisches Klinikum Solingen** (Healthcare): The local hospital offers medical, nursing and service careers, alongside training, dual study and placements for students. ([Hospital careers](https://www.klinikumsolingen.de/karriere))

## Getting around

Stadtwerke runs the city’s buses, including its distinctive trolleybuses. ([Operator profile](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/mobil/ueber-uns/unser-profil/)) Solingen Hauptbahnhof is in Ohligs. ([Station location](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohligs)) Under the normal timetable, allow roughly 11–16 minutes from Solingen Hbf to Wuppertal Hbf on direct regional services and about 22 minutes to Düsseldorf Hbf on the S1; these are station-to-station times, excluding your local journey and campus transfer. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/solingen/wuppertal.shtml), [VRR S1 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S1.pdf)) For Wuppertal’s Grifflenberg campus, university directions identify buses including the 615 and 645 from the main station. ([Campus directions](https://fact.wiwi.uni-wuppertal.de/de/anfahrt/anfahrt-bus/)) The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary buses, S-Bahn and regional trains in second class, but not ICE or IC services. Check the live planner for engineering works and late-evening connections. ([Ticket validity](https://infoportal.mobil.nrw/nrw-tarif/weitere-tickets-in-nrw/bundesweite-tickets.html), [Local journey planning](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/mobil/fahrplan-mobilitaet/netzplaene/))

- Station: Solingen Hauptbahnhof, Ohligs — the city’s main interchange for regional, S-Bahn and long-distance trains. ([Station background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohligs))
- Nearest airport: Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) — The normal S1 route connects Solingen Hbf with Düsseldorf Flughafen station; from there, the SkyTrain links the railway station and terminals. Check airport notices for maintenance and replacement buses. ([VRR S1 timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S1.pdf), [Airport transport information](https://www.dus.com/en/Anreisen/Bus-und-Bahn))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 3.1 °C, 95 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 10 °C, 71 mm rain a month, 5.4 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.8 °C, 91 mm rain a month, 6.6 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.3 °C, 91 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect a damp climate with rain throughout the year, cool winters and generally moderate summers, interrupted by occasional hot days. A waterproof outer layer and shoes suitable for wet paths will be useful for both commuting and weekends outdoors. Spring and summer offer longer evenings for exploring the Wupper valley; autumn and winter call for more flexibility around daylight and weather.

## Culture & language

Blade-making is part of everyday local identity: the Deutsches Klingenmuseum presents cutlery, knives and edged weapons, while the name Zöppkesmarkt comes from the local dialect word for a small peeling knife. ([Gräfrath and its museums](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%A4frath), [Zöppkesmarkt background](https://www.glaeserne-werkstatt-solingen.de/veranstaltungen/termine-workshops-events/zoeppkesmarkt-wir-sind-dabei))

The Dürpelfest brings live music and community performances into Ohligs, with rock, pop, soul and dance represented in its programme. ([Organiser’s programme](https://owg-ohligs.de/duerpelfest/)) For student life, plan around specific events and your university’s societies; if frequent spontaneous campus evenings matter to you, weigh that against the journey home.

Do not plan on English being available in every housing enquiry, workplace or administrative appointment. As a practical learning goal, aim for B1–B2 German to become more independent; this is advice, not a universal admission or employment requirement. The traditional local dialect is Solinger Platt, but learning standard German should be your priority. ([Dialect background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solingen))

## Local food

- **Burger Brezel**: A lightly sweetened, dry, intricately twisted pretzel from Solingen-Burg, traditionally dipped into coffee. ([Naturpark Bergisches Land](https://www.naturparkbergischesland.de/typisch-bergisch/genuss/burger-brezel))
- **Bergische Kaffeetafel**: A regional spread combining coffee, breads, sweet toppings and savoury accompaniments, traditionally served with coffee from a Dröppelmina pot. Check reservation requirements before going. ([Das Bergische](https://www.dasbergische.de/uebernachtung-und-einkehr/essen-und-trinken/bergische-kaffeetafel))
- **Bergische Waffeln**: Regional waffles commonly served with hot cherries and cream, or rice pudding with cinnamon and sugar. ([Das Bergische](https://www.dasbergische.de/uebernachtung-und-einkehr/essen-und-trinken/bergische-kaffeetafel))

## Events

- **Dürpelfest** (May; the 2026 edition was scheduled for 29–31 May.): Ohligs’ annual street festival combines live music, dance performances and fairground attractions. The organiser publishes the programme by stage. ([Dürpelfest organiser](https://owg-ohligs.de/duerpelfest/))
- **Zöppkesmarkt** (September; the 2026 edition was scheduled for 11–13 September.): A recurring city-centre flea market with food, entertainment and a children’s market. ([Local event information](https://www.glaeserne-werkstatt-solingen.de/veranstaltungen/termine-workshops-events/zoeppkesmarkt-wir-sind-dabei), [Organiser](https://www.solinger-brauchtum.de/))

## Places to see

- **Brückenpark Müngsten** (Nature): Walk beside the Wupper beneath Germany’s highest railway bridge. The park itself is free to enter, with walking access from Solingen-Schaberg station. ([Regional tourism board](https://www.bergisch-mal-drei.de/staedte-kultur/sehenswuerdigkeiten/muengsten))
- **Schloss Burg** (Castle): A reconstructed castle with a museum exploring the history of the castle and the Bergisches Land. Check the operator’s visitor information before travelling. ([Castle museum](https://www.schlossburg.de/schloss-museum/museum), [Visitor information](https://www.schlossburg.de/information/preise-zeiten))
- **Gräfrath old town** (Old town): Explore the historic streets around the market square below the former monastery church. ([Gräfrath](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%A4frath))
- **Deutsches Klingenmuseum** (Museum): Located in Gräfrath’s former convent, the museum connects Solingen’s industrial identity with collections of knives, cutlery and edged weapons. ([Museum background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%A4frath))

## FAQ

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

Solingen can suit students who are comfortable commuting and value access to the Wupper valley. Compare accommodation near Solingen Hbf in Ohligs with the complete journey to your campus before choosing it. ([Ohligs](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohligs), [Brückenpark Müngsten](https://www.bergisch-mal-drei.de/staedte-kultur/sehenswuerdigkeiten/muengsten))

### Is there a university in Solingen?

Where Is My Uni?’s current directory lists no university within Solingen. Nearby study options include Bergische Universität Wuppertal and universities in Düsseldorf. Employer-linked dual study is available through local organisations such as Stadtwerke Solingen. ([Stadtwerke dual-study and training overview](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/ueber-uns/karriere/))

### How do I get from Solingen to the University of Wuppertal?

Direct regional trains connect Solingen Hbf with Wuppertal Hbf in approximately 11–16 minutes on the published connections. For Campus Grifflenberg, continue by a suitable university-bound bus, such as the 615 or 645; allow additional time for transfers and walking. ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/solingen/wuppertal.shtml), [University directions](https://fact.wiwi.uni-wuppertal.de/de/anfahrt/anfahrt-bus/))

### Is Solingen expensive for students?

A reliable current average for student-room rents was not established. The local Mietspiegel provides comparison rents by property type, but these exclude heating and operating costs and should not be treated as advertised WG-room prices. ([Mietspiegel 2025](https://www.mieterbundrbl.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mietspiegel_2025.pdf))

### What jobs can students find in Solingen?

Locally advertised options include retail sales, checkout work, shelf filling and stockroom support. Stadtwerke Solingen also has a recruitment page explicitly covering student assistants; check current openings and requirements directly. ([Local part-time jobs](https://www.minijob-anzeigen.de/Aushilfsjobs/Solingen), [Stadtwerke careers](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/ueber-uns/karriere/unsere-stellenangebote/))

### Can I commute from Solingen to Düsseldorf with the Deutschlandticket?

Yes: the S1 connects Solingen Hbf with Düsseldorf Hbf, and ordinary S-Bahn travel in second class is covered by the Deutschlandticket. The normal published journey takes about 22 minutes, but engineering works can change the service. ([VRR timetable](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S1.pdf), [Ticket validity](https://infoportal.mobil.nrw/nrw-tarif/weitere-tickets-in-nrw/bundesweite-tickets.html))

## Sources

- [Solingen: geography, neighbourhoods and local identity](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solingen)
- [Ohligs and Solingen Hauptbahnhof](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohligs)
- [Gräfrath: historic centre and museums](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%A4frath)
- [Regional tourism board: Brückenpark Müngsten](https://www.bergisch-mal-drei.de/staedte-kultur/sehenswuerdigkeiten/muengsten)
- [Solingen Mietspiegel 2025](https://www.mieterbundrbl.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mietspiegel_2025.pdf)
- [Spar- und Bauverein Solingen: housing enquiries](https://sbv-solingen.de/wohnen/wohnungssuche/)
- [meinestadt.de: Solingen shared-room search](https://www.meinestadt.de/solingen/immobilien/wg-zimmer)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Solingen–Wuppertal connections](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/solingen/wuppertal.shtml)
- [University of Wuppertal: Grifflenberg bus directions](https://fact.wiwi.uni-wuppertal.de/de/anfahrt/anfahrt-bus/)
- [Stadtwerke Solingen: network maps and journey planning](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/mobil/fahrplan-mobilitaet/netzplaene/)
- [Stadtwerke Solingen: transport operator profile](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/mobil/ueber-uns/unser-profil/)
- [VRR: S1 timetable 2026](https://www.vrr.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/fahrplan_und_mobilitaet/S-Bahn-Linienplaene_2026/S1.pdf)
- [mobil.nrw: Deutschlandticket price and validity](https://infoportal.mobil.nrw/nrw-tarif/weitere-tickets-in-nrw/bundesweite-tickets.html)
- [Düsseldorf Airport: rail and terminal connections](https://www.dus.com/en/Anreisen/Bus-und-Bahn)
- [ZWILLING: Solingen headquarters](https://careers.zwilling.com/kontakt)
- [ZWILLING: Solingen career opportunities](https://careers.zwilling.com/karrieremoeglichkeiten/alle-stellenangebote?standort%5B%5D=5)
- [Stadtwerke Solingen: student assistants and vacancies](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/ueber-uns/karriere/unsere-stellenangebote/)
- [Stadtwerke Solingen: dual study, training and internships](https://www.stadtwerke-solingen.de/ueber-uns/karriere/)
- [Klinikum Solingen: careers and student placements](https://www.klinikumsolingen.de/karriere)
- [Solingen part-time and temporary job listings](https://www.minijob-anzeigen.de/Aushilfsjobs/Solingen)
- [Dürpelfest organiser and programme](https://owg-ohligs.de/duerpelfest/)
- [Zöppkesmarkt organiser](https://www.solinger-brauchtum.de/)
- [Gläserne Werkstatt: Zöppkesmarkt background](https://www.glaeserne-werkstatt-solingen.de/veranstaltungen/termine-workshops-events/zoeppkesmarkt-wir-sind-dabei)
- [Naturpark Bergisches Land: Burger Brezel](https://www.naturparkbergischesland.de/typisch-bergisch/genuss/burger-brezel)
- [Das Bergische: Kaffeetafel and waffles](https://www.dasbergische.de/uebernachtung-und-einkehr/essen-und-trinken/bergische-kaffeetafel)
- [Schloss Burg museum](https://www.schlossburg.de/schloss-museum/museum)
- [Schloss Burg visitor information](https://www.schlossburg.de/information/preise-zeiten)
- [Commons: Müngsten bridge photograph and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2018-10-07-M%C3%BCngstener_Br%C3%BCcke-0005.jpg)
- [Commons: Gräfrath photograph and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Solingen-Gr%C3%A4frath_Historischer_Ortskern_B_41.JPG)
- [Commons: Schloss Burg photograph and licence](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aussichtspunkt_vom_R%C3%B6ntgenweg_auf_Schloss_Burg_am_P%C3%BCtzberg.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/solingen. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).