# Study in Neunkirchen district, Saarland

> Neunkirchen is a rural district (Landkreis) in Saarland with 133,179 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: ASW - Berufsakademie Saarland e.V. (Neunkirchen, Saar). Summers average 18.1 °C and winters 2.5 °C, with about 935 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Neunkirchen is a Saarland district of industrial heritage, small towns and green spaces, with local dual study and links to Saarbrücken.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,179 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 249.8 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | ASW - Berufsakademie Saarland e.V., Neunkirchen, Saar (6 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 10.1 °C (summer 18.1 °C, winter 2.5 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 935 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,689 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Neunkirchen district

Neunkirchen district brings together the industrial town of Neunkirchen, historic Ottweiler and smaller communities including Illingen, Eppelborn and Schiffweiler. Its character changes noticeably between town centres, former industrial sites and countryside ([regional tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/region-neunkirchen/staedte-und-gemeinden)).

Steelmaking shaped Neunkirchen’s town centre, where preserved blast furnaces now form part of the Altes Hüttenareal. Ottweiler offers a different setting, with an old town around the market square and a baroque pavilion with a rose garden ([Neunkirchen](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/ort/neunkirchensaar-9fca954e35), [Ottweiler](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/ort/ottweiler-ba148fee17)).

- **Neunkirchen**: The district’s urban centre combines industrial monuments, shopping and cultural venues ([regional tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/ort/neunkirchensaar-9fca954e35)).
- **Ottweiler**: The district administration’s seat, with a historic town centre ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Neunkirchen), [tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/ort/ottweiler-ba148fee17)).
- **Illingen**: Burg Kerpen and its publicly accessible park are local landmarks ([regional tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/attraktion/burg-kerpen-3c49c2548c)).
- **Schiffweiler**: Home to the Erlebnisort Reden leisure area and the GONDWANA prehistoric attraction ([municipal overview](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/region-neunkirchen/staedte-und-gemeinden), [GONDWANA](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/attraktion/gondwana-das-praehistorium-68e0106d5f)).
- **Eppelborn**: Its Dirmingen district contains Finkenrech’s themed gardens and seasonal markets ([Finkenrech visitor information](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/region-neunkirchen/freizeitzentrum-finkenrech/euer-besuch)).

## Universities

ASW offers dual study in Neunkirchen, combining academic teaching with employment-based practical training; its application process involves securing a study contract with a company ([ASW](https://www.asw-ggmbh.de/), [application FAQ](https://www.asw-ggmbh.de/duales-studium/faq)). Saarland University and the other nearby institutions in Saarbrücken broaden your options. For commuting, distinguish arrival at Saarbrücken Hauptbahnhof from arrival on campus: the university lists onward buses from the station ([university directions](https://www.uni-saarland.de/fileadmin/upload/lehrstuhl/solte-gresser/Dokumente/Forschung/Tagungen/Anfahrt_UdS.pdf)). Neunkirchen is worth considering if you want employer-linked study or are comfortable planning your social life around a commute.

- **ASW - Berufsakademie Saarland e.V.** (Neunkirchen, Saar) — 4 courses

## Housing

Plan primarily around ordinary rental apartments and shared housing. GSG is a substantial local landlord, while Studierendenwerk Saarland lists its residences in Saarbrücken and Homburg, outside this district ([GSG](https://gsg-nk.de/), [Studierendenwerk](https://www.stw-saarland.de/wohnen/)). The available evidence does not establish whether the district’s student housing market is tight or relaxed.

**How to find a place**

- Check GSG Neunkirchen’s rental section and contact its letting team about suitable small apartments ([GSG](https://gsg-nk.de/)).
- Use a location-specific search such as Immowelt’s 66538 Neunkirchen page; check the address carefully because several German towns share the name ([Immowelt](https://www.immowelt.de/suche/66538/wohnungen/mieten)).
- Consult Studierendenwerk Saarland’s private-housing guidance and electronic noticeboard, specifying Neunkirchen district in your search or housing request ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.stw-saarland.de/wohnen/)).
- Before signing, test the journey from the actual address to your teaching location at morning and evening times using Saarfahrplan, linked by the regional transport authority ([ZPS journey-planning information](https://zps-online.de/service/fahrpla%CC%88ne/)).

## Cost of living

For transport budgeting, the standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026 and covers local public transport and second-class regional trains; check whether your enrolment already includes a semester ticket before buying a separate subscription ([saarVV](https://saarvv.de/abo/deutschlandticket/)). Compare housing offers by total monthly cost, including heating, electricity and internet. No sufficiently reliable local student-rent benchmark or like-for-like comparison with major cities was verified, so a precise monthly living budget would be misleading.

## Jobs & employers

Steel, wind-energy technology, healthcare and retail provide concrete places to investigate for work. Saarstahl has a Neunkirchen site, VENSYS recruits students locally, and the Saarpark-Center maintains a jobs portal with part-time and casual-work categories ([SHS](https://www.stahl-holding-saar.de/shs/de/presse/faq/index.shtml), [VENSYS](https://www.vensys.de/en/career), [Saarpark-Center](https://www.saarpark-center.de/jobs/)). These are useful search routes, not guarantees of a suitable vacancy.

- Retail sales and shop-assistant work, including casual and part-time positions at Saarpark-Center retailers ([centre jobs portal](https://www.saarpark-center.de/jobs/)).
- Technical working-student roles and practical semesters in wind energy at VENSYS ([student careers information](https://www.vensys.de/en/career)).
- Administrative working-student placements and practical semesters at VENSYS ([student careers information](https://www.vensys.de/en/career)).

- **Saarstahl** (Steel manufacturing): Neunkirchen is one of Saarstahl’s production locations. Check the group’s careers portal carefully for the location attached to each opportunity ([SHS locations](https://www.stahl-holding-saar.de/shs/de/presse/faq/index.shtml), [Saarstahl careers](https://www.saarstahl.com/karriere/)).
- **VENSYS Energy AG** (Wind-energy technology): Based in Neunkirchen-Wellesweiler, with an established route for internships, working-student applications and supervised theses ([VENSYS careers](https://www.vensys.de/en/career)).
- **Marienhaus Klinikum Neunkirchen** (Healthcare): Hospital employer at Klinikweg in Neunkirchen, with recruitment information on its official website; suitability depends on the role and your qualifications ([Marienhaus](https://www.marienhaus-neunkirchen.de/)).

## Getting around

The published regular timetable shows approximately 19 minutes from Neunkirchen Hauptbahnhof to Saarbrücken Hauptbahnhof on RE3 services and around 26 minutes on RB73 services. These are station-to-station times; engineering works can change the journey ([vlexx timetable](https://www.vlexx.de/media/layout2016/vlexx/downloads/1-Fahrplan/25-1904-vlexx-Online-Fahrplan-RE3_RB73-v01.pdf), [service changes](https://www.vlexx.de/fahrplan/regelfahrplan)). For Saarland University’s Saarbrücken campus, onward options include buses 102, 112 and 124 from the main station ([university directions](https://www.uni-saarland.de/fileadmin/upload/lehrstuhl/solte-gresser/Dokumente/Forschung/Tagungen/Anfahrt_UdS.pdf)). Local buses serve places away from the railway, including the R6 corridor through Spiesen and Elversberg ([Saar-Mobil](https://www.saar-mobil.de/fahrplaene/saarpfalz-kreis/linien-fahrplaene/)). The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local buses and regional trains, but not ICE or IC services ([saarVV](https://saarvv.de/abo/deutschlandticket/)).

- Station: Neunkirchen (Saar) Hbf — regional connections towards Saarbrücken, Homburg, Illingen and the Nahe valley ([vlexx](https://www.vlexx.de/fahrplan/regelfahrplan)).
- Station: Ottweiler (Saar) — served by RE3 and RB73 on the Saarbrücken–St. Wendel corridor ([vlexx timetable](https://www.vlexx.de/media/layout2016/vlexx/downloads/1-Fahrplan/25-1904-vlexx-Online-Fahrplan-RE3_RB73-v01.pdf)).
- Station: Illingen (Saar) — regional connections towards Saarbrücken, Neunkirchen and Homburg ([vlexx](https://www.vlexx.de/fahrplan/regelfahrplan)).
- Nearest airport: Saarbrücken Airport (SCN) — A public-transport approach is via Saarbrücken Hauptbahnhof and the R10 airport bus; check connections against your flight time ([airport access information](https://www.flughafen-saarbruecken.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024_Airport-User-Regulations_SCN_1.pdf), [current operator timetable links](https://www.saar-mobil.de/fahrplaene/saarpfalz-kreis/linien-fahrplaene/)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2.5 °C, 94 mm rain a month, 1.8 h sun a day
- Spring: 9.8 °C, 66 mm rain a month, 5.8 h sun a day
- Summer: 18.1 °C, 74 mm rain a month, 7.4 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9.9 °C, 77 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect cool, damp winters with limited daylight and generally mild summers, though hot days occur. Rain is relevant throughout the year, so waterproof clothing is useful for the walk between home, bus stops and stations. Spring and early autumn are good times to explore the gardens; Finkenrech’s April and September markets provide seasonal landmarks ([visitor information](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/region-neunkirchen/freizeitzentrum-finkenrech/euer-besuch)).

## Culture & language

Industrial heritage remains part of the cultural setting: Neunkirchen’s Gebläsehalle and Stummsche Reithalle host concerts, cabaret and readings around the former ironworks site. For evenings out, start with venue programmes rather than assuming a large student-club scene ([regional tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/ort/neunkirchensaar-9fca954e35)). A wider Saarland tradition is schwenken: cooking over a swinging grill, with the word Schwenker used for the grill, the meat and the person doing the cooking ([Saarland tourism](https://www.urlaub.saarland/aktivitaeten-erlebnisse/essen-und-trinken/saarlaendische-rezepte/schwenker)).

Plan to use German for housing enquiries and everyday administration rather than assuming English service. As a practical learning target, aim for conversational German and then build the vocabulary needed for your course or job; this is not a statement of admission requirements. Local Saarland expressions also appear in everyday communication—for example, GSG uses dehemm for ‘at home’ ([GSG](https://gsg-nk.de/)).

## Local food

- **Dibbelabbes**: A Saarland potato dish made with grated raw potatoes, leek, bacon and egg, fried until crusty and commonly served with apple compote or salad ([Saarland tourism](https://www.urlaub.saarland/aktivitaeten-erlebnisse/essen-und-trinken/saarlaendische-rezepte/dibbelabbes)).
- **Schwenker**: Marinated pork-neck steak cooked on a suspended, swinging grill—a regional barbecue speciality ([Saarland tourism](https://www.urlaub.saarland/aktivitaeten-erlebnisse/essen-und-trinken/saarlaendische-rezepte/schwenker)).

## Events

- **Frühling auf Finkenrech** (April): The recurring spring market at Finkenrech in Eppelborn marks the start of the garden season. Check the organiser’s calendar for the next edition ([regional tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/attraktion/freizeitzentrum-finkenrech-290702dde1)).
- **Herbst auf Finkenrech** (September): Finkenrech’s annual autumn market offers a seasonal reason to visit the gardens; admission arrangements differ from an ordinary garden visit ([regional tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/attraktion/freizeitzentrum-finkenrech-290702dde1), [visitor information](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/region-neunkirchen/freizeitzentrum-finkenrech/euer-besuch)).

## Places to see

- **Altes Hüttenareal and Hüttenweg** (Industrial heritage): Preserved ironworks structures and a signposted walking route explain the industry that shaped Neunkirchen ([regional tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/ort/neunkirchensaar-9fca954e35)).
- **Ottweiler old town** (Old town): Explore the streets around the market square and the baroque pavilion with its rose garden ([regional tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/ort/ottweiler-ba148fee17)).
- **Burg Kerpen** (Castle): Illingen’s surviving castle tower and adjoining park make an accessible local outing; the park is freely accessible ([regional tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/attraktion/burg-kerpen-3c49c2548c)).
- **GONDWANA – Das Praehistorium** (Museum): An indoor prehistoric attraction in Schiffweiler with reconstructed environments and animated dinosaur displays ([regional tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/attraktion/gondwana-das-praehistorium-68e0106d5f)).
- **Freizeitzentrum Finkenrech** (Gardens): Themed gardens in Eppelborn-Dirmingen, including rose and Asian gardens, offer a change of scene from studying ([regional tourism board](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/attraktion/freizeitzentrum-finkenrech-290702dde1)).

## FAQ

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

It is worth considering for local dual study or a planned commute to Saarbrücken. ASW teaches in Neunkirchen, while regional trains connect the town with Saarbrücken; test the full journey to your teaching building before choosing housing ([ASW](https://www.asw-ggmbh.de/), [vlexx](https://www.vlexx.de/fahrplan/regelfahrplan)).

### Is there a university in Neunkirchen district?

The district has ASW in Neunkirchen, a dual-study institution operating as a scientific institution of htw saar. Its model combines academic study with company-based practical training ([ASW](https://www.asw-ggmbh.de/)).

### How do I get from Neunkirchen to Saarland University?

One option is a regional train to Saarbrücken Hauptbahnhof followed by a campus bus. The university lists buses 102, 112 and 124 from the station; compare the complete journey in the timetable planner ([vlexx](https://www.vlexx.de/fahrplan/regelfahrplan), [university directions](https://www.uni-saarland.de/fileadmin/upload/lehrstuhl/solte-gresser/Dokumente/Forschung/Tagungen/Anfahrt_UdS.pdf)).

### Is Neunkirchen expensive for students?

There is no verified local student-rent average in this guide, so compare actual offers including utilities. A standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 monthly in 2026, although your institution may provide a semester ticket ([saarVV](https://saarvv.de/abo/deutschlandticket/)).

### Are there student residences in Neunkirchen district?

No Studierendenwerk residence in the district was verified. Studierendenwerk Saarland’s published residence list covers Saarbrücken and Homburg, so plan a local search around private rentals and shared housing ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.stw-saarland.de/wohnen/)).

### What student jobs can I find in Neunkirchen?

Useful starting points are retail and casual shop work at Saarpark-Center and technical or administrative student placements at VENSYS. Check each role’s hours, qualifications and language requirements ([Saarpark-Center jobs](https://www.saarpark-center.de/jobs/), [VENSYS careers](https://www.vensys.de/en/career)).

## Sources

- [Region Neunkirchen: towns and municipalities](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/region-neunkirchen/staedte-und-gemeinden)
- [Region Neunkirchen: Neunkirchen town and industrial heritage](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/ort/neunkirchensaar-9fca954e35)
- [Region Neunkirchen: Ottweiler](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/ort/ottweiler-ba148fee17)
- [Wikipedia: Landkreis Neunkirchen background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Neunkirchen)
- [Region Neunkirchen: Burg Kerpen](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/attraktion/burg-kerpen-3c49c2548c)
- [Region Neunkirchen: GONDWANA](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/attraktion/gondwana-das-praehistorium-68e0106d5f)
- [Region Neunkirchen: Finkenrech gardens and recurring events](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/attraktion/freizeitzentrum-finkenrech-290702dde1)
- [Finkenrech visitor information](https://www.regionneunkirchen.de/region-neunkirchen/freizeitzentrum-finkenrech/euer-besuch)
- [ASW official website](https://www.asw-ggmbh.de/)
- [ASW dual-study application FAQ](https://www.asw-ggmbh.de/duales-studium/faq)
- [GSG Neunkirchen housing](https://gsg-nk.de/)
- [Studierendenwerk Saarland accommodation](https://www.stw-saarland.de/wohnen/)
- [Immowelt: rental search for 66538 Neunkirchen](https://www.immowelt.de/suche/66538/wohnungen/mieten)
- [SHS: Saarstahl locations](https://www.stahl-holding-saar.de/shs/de/presse/faq/index.shtml)
- [Saarstahl careers](https://www.saarstahl.com/karriere/)
- [VENSYS careers and student placements](https://www.vensys.de/en/career)
- [Marienhaus Klinikum Neunkirchen](https://www.marienhaus-neunkirchen.de/)
- [Saarpark-Center jobs portal](https://www.saarpark-center.de/jobs/)
- [vlexx regular timetables and service changes](https://www.vlexx.de/fahrplan/regelfahrplan)
- [vlexx RE3/RB73 timetable](https://www.vlexx.de/media/layout2016/vlexx/downloads/1-Fahrplan/25-1904-vlexx-Online-Fahrplan-RE3_RB73-v01.pdf)
- [ZPS regional transport and journey-planning information](https://zps-online.de/service/fahrpla%CC%88ne/)
- [Saarland University campus access directions](https://www.uni-saarland.de/fileadmin/upload/lehrstuhl/solte-gresser/Dokumente/Forschung/Tagungen/Anfahrt_UdS.pdf)
- [saarVV Deutschlandticket price and validity](https://saarvv.de/abo/deutschlandticket/)
- [Saar-Mobil regional bus timetable links](https://www.saar-mobil.de/fahrplaene/saarpfalz-kreis/linien-fahrplaene/)
- [Saarbrücken Airport access information](https://www.flughafen-saarbruecken.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024_Airport-User-Regulations_SCN_1.pdf)
- [Saarland tourism: Dibbelabbes](https://www.urlaub.saarland/aktivitaeten-erlebnisse/essen-und-trinken/saarlaendische-rezepte/dibbelabbes)
- [Saarland tourism: Schwenker](https://www.urlaub.saarland/aktivitaeten-erlebnisse/essen-und-trinken/saarlaendische-rezepte/schwenker)
- [Commons: Neunkirchen ironworks panorama](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Altes_H%C3%BCttenareal_Neunkirchen.png)
- [Commons: Ottweiler Rathausplatz](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ottweiler_Rathausplatz_01_2013-04-07.JPG)
- [Commons: Lautenbach landscape](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lautenbach_(Ottweiler),_Blick_zum_Dorf_und_zum_H%C3%B6cherberg.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/saarland/neunkirchen-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).