# Study in Viersen district, North Rhine-Westphalia

> Viersen is a rural district (Landkreis) in North Rhine-Westphalia with 297,857 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Viersen district itself; the nearest is Hochschule Niederrhein in Krefeld, about 17 km away. Summers average 18.5 °C and winters 3.9 °C, with about 758 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Viersen is a Lower Rhine border district with historic towns, lakes and rail connections for students commuting to nearby university cities.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 297,857 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 563.28 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Hochschule Niederrhein, Krefeld (17 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €7.50–€8.40/m² cold rent — Illustrative comparison-rent band in the City of Viersen's January 2025 Mietspiegel for ordinary unfurnished flats built in 1986–1990, with heating and a bathroom. The standard reference is approximately 55–90 m²; adjustments apply. Excludes operating costs and is not a student-room or current asking-rent average. | [source](https://mieterverband-niederrhein.de/wp-content/uploads/Mietspiegel_2025_Viersen_gueltig-ab-01.01.2025.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 11 °C (summer 18.5 °C, winter 3.9 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 758 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,600 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Viersen district

Kreis Viersen lies in western North Rhine-Westphalia, beside the Dutch border. It combines towns such as Viersen, Kempen, Nettetal and Willich with countryside and protected landscapes in the Schwalm-Nette nature park ([district overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Viersen)).

Its character changes from town to town: Kempen has a historic centre around the Buttermarkt, while Nettetal offers lakes, woodland and walking routes. These are useful places to consider if access to the countryside matters alongside your university commute ([Kempen](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/historische-altstadt-kempen-8830bc3db0), [Nettetal](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/ort/nettetal-361252e98a)).

- **Viersen**: The district's administrative seat; its urban districts include Alt-Viersen, Dülken, Süchteln and Boisheim ([Viersen](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viersen)).
- **Kempen**: A historic town with protected old buildings, the Buttermarkt and the former electoral castle ([Niederrhein Tourismus](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/historische-altstadt-kempen-8830bc3db0)).
- **Nettetal**: A town in the Schwalm-Nette nature park known for its lakes, woodland and cycling opportunities ([Niederrhein Tourismus](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/ort/nettetal-361252e98a)).
- **Willich**: Home to Neersen and its summer theatre festival at Schloss Neersen ([Niederrhein Tourismus](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/schlossfestspiele-neersen-cc90f40950)).

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Kreis Viersen. Nearby study options include Hochschule Niederrhein in Krefeld and institutions in Neuss and Düsseldorf; Hochschule Niederrhein also has a Mönchengladbach campus ([university information](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studierendenservice/)). Living here therefore means planning a commute and making deliberate time for campus activities. Viersen has direct trains to Krefeld and Mönchengladbach, while Kempen is on the RE10 towards Krefeld and Düsseldorf ([VRR routes](https://www.vrr.de/index.php?id=9)). This is worth considering if you prefer a smaller-town home and outdoor recreation. Apprenticeships are another local route: Niersverband lists training opportunities in Viersen and Grefrath ([Niersverband](https://www.niersverband.de/wir-ueber-uns/personal/ausbildung)).

- **Hochschule Niederrhein** (Krefeld) — 17 km away, 78 courses
- **medicoreha Dr. Welsink Akademie GmbH** (Neuss) — 27 km away, 1 courses
- **Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf** (Düsseldorf) — 29 km away, 29 courses
- **Fliedner Fachhochschule Düsseldorf** (Düsseldorf) — 31 km away, 14 courses
- **Kunstakademie Düsseldorf** (Düsseldorf) — 32 km away, 5 courses

## Housing

Plan primarily around private rentals and housing associations. Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf's residence directory lists accommodation in nearby university cities but none in Kreis Viersen ([residence directory](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/)). Affordable availability should not be assumed: Wohnungsgenossenschaft Viersen reports strong demand, possible waits and no waiting list ([cooperative FAQ](https://wohnungsgenossenschaft-viersen.de/haeufig-gestellte-fragen/)).

**How to find a place**

- Check Wohnungsgenossenschaft Viersen's offers regularly; its homes are in the town centre, Rahser and parts of Dülken, and it does not maintain a waiting list ([application guidance](https://wohnungsgenossenschaft-viersen.de/haeufig-gestellte-fragen/)).
- Contact GWG Kreis Viersen about rental availability in your preferred municipality ([GWG](https://gwg-kreis-viersen.de/)).
- Compare an offer with the relevant municipal Mietspiegel, checking building age, size and excluded operating costs ([Viersen's rent guide](https://mieterverband-niederrhein.de/wp-content/uploads/Mietspiegel_2025_Viersen_gueltig-ab-01.01.2025.pdf)).
- Test the complete journey from the proposed address to your actual campus, including evening connections, using the local bus and rail plans ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/index.php?id=9)).
- If you are flexible about living outside the district, compare Studierendenwerk accommodation in Krefeld or Mönchengladbach before committing to a private lease ([residence directory](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/)).

## Cost of living

Hochschule Niederrhein lists a standard semester contribution of €371.30 for winter semester 2026/27, including the Deutschlandsemesterticket; programme-specific exceptions apply ([university fees](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studierendenservice/)). If you do not have an included ticket, the ordinary Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month when checked in November 2026 ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)). For housing comparisons, remember that Viersen's official rent benchmarks exclude operating costs ([Mietspiegel](https://mieterverband-niederrhein.de/wp-content/uploads/Mietspiegel_2025_Viersen_gueltig-ab-01.01.2025.pdf)). Compare complete housing and travel costs before assuming that a district address will save money over a university-city room.

## Jobs & employers

Food manufacturing is a visible part of the local economy: Mars produces chocolate bars in Viersen, and Abbelen manufactures convenience foods in Tönisvorst ([Mars](https://careers.mars.com/de/de/Mars-Viersen), [Abbelen](https://abbelen.sucht-dich.de/)). For environmental or technical experience, Niersverband offers study-related placements in wastewater, water management, laboratory work and administration ([internships](https://www.niersverband.de/wir-ueber-uns/personal/praktikum)). These employers are useful research leads; an industrial vacancy is not automatically a flexible student job.

- Retail sales assistance: local minijob listings include clothing shops in Viersen ([Federal Employment Agency](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/jobsuche/suche?arbeitszeit=mj&suchbereich=jobs&wo=Viersen)).
- Warehouse assistance: local listings include warehouse work with part-time or minijob arrangements ([Federal Employment Agency](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/jobsuche/suche?arbeitszeit=mj&suchbereich=jobs&wo=Viersen)).
- Subject tutoring: Schülerhilfe Viersen explicitly recruits students for freelance, fee-based teaching ([Schülerhilfe](https://www.schuelerhilfe.de/nachhilfe/viersen/jobs/)).

- **Mars** (Food manufacturing): Operates the Viersen chocolate factory producing Twix and Balisto; its location page links to recruitment opportunities ([Mars](https://careers.mars.com/de/de/Mars-Viersen)).
- **Abbelen GmbH** (Food manufacturing): Based in Tönisvorst, with work in convenience-food production, logistics, technology and administration ([Abbelen careers](https://abbelen.sucht-dich.de/)).
- **Niersverband** (Water and wastewater management): A regional employer with apprenticeships advertised for Viersen and Grefrath, including water-management and wastewater occupations ([training information](https://www.niersverband.de/wir-ueber-uns/personal/ausbildung)).

## Getting around

Use VRR to plan local bus and regional rail journeys. From Viersen station, published timetable examples take approximately 11–13 minutes to Krefeld Hbf, 7–9 minutes to Mönchengladbach Hbf and 42 minutes to Düsseldorf Hbf; these are station-to-station times, so add your campus connection ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_6415.pdf)). Kempen has the RE10 towards Krefeld and Düsseldorf ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/index.php?id=9)). The RE13 links Kaldenkirchen, Breyell, Boisheim, Dülken and Viersen with Mönchengladbach, Neuss and Düsseldorf ([operator route](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/re-13/)). The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local buses and second-class regional trains in Germany, but generally excludes IC, EC and ICE services ([ticket rules](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)). Check your actual travel date for timetable changes.

- Station: Viersen — regional connections towards Krefeld, Mönchengladbach and Düsseldorf ([DB](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_6415.pdf)).
- Station: Kempen (Niederrhein) — RE10 towards Krefeld and Düsseldorf ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/index.php?id=9)).
- Station: Kaldenkirchen — RE13 towards Venlo and Viersen ([eurobahn](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/re-13/)).
- Nearest airport: Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) — A practical international-airport option: travel towards Düsseldorf Hbf, then use the S11 to Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal. The separate Düsseldorf Flughafen railway station connects to the terminals by SkyTrain ([regional route](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/re-13/), [airport access](https://www.dus.com/de-de/anreisen/bus-und-bahn)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 3.9 °C, 65 mm rain a month, 1.9 h sun a day
- Spring: 10.7 °C, 52 mm rain a month, 5.5 h sun a day
- Summer: 18.5 °C, 73 mm rain a month, 6.7 h sun a day
- Autumn: 11.1 °C, 63 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect relatively mild winters, changeable spring weather and generally moderate summers with occasional hot spells. Rain is a year-round consideration, so waterproof clothing and good bicycle lights are sensible for commuting. Summer brings theatre at Neersen, while November's lantern processions give Kempen an autumn focal point ([summer theatre](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/schlossfestspiele-neersen-cc90f40950), [St Martin](https://www.sankt-martin-in-kempen.de/)).

## Culture & language

Local traditions are a good way to get to know the towns. Kempen's St Martin celebrations bring handmade lanterns through the old town, supported by volunteers and local donations ([St.-Martin-Verein](https://www.sankt-martin-in-kempen.de/)).

For evenings out, look at Viersen's jazz programme and Neersen's summer theatre season ([Viersen cultural programme](https://vierfalt-viersen.de/programm/38-internationales-jazzfestival-viersen/), [Schlossfestspiele](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/schlossfestspiele-neersen-cc90f40950)). Treat this as a town-based cultural scene; if frequent campus parties are important to you, weigh the return journey carefully when choosing accommodation.

Plan to use German for housing enquiries, paperwork and local job applications; do not assume that every service can work in English. As a practical learning target, B1–B2 German will help you handle these situations more independently, although each course and employer sets its own requirements. Local heritage includes Vierscher Platt, reflected in the dialect name Viersche for Viersen ([Viersen](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viersen)).

## Local food

- **Reibekuchen**: Potato pancakes are part of the local Lower Rhine food offering; the regional tourism board highlights homemade examples at Genholter Hof in Brüggen ([Niederrhein Tourismus](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/presse-oeffentlichkeitsarbeit/presse/appetit-auf-den-herbst)).
- **Grünkohl with Kasseler and Mettwurst**: A hearty kale dish with cured pork and sausage, documented as a cold-season offering in Brüggen ([Niederrhein Tourismus](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/presse-oeffentlichkeitsarbeit/presse/appetit-auf-den-herbst)).

## Events

- **Internationales Jazzfestival Viersen** (September): A recurring jazz festival centred on the Festhalle; the verified 2026 edition ran from 25–27 September ([city cultural programme](https://vierfalt-viersen.de/programm/38-internationales-jazzfestival-viersen/)).
- **Schlossfestspiele Neersen** (Summer; June–August in 2026): Theatre at Schloss Neersen in Willich. The published 2026 season ran from 14 June to 30 August ([Niederrhein Tourismus](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/schlossfestspiele-neersen-cc90f40950)).
- **Kempener Martinszüge** (9–10 November): Annual lantern processions through Kempen: the younger children's procession takes place on 9 November and the schoolchildren's procession on 10 November ([organiser](https://www.sankt-martin-in-kempen.de/)).

## Places to see

- **Kempen old town** (Old town): Explore the lanes around the Buttermarkt, protected historic houses and the electoral castle ([Niederrhein Tourismus](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/historische-altstadt-kempen-8830bc3db0)).
- **Krickenbecker Seen** (Nature): A protected lake landscape in Nettetal with walking routes and birdwatching. The dam between Glabbacher and Hinsbecker Bruch provides views across the water ([Naturpark Schwalm-Nette](https://www.npsn.de/wb-krickenbecker-seen)).
- **Süchtelner Höhen and the Mispelroute** (Cycling): The signed Mispelroute connects the Süchtelner Höhen with countryside, the Niers and sights around Viersen ([route description](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/tour/mispelroute-rund-um-viersen-c8105f292c)).
- **Schloss Neersen** (Castle): A Willich landmark and the setting for the summer Schlossfestspiele theatre programme ([Niederrhein Tourismus](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/schlossfestspiele-neersen-cc90f40950)).

## FAQ

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

It can suit students who want a smaller-town home and access to the countryside. Choose an address around your campus journey: Viersen has direct regional links to Krefeld and Mönchengladbach, and Kempen lies on the RE10 towards Krefeld and Düsseldorf ([VRR](https://www.vrr.de/index.php?id=9)).

### Is there a university in Kreis Viersen?

There is no university in Kreis Viersen. Nearby options include Hochschule Niederrhein in Krefeld, which also has a Mönchengladbach campus, and institutions in Neuss and Düsseldorf ([Hochschule Niederrhein](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studierendenservice/)).

### How long does the train from Viersen to Krefeld take?

Published DB timetable examples take approximately 11–13 minutes from Viersen station to Krefeld Hbf. Allow additional time to reach your university building and check the timetable for your travel date ([DB timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_6415.pdf)).

### Is Viersen cheap for student housing?

An inexpensive room is not guaranteed. A local cooperative reports strong demand and possible waits, while the city's official Mietspiegel gives comparison rents for ordinary flats rather than student-room prices ([cooperative](https://wohnungsgenossenschaft-viersen.de/haeufig-gestellte-fragen/), [Mietspiegel](https://mieterverband-niederrhein.de/wp-content/uploads/Mietspiegel_2025_Viersen_gueltig-ab-01.01.2025.pdf)).

### Are there student dormitories in Viersen district?

Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf's published directory does not list a residence in Kreis Viersen. It does list accommodation in nearby Krefeld and Mönchengladbach ([residence directory](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/)).

### What jobs can students find in Viersen?

Local job listings include retail and warehouse minijobs, and Schülerhilfe Viersen recruits students for fee-based tutoring. Niersverband also offers internships during a degree ([employment agency](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/jobsuche/suche?arbeitszeit=mj&suchbereich=jobs&wo=Viersen), [Schülerhilfe](https://www.schuelerhilfe.de/nachhilfe/viersen/jobs/), [Niersverband](https://www.niersverband.de/wir-ueber-uns/personal/praktikum)).

## Sources

- [Kreis Viersen: geographical overview](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreis_Viersen)
- [Viersen: districts, administrative role and local name](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viersen)
- [Hochschule Niederrhein: campuses and semester contribution](https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studierendenservice/)
- [City of Viersen: January 2025 Mietspiegel](https://mieterverband-niederrhein.de/wp-content/uploads/Mietspiegel_2025_Viersen_gueltig-ab-01.01.2025.pdf)
- [Wohnungsgenossenschaft Viersen: rental guidance](https://wohnungsgenossenschaft-viersen.de/haeufig-gestellte-fragen/)
- [GWG Kreis Viersen](https://gwg-kreis-viersen.de/)
- [Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf: residence directory](https://www.stw-d.de/studentisches-wohnen/wohnanlagen/)
- [Mars: Viersen factory](https://careers.mars.com/de/de/Mars-Viersen)
- [Abbelen: Tönisvorst careers](https://abbelen.sucht-dich.de/)
- [Niersverband: apprenticeships](https://www.niersverband.de/wir-ueber-uns/personal/ausbildung)
- [Niersverband: internships](https://www.niersverband.de/wir-ueber-uns/personal/praktikum)
- [Federal Employment Agency: Viersen minijobs](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/jobsuche/suche?arbeitszeit=mj&suchbereich=jobs&wo=Viersen)
- [Schülerhilfe: tutoring in Viersen](https://www.schuelerhilfe.de/nachhilfe/viersen/jobs/)
- [DB: Viersen station departure timetable](https://www.bahnhof.de/downloads/schedule/Regeltafel_6415.pdf)
- [VRR: bus and railway plans](https://www.vrr.de/index.php?id=9)
- [eurobahn: RE13 route](https://www.eurobahn.de/linieninformationen/re-13/)
- [VRR: Deutschlandticket price and coverage](https://www.vrr.de/tickets-tarife/deutschlandticket/)
- [Düsseldorf Airport: public transport access](https://www.dus.com/de-de/anreisen/bus-und-bahn)
- [Niederrhein Tourismus: Kempen old town](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/historische-altstadt-kempen-8830bc3db0)
- [Niederrhein Tourismus: Nettetal](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/ort/nettetal-361252e98a)
- [Naturpark Schwalm-Nette: Krickenbecker Seen](https://www.npsn.de/wb-krickenbecker-seen)
- [Niederrhein Tourismus: Mispelroute](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/tour/mispelroute-rund-um-viersen-c8105f292c)
- [Niederrhein Tourismus: regional autumn food](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/presse-oeffentlichkeitsarbeit/presse/appetit-auf-den-herbst)
- [Viersen cultural programme: 2026 jazz festival](https://vierfalt-viersen.de/programm/38-internationales-jazzfestival-viersen/)
- [Niederrhein Tourismus: Schlossfestspiele Neersen](https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/schlossfestspiele-neersen-cc90f40950)
- [St.-Martin-Verein Kempen: annual processions](https://www.sankt-martin-in-kempen.de/)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Burg Brüggen](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2017-07-09_Br%C3%BCggen,_Burg_(freddy2001).jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Schloss Krickenbeck and lakes](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aerial_image_of_Schloss_Krickenbeck_and_its_park_(view_from_the_southeast).jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Kempen town hall](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kempen,_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/north-rhine-westphalia/viersen-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).