# Study in Birkenfeld district, Rhineland-Palatinate

> Birkenfeld is a rural district (Landkreis) in Rhineland-Palatinate with 82,611 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Trier University of Applied Sciences (Hoppstädten-Weiersbach). Summers average 17.1 °C and winters 1.5 °C, with about 758 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Birkenfeld is a rural district in Rhineland-Palatinate, with campus-based student life, gemstone traditions and countryside to explore.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 82,611 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 776.83 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Trier University of Applied Sciences, Hoppstädten-Weiersbach (13 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 9.1 °C (summer 17.1 °C, winter 1.5 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 758 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,653 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Birkenfeld district

Birkenfeld combines small-town life with the countryside between the Hunsrück and Nahe. Birkenfeld town is the administrative centre, with historic buildings reflecting its former connection to Oldenburg ([Birkenfeld town](https://www.stadt-birkenfeld.de/tourismus/historische-sehenswuerdigkeiten.html), [regional background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birkenfeld)).

Idar-Oberstein gives the area its distinctive gemstone and jewellery identity: its annual craft market still demonstrates cutting, engraving and goldsmithing. For students, another important place is Hoppstädten-Weiersbach, the actual location of the Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld ([Idar-Oberstein](https://www.idar-oberstein.de/schmuck-kultur-com/), [campus location](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/anfahrt)).

- **Idar-Oberstein**: A centre of gemstone and jewellery craftsmanship, celebrated at its annual gemstone cutters’ and goldsmiths’ market ([city website](https://www.idar-oberstein.de/schmuck-kultur-com/)).
- **Birkenfeld**: The district’s administrative town; its Neues Schloss houses the district administrator’s offices ([town website](https://www.stadt-birkenfeld.de/tourismus/historische-sehenswuerdigkeiten.html)).
- **Hoppstädten-Weiersbach**: Home to Trier University of Applied Sciences’ Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld ([campus directions](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/anfahrt)).
- **Baumholder**: Connected to Idar-Oberstein by the RB34 regional railway ([vlexx](https://www.vlexx.de/fahrplan/regelfahrplan)).

## Universities

The district is a practical choice if you study at Trier University of Applied Sciences’ Umwelt-Campus in Hoppstädten-Weiersbach. Sustainable Business and Technology is one English-taught option ([programme page](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/en/study/study-programmes-continuing-education/bachelor/sustainable-business-and-technology-beng)). Campus accommodation and a student-run pub make it worth considering if you prefer a close campus community ([housing](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/wohnen/page), [student activities](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/en/campus/organisation/committees/general-students-committee/leisure-sport)). Check your teaching location carefully: the university’s main campus in Trier involves a substantial public-transport journey from the Umwelt-Campus ([university accessibility guide](https://www-next.hochschule-trier.de/studium/informationen-service/studieren-mit-behinderung-und-chronischer-krankheit/zugang-umweltcampus-birkenfeld)).

- **Trier University of Applied Sciences** (Hoppstädten-Weiersbach) — 8 courses

## Housing

Start with the purpose-built campus residences, operated by Campus Company and Schneider Bau. Furnishing varies between buildings and apartments ([university housing guide](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/wohnen/page)). The available evidence does not establish whether the wider student housing market is currently tight or relaxed.

**How to find a place**

- Apply to Campus Company through its online accommodation enquiry, labelled “Online-Bedarfsermittlung” ([operator helpdesk](https://helpdesk.campus-company.eu/)).
- Contact Schneider Bau using the details in the university’s residence directory ([university housing guide](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/wohnen/page)).
- For private rooms, the university recommends WG-Gesucht, Kreissiedlungsgesellschaft Birkenfeld and local newspaper classifieds; it also identifies a housing noticeboard in building 9924 ([local housing resources](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/wohnen/page)).
- Request a complete monthly quote covering utilities, internet and furniture. Campus Company says its standard utility advance assumes roughly four days’ occupancy per week; tell it if you will live there throughout the week ([operator helpdesk](https://helpdesk.campus-company.eu/)).

**Student residences**

- [Campus Company residences, Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld](https://helpdesk.campus-company.eu/) (Campus Company GmbH): On-campus single apartments and shared accommodation, with furnished and unfurnished options ([university directory](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/wohnen/page)).
- [Schneider Bau residences, buildings 9906 and 9908](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/wohnen/page) (Schneider Bau GmbH): Student apartments on the Umwelt-Campus; ask about furniture rental and additional charges ([university directory](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/wohnen/page)).

## Cost of living

The Umwelt-Campus lists a first-enrolment semester contribution of €394.80 for winter semester 2026/27, including the Deutschlandsemesterticket and a €23 chip card charge; the card charge is deducted if you already have one ([university fees](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/studium/bewerbung-zulassung/semesterbeitrag-gebuehren)). Campus Company requires a deposit equal to three months’ basic rent, so allow for an upfront payment as well as monthly costs ([operator helpdesk](https://helpdesk.campus-company.eu/)). A reliable current rent comparison with large German cities was not established; compare actual all-inclusive housing offers and any commuting costs.

## Jobs & employers

Verified local employment includes cookware manufacturing, laboratory equipment, gemstone businesses and public administration. Fissler’s university employer profile explicitly welcomes working students, interns and thesis students, making it a useful starting point for degree-related experience ([Fissler profile](https://career-service-hochschule-trier.de/studierende/career-tuesday/unternehmen/details/fissler-gmbh)). The city administration also offers internships and dual-study routes ([Idar-Oberstein careers](https://www.idar-oberstein.de/jobs-karriere/)). These are places to investigate, not guarantees of a suitable vacancy.

- Campus student-assistant work: the Green Office employs HiWis to support sustainability activities ([Green Office](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/green-campus-konzept/green-office)).
- Working-student roles in industry, including opportunities advertised through Fissler’s university employer profile ([Career Service](https://career-service-hochschule-trier.de/studierende/career-tuesday/unternehmen/details/fissler-gmbh)).
- Part-time commercial and order-processing work in gemstone businesses; Groh + Ripp’s careers page shows that relevant vocational qualifications may be required ([Groh + Ripp](https://www.groh-ripp.de/index.php/karriere.html)).

- **Fissler** (Cookware): Cookware company with locations in Idar-Oberstein and Hoppstädten-Weiersbach; its university profile lists internships, working-student roles and thesis opportunities ([Career Service](https://career-service-hochschule-trier.de/studierende/career-tuesday/unternehmen/details/fissler-gmbh)).
- **FRITSCH GmbH – Mahlen und Messen** (Laboratory equipment): Based in Idar-Oberstein and manufactures equipment for sample preparation and particle analysis ([FRITSCH careers](https://www.fritsch.de/ueber-uns/job-portal/)).
- **Stadt Idar-Oberstein** (Public administration and municipal services): A substantial local employer offering municipal careers, apprenticeships, dual study and internships ([city careers](https://www.idar-oberstein.de/jobs-karriere/)).

## Getting around

Neubrücke (Nahe) is the key station for the Umwelt-Campus, approximately five minutes away on foot ([university housing and access guide](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/wohnen/page)). The published regular timetable shows RE3 journeys of approximately 15 minutes from Idar-Oberstein to Neubrücke, 30 minutes from Neubrücke to Neunkirchen, and 50 minutes from Neubrücke to Saarbrücken. Check date-specific departures and engineering works ([vlexx timetable](https://www.vlexx.de/media/layout2016/vlexx/downloads/1-Fahrplan/25-1903-vlexx-Online-Fahrplan-RE3_RB33_RB34-v01.pdf)). Birkenfeld town requires an onward connection from Neubrücke ([Birkenfeld transport background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birkenfeld)). For travel between Trier’s main campus and the Umwelt-Campus, the university quotes at least 150 minutes by public transport ([university accessibility guide](https://www-next.hochschule-trier.de/studium/informationen-service/studieren-mit-behinderung-und-chronischer-krankheit/zugang-umweltcampus-birkenfeld)). The Deutschlandticket covers participating local buses and regional trains, but generally excludes ICE, IC and EC services ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/faq/deutschlandticket-verkehrsmittel-deutschland)).

- Station: Neubrücke (Nahe): RE3 and RB73 regional connections ([vlexx](https://www.vlexx.de/fahrplan/regelfahrplan)).
- Station: Idar-Oberstein: RE3, RB33 and RB34 regional connections ([vlexx](https://www.vlexx.de/fahrplan/regelfahrplan)).
- Station: Baumholder: RB34 connection towards Idar-Oberstein ([vlexx](https://www.vlexx.de/fahrplan/regelfahrplan)).
- Nearest airport: Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) — Approximately 50 km by road from Birkenfeld town ([Birkenfeld transport background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birkenfeld)). For an arrival using public transport, the university recommends Frankfurt Airport (FRA), which has direct train connections towards the campus; these are different airports ([university arrival guide](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/international/incomings/einreise-anreise)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 1.5 °C, 76 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 8.8 °C, 54 mm rain a month, 5.6 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.1 °C, 60 mm rain a month, 7.1 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9 °C, 63 mm rain a month, 3.5 h sun a day

Expect cool, frequently frosty winters and generally mild summers, with rain possible throughout the year. Waterproof shoes and layers are useful for everyday journeys and weekend walks. Spring and summer suit longer outdoor days; autumn and winter call for more indoor plans. The campus pub and Teestube provide places to meet during the semester ([student leisure guide](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/en/campus/organisation/committees/general-students-committee/leisure-sport)).

## Culture & language

Gemstone craftsmanship is a visible part of local identity: Idar-Oberstein’s annual market lets visitors watch craftspeople cut, engrave and work jewellery. Regional fairs such as the Veitsrodter Prämienmarkt bring together market stalls, music and livestock traditions ([Idar-Oberstein](https://www.idar-oberstein.de/schmuck-kultur-com/)).

For student evenings, the clearest starting points are on campus: the Kadu pub hosts activities such as quizzes and karaoke, while the volunteer-run Teestube offers a shared space for games and conversation. Expect to build your social life around organised activities and familiar meeting places ([AStA leisure guide](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/en/campus/organisation/committees/general-students-committee/leisure-sport)).

English can be the language of your degree: Sustainable Business and Technology is taught in English ([programme page](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/en/study/study-programmes-continuing-education/bachelor/sustainable-business-and-technology-beng)). For everyday independence, aim for conversational German; B1 is a useful practical target, not a district-wide requirement. Check your programme’s separate admission rules. Local dialect appears in food names such as Gefillte Klees and Krumbierewurscht ([regional vocabulary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idar-Oberstein)).

## Local food

- **Idar-Obersteiner Spießbraten**: The area’s signature meat speciality. The Idar version uses marinated meat grilled over a wood fire, while the Oberstein version is a rolled roast ([regional food background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idar-Oberstein)).
- **Gefillte Klees**: Filled potato dumplings, traditionally containing a savoury meat mixture and served with bacon sauce ([regional food background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idar-Oberstein)).
- **Kartoffelwurst**: A local potato-and-meat sausage speciality, also called Krumbierewurscht ([regional food background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idar-Oberstein)).

## Events

- **Edelsteinschleifer- und Goldschmiedemarkt with Straßentheater-Festival** (First weekend in August): Gemstone and jewellery demonstrations meet street theatre in Oberstein’s historic centre. The city lists the next edition for 7–8 August 2027 ([Idar-Oberstein](https://www.idar-oberstein.de/schmuck-kultur-com/)).

## Places to see

- **Felsenkirche, Idar-Oberstein** (Landmark): The church built into the rock above Oberstein is the town’s defining landmark; its entrance leads through a tunnel ([Felsenkirche background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felsenkirche_%28Idar-Oberstein%29)).
- **Herrstein historic centre** (Old town): Explore restored timber-framed houses, the clock tower and surviving sections of town wall ([Rhineland-Palatinate Tourism](https://www.rlp-tourismus.com/de/infosystem/infosystem/Herrstein-Historischer-Ortskern_Herrstein/infosystem.html)).
- **Neues Schloss, Birkenfeld** (Heritage): A reminder of Birkenfeld’s Oldenburg period, now used by the district administration; include its exterior in a walk around town ([Birkenfeld town](https://www.stadt-birkenfeld.de/tourismus/historische-sehenswuerdigkeiten.html)).
- **Wildenburg, Kempfeld** (Castle): A historic castle site with a long history of destruction and rebuilding, owned by the Hunsrückverein ([Kempfeld municipality](https://www.kempfeld.de/wildenburg/)).

## FAQ

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

It is worth considering if you want campus-based student life. At the Umwelt-Campus, the AStA runs the Kadu pub and a communal Teestube, offering straightforward ways to meet other students ([student leisure guide](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/en/campus/organisation/committees/general-students-committee/leisure-sport)).

### Is there a university in Birkenfeld district?

Yes. Trier University of Applied Sciences has its Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld in Hoppstädten-Weiersbach, rather than in Birkenfeld town itself ([campus address](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/anfahrt)).

### How do I get from Idar-Oberstein to the Umwelt-Campus?

Take a regional train to Neubrücke (Nahe). RE3 services take approximately 15 minutes in the regular timetable; check your travel date for alterations ([vlexx timetable](https://www.vlexx.de/media/layout2016/vlexx/downloads/1-Fahrplan/25-1903-vlexx-Online-Fahrplan-RE3_RB33_RB34-v01.pdf)).

### Is Birkenfeld expensive for students?

A dependable current student-rent average was not verified. The Umwelt-Campus first-enrolment semester contribution is €394.80 for winter semester 2026/27, including the Deutschlandsemesterticket; accommodation and living expenses are additional ([university fees](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/studium/bewerbung-zulassung/semesterbeitrag-gebuehren)).

### What student jobs can I find in Birkenfeld district?

Verified possibilities include campus assistant work and industrial working-student roles. The Umwelt-Campus Green Office employs HiWis, while Fissler’s university profile lists working-student and internship opportunities ([Green Office](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/green-campus-konzept/green-office), [Fissler profile](https://career-service-hochschule-trier.de/studierende/career-tuesday/unternehmen/details/fissler-gmbh)).

### Can I study in English in Birkenfeld district?

Yes. Trier University of Applied Sciences lists English as the teaching language of its Sustainable Business and Technology bachelor’s degree at the Umwelt-Campus ([official programme page](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/en/study/study-programmes-continuing-education/bachelor/sustainable-business-and-technology-beng)).

## Sources

- [Birkenfeld town: historic sights](https://www.stadt-birkenfeld.de/tourismus/historische-sehenswuerdigkeiten.html)
- [Birkenfeld: geographical and transport background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birkenfeld)
- [Idar-Oberstein: gemstone market and street theatre](https://www.idar-oberstein.de/schmuck-kultur-com/)
- [Umwelt-Campus: location and directions](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/anfahrt)
- [Umwelt-Campus: Sustainable Business and Technology](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/en/study/study-programmes-continuing-education/bachelor/sustainable-business-and-technology-beng)
- [Umwelt-Campus: residences and local housing resources](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/wohnen/page)
- [Campus Company: accommodation applications and costs](https://helpdesk.campus-company.eu/)
- [Umwelt-Campus: semester contribution and fees](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/studium/bewerbung-zulassung/semesterbeitrag-gebuehren)
- [Umwelt-Campus AStA: leisure and student meeting places](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/en/campus/organisation/committees/general-students-committee/leisure-sport)
- [Trier University of Applied Sciences: campus accessibility](https://www-next.hochschule-trier.de/studium/informationen-service/studieren-mit-behinderung-und-chronischer-krankheit/zugang-umweltcampus-birkenfeld)
- [University Career Service: Fissler employer profile](https://career-service-hochschule-trier.de/studierende/career-tuesday/unternehmen/details/fissler-gmbh)
- [FRITSCH: careers and Idar-Oberstein address](https://www.fritsch.de/ueber-uns/job-portal/)
- [City of Idar-Oberstein: careers](https://www.idar-oberstein.de/jobs-karriere/)
- [Umwelt-Campus: Green Office](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/campus/leben-am-campus/green-campus-konzept/green-office)
- [Groh + Ripp: careers](https://www.groh-ripp.de/index.php/karriere.html)
- [vlexx: regular timetables and service alterations](https://www.vlexx.de/fahrplan/regelfahrplan)
- [vlexx: RE3, RB33 and RB34 timetable, valid from December 2025](https://www.vlexx.de/media/layout2016/vlexx/downloads/1-Fahrplan/25-1903-vlexx-Online-Fahrplan-RE3_RB33_RB34-v01.pdf)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Deutschlandticket validity](https://www.bahn.de/faq/deutschlandticket-verkehrsmittel-deutschland)
- [Umwelt-Campus: international arrival guidance](https://www.umwelt-campus.de/international/incomings/einreise-anreise)
- [Idar-Oberstein: regional food and vocabulary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idar-Oberstein)
- [Felsenkirche: architectural background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felsenkirche_(Idar-Oberstein))
- [Rhineland-Palatinate Tourism: Herrstein historic centre](https://www.rlp-tourismus.com/de/infosystem/infosystem/Herrstein-Historischer-Ortskern_Herrstein/infosystem.html)
- [Kempfeld municipality: Wildenburg](https://www.kempfeld.de/wildenburg/)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Idar-Oberstein panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Idar-Oberstein_Panorama_2012.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Neues Schloss Birkenfeld](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Birkenfeld_Schloss_P1070302_c_GS.JPG)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Kempfeld from Wildenburg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kempfeld_%E2%80%93_von_der_Wildenburg_aus_gesehen_-_panoramio.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/rhineland-palatinate/birkenfeld-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).