# Study in Erzgebirgskreis district, Saxony

> Erzgebirgskreis is a rural district (Landkreis) in Saxony with 318,394 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Berufsakademie Sachsen Staatliche Studienakademie Breitenbrunn (Breitenbrunn/Erzgebirge). Summers average 16.2 °C and winters -0.3 °C, with about 984 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Erzgebirgskreis is a Saxon district of mountain towns and mining heritage.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 318,394 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,827.92 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Berufsakademie Sachsen Staatliche Studienakademie Breitenbrunn, Breitenbrunn/Erzgebirge (22 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Mean temperature | 7.8 °C (summer 16.2 °C, winter -0.3 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 984 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,600 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Erzgebirgskreis district

Erzgebirgskreis stretches south from the Chemnitz area into the Ore Mountains along the Czech border. Annaberg-Buchholz is its administrative centre; other important towns include Aue-Bad Schlema and Schwarzenberg ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erzgebirgskreis)).

Mining history remains visible in its towns, museums and Christmas traditions. The Frohnauer Hammer in Annaberg-Buchholz is part of the UNESCO-listed Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region, while wooden Christmas decorations and lace-making remain characteristic local crafts ([Frohnauer Hammer](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/frohnauer-hammer/museum/museum.php), [local traditions](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/stadtleben/stadtportraet/traditionen.php)).

- **Annaberg-Buchholz**: The district’s administrative centre and a useful starting point for exploring its mining heritage ([district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erzgebirgskreis)).
- **Aue-Bad Schlema**: Aue has regional rail connections towards Zwickau and Johanngeorgenstadt, including the route through Breitenbrunn ([Erzgebirgsbahn](https://www.erzgebirgsbahn.de/fahrplan/fahrplan)).
- **Schwarzenberg**: Its castle houses the PERLA CASTRUM town museum and a folk-art school ([Schloss Schwarzenberg](https://www.schlossschwarzenberg.de/einrichtungen/)).
- **Breitenbrunn/Erzgebirge**: The local study location has campus residences, a cafeteria and the Faust 2.0 student centre ([campus facilities](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/dhsn-in-breitenbrunn/campus-einrichtungen/wohnheime)).
- **Kurort Oberwiesenthal**: A base for walks around the Fichtelberg, with routes ranging from easy outings to more demanding summit walks ([town tourism office](https://www.oberwiesenthal.de/wandern/)).

## Universities

Breitenbrunn is the district’s local higher-education option, with dual study in business and social and health-related fields ([campus website](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn)). Nearby university towns include Chemnitz, Zwickau, Glauchau and Mittweida. Choose accommodation around your actual campus and practice partner: the regional railway follows separate routes towards Chemnitz and Zwickau, so a nearby-looking town may still require an awkward commute ([Erzgebirgsbahn](https://www.erzgebirgsbahn.de/fahrplan/fahrplan)). This is worth considering if you enjoy smaller communities and outdoor activities; check the journey home after evening classes before signing a lease.

- **Berufsakademie Sachsen Staatliche Studienakademie Breitenbrunn** (Breitenbrunn/Erzgebirge) — 8 courses

## Housing

Start with the Breitenbrunn campus residences if you study there. Places are allocated using application order, distance from home and individual circumstances, so admission does not guarantee accommodation. The university also directs students to private housing locally ([housing FAQ](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/fuer-studieninteressierte/faq)). There is insufficient verified evidence here to describe the whole district’s student housing market as tight or relaxed.

**How to find a place**

- Contact the Breitenbrunn campus administration about residence applications and current rental terms ([housing FAQ](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/fuer-studieninteressierte/faq)).
- Check accommodation notices on campus and ask the administration about local landlords ([housing FAQ](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/fuer-studieninteressierte/faq)).
- Use Wohnungsbörse Erzgebirge and the municipality’s housing information, both recommended by the university ([housing FAQ](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/fuer-studieninteressierte/faq)).
- Compare each address with your campus and practice-partner journey, including the last return service, using the transport planners linked by the railway operator ([journey planning](https://www.erzgebirgsbahn.de/fahrplan/fahrplan)).

**Student residences**

- [Wohnheim I, Campus Breitenbrunn](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/dhsn-in-breitenbrunn/campus-einrichtungen/wohnheime) (Duale Hochschule Sachsen – Staatliche Studienakademie Breitenbrunn): Single and shared rooms with communal facilities; a separate apartment category has its own kitchen and bathroom ([official residence information](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/dhsn-in-breitenbrunn/campus-einrichtungen/wohnheime)).
- [Wohnheim II, Campus Breitenbrunn](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/dhsn-in-breitenbrunn/campus-einrichtungen/wohnheime) (Duale Hochschule Sachsen – Staatliche Studienakademie Breitenbrunn): Single and shared rooms arranged in shared-flat-style accommodation, with renovated and unrenovated categories ([official residence information](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/dhsn-in-breitenbrunn/campus-einrichtungen/wohnheime)).

## Cost of living

The regular Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026, providing a concrete transport budget if your university does not already supply a suitable ticket ([VMS](https://www.vms.de/d-ticket/)). For an inexpensive cultural outing, the Frohnauer Hammer lists adult admission at €5 ([museum prices](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/frohnauer-hammer/museum/museum.php)). Compare accommodation using the full rent, heating, electricity and travel costs; a reliable district-wide student budget or quantified saving against a major city was not verified.

## Jobs & employers

Local employment includes metal processing, electronics, healthcare and tourism. Examples are Auerhammer in Aue-Bad Schlema, Turck’s Beierfeld production and development site, and Erzgebirgsklinikum in Annaberg-Buchholz ([Auerhammer](https://www.auerhammer.com/karriere/stellenangebote/), [Turck](https://www.turck.com/de/de/unternehmen/karriere), [Erzgebirgsklinikum](https://erzgebirgsklinikum.career.softgarden.de/)). These are useful employers to investigate for placements and career entry; their presence does not guarantee student vacancies. AHORN explicitly offers casual and holiday work in hotel operations ([AHORN student-compatible work](https://karriere.ahorn-hotels.de/aushilfen/)).

- Restaurant service and kitchen assistance in hotels; AHORN advertises these casual-work categories ([AHORN](https://karriere.ahorn-hotels.de/aushilfen/)).
- Hotel housekeeping and cleaning, with shifts to discuss around study commitments ([AHORN](https://karriere.ahorn-hotels.de/aushilfen/)).
- Guest activities and leisure support in hotels ([AHORN](https://karriere.ahorn-hotels.de/aushilfen/)).
- Healthcare placements and practice-based study opportunities, subject to the role’s qualifications and entry requirements ([Erzgebirgsklinikum](https://erzgebirgsklinikum.career.softgarden.de/)).

- **Auerhammer Metallwerk** (Metal processing): Manufactures functional metal materials and semi-finished products in Aue-Bad Schlema ([company careers page](https://www.auerhammer.com/karriere/stellenangebote/)).
- **Turck Beierfeld** (Electronics and industrial automation): The Beierfeld site combines production and development, including electronics manufacturing services ([Turck locations and careers](https://www.turck.com/de/de/unternehmen/karriere)).
- **Erzgebirgsklinikum** (Healthcare): Hospital employer based in Annaberg-Buchholz, with clinical, administrative and service roles plus training and placements ([official careers portal](https://erzgebirgsklinikum.career.softgarden.de/)).
- **AHORN Hotels & Resorts** (Hospitality): Operates AHORN Hotel Am Fichtelberg and Best Western Ahorn Hotel Oberwiesenthal; its careers site covers hotel employment and casual work ([official careers site](https://karriere.ahorn-hotels.de/)).

## Getting around

RB80 connects Annaberg-Buchholz with Chemnitz via Zschopau and Flöha; allow roughly 70–75 minutes from Annaberg-Buchholz unt Bf to Chemnitz Hbf, before onward travel to your university building ([2026 RB80 timetable](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:7f159082-ad0a-43d0-b601-14e2d3d9bcb2/RB80_Fahrplan_2026_Chemnitz-Cranzahl.2025-11-27-06-37-51.pdf)). RB95 links Breitenbrunn, Schwarzenberg and Aue with Zwickau; Breitenbrunn–Zwickau Hbf takes about an hour ([2026 RB95 timetable](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:81f23bc7-b30d-4be7-a781-b35f939cf030/RB95_Fahrplan_2026_Zwickau-Johanngeorgenstadt.2025-11-27-06-37-38.pdf)). Buses extend the network beyond railway towns ([local transport information](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/tourismus/anreise-parken-nahverkehr/anreise.php)). The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local and regional services; the Fichtelbergbahn requires a heritage supplement. Check current disruptions and evening connections when choosing housing ([VMS ticket rules](https://www.vms.de/d-ticket/)).

- Station: Annaberg-Buchholz unt Bf — RB80 towards Chemnitz ([Erzgebirgsbahn](https://www.erzgebirgsbahn.de/fahrplan/fahrplan)).
- Station: Aue (Sachs) — on the RB95 corridor between Zwickau and Johanngeorgenstadt ([Erzgebirgsbahn](https://www.erzgebirgsbahn.de/fahrplan/fahrplan)).
- Station: Schwarzenberg (Erzgeb) — RB95 access towards Aue, Zwickau and Breitenbrunn ([RB95 timetable](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:81f23bc7-b30d-4be7-a781-b35f939cf030/RB95_Fahrplan_2026_Zwickau-Johanngeorgenstadt.2025-11-27-06-37-38.pdf)).
- Station: Breitenbrunn — the campus describes its railway stop as approximately three minutes away on foot ([campus information](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/dhsn-in-breitenbrunn/campus-einrichtungen/wohnheime)).
- Nearest airport: Dresden Airport — a nearby major German gateway — Annaberg-Buchholz’s official arrival page gives approximately 120 km to Dresden Airport and also lists Leipzig and Prague. The best airport depends on your district address and flight; no single closest airport is asserted for the whole district ([official arrival information](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/tourismus/anreise-parken-nahverkehr/anreise.php)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: -0.3 °C, 80 mm rain a month, 2 h sun a day
- Spring: 7.4 °C, 73 mm rain a month, 5.3 h sun a day
- Summer: 16.2 °C, 98 mm rain a month, 6.7 h sun a day
- Autumn: 7.9 °C, 78 mm rain a month, 3.4 h sun a day

Expect a cool year with frequent frost, relatively mild summers and rain in every season; pack waterproof layers and shoes with good grip. Summer is a good time to explore the walking routes around Oberwiesenthal ([walking information](https://www.oberwiesenthal.de/wandern/)). Advent brings Christmas markets, lights and miners’ traditions, giving the darker part of the year a distinctive local rhythm ([local traditions](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/stadtleben/stadtportraet/traditionen.php)).

## Culture & language

Mining is a living part of local identity, particularly in miners’ parades, music and Christmas lighting. Wooden incense smokers, nutcrackers, candle arches and Christmas pyramids belong to the region’s craft tradition ([Annaberg-Buchholz traditions](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/stadtleben/stadtportraet/traditionen.php)).

For student social life, Breitenbrunn has the Faust 2.0 student centre and outdoor recreation space ([campus facilities](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/dhsn-in-breitenbrunn/campus-einrichtungen/wohnheime)). Schwarzenberg’s castle offers concerts and opportunities to try traditional crafts ([castle facilities](https://www.schlossschwarzenberg.de/einrichtungen/)). These provide concrete starting points for meeting people; do not choose a rural address without checking the evening activities and transport you personally need.

Plan to use German for housing, administration and workplace communication rather than relying on English throughout. As a practical preparation target, aim for B1–B2 everyday German; this is not an admission threshold. Breitenbrunn requires applicants with foreign school qualifications to provide recognised evidence of German proficiency, so check the university’s exact requirements ([applicant FAQ](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/fuer-studieninteressierte/faq)). Erzgebirgisch is a regional dialect still spoken particularly in the upper western Erzgebirge ([dialect background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erzgebirgisch)).

## Local food

- **Neinerlaa / Neunerlei**: A traditional Christmas meal of nine symbolic dishes, with combinations varying between households and restaurants ([Erzgebirge tourism board](https://www.erzgebirge-tourismus.de/weihnachtszeit/neunerlei)).
- **Buttermilchgetzen**: A baked potato-and-buttermilk speciality associated with the Erzgebirge’s economical potato-based cooking ([regional recipe](https://www.erzgebirge.de/kultur-tradition/regionale-rezepte/erzgebirgische-buttermilchgetzen-artikel8031269)).

## Events

- **Annaberger KÄT** (Early summer; the 2026 edition ran from 5–14 June.): A traditional fair in Annaberg-Buchholz; the city’s annual programme confirms the 2026 dates ([official events calendar](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/tourismus/veranstaltungen.php)).
- **Annaberger Weihnachtsmarkt** (Late November–December; 27 November–23 December in 2026.): The Christmas market brings together regional crafts, food and a cultural programme ([official Christmas market](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/weihnachtsmarkt/)).
- **Große Bergparade, Annaberg-Buchholz** (Fourth Sunday of Advent; 20 December in 2026.): The traditional miners’ parade is a major part of the town’s Advent programme ([Christmas market](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/weihnachtsmarkt/), [2026 calendar](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/tourismus/veranstaltungen.php)).

## Places to see

- **Frohnauer Hammer** (UNESCO): A historic water-powered hammer works in Annaberg-Buchholz, visited on guided tours as part of the region’s mining heritage ([official museum](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/frohnauer-hammer/museum/museum.php)).
- **Schloss Schwarzenberg and PERLA CASTRUM** (Castle): Explore town history and collections connected with iron, tin and lace inside the castle ([castle facilities](https://www.schlossschwarzenberg.de/einrichtungen/)).
- **Fichtelberg walking area** (Nature): Walks around Oberwiesenthal range from easier routes to summit outings, making it an option for a free day between study blocks ([official walking information](https://www.oberwiesenthal.de/wandern/)).

## FAQ

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

It is worth considering if your course or practice partner is local and you enjoy outdoor activities. Breitenbrunn has campus residences and a student centre, while Oberwiesenthal offers walking routes around the Fichtelberg ([campus facilities](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/dhsn-in-breitenbrunn/campus-einrichtungen/wohnheime), [walking information](https://www.oberwiesenthal.de/wandern/)).

### Is there a university or study academy in Erzgebirgskreis?

Yes. Breitenbrunn’s Staatliche Studienakademie is presented on the Duale Hochschule Sachsen website and offers dual study in business and social and health-related fields ([official campus website](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn)).

### How do I get from Annaberg-Buchholz to Chemnitz for university?

RB80 runs directly from Annaberg-Buchholz unt Bf to Chemnitz Hbf in roughly 70–75 minutes. Add time for the journey between the station and your teaching building, and check current service changes ([2026 timetable](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:7f159082-ad0a-43d0-b601-14e2d3d9bcb2/RB80_Fahrplan_2026_Chemnitz-Cranzahl.2025-11-27-06-37-51.pdf)).

### Is Erzgebirgskreis expensive for students?

A reliable district-wide student rent average was not verified, so compare actual accommodation offers rather than assuming a fixed saving. The regular Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026 ([VMS](https://www.vms.de/d-ticket/)).

### What part-time jobs can students find in Erzgebirgskreis?

Hotel service, kitchen assistance, housekeeping and guest activities are practical categories to investigate. AHORN operates in Oberwiesenthal and explicitly recruits casual and holiday workers; availability depends on the hotel and your schedule ([hotel locations](https://karriere.ahorn-hotels.de/), [casual work](https://karriere.ahorn-hotels.de/aushilfen/)).

### Does the Deutschlandticket cover trains in Erzgebirgskreis?

It covers ordinary local and regional services under the usual ticket conditions. The Fichtelbergbahn requires an additional heritage supplement, so the Deutschlandticket alone is insufficient there ([VMS rules](https://www.vms.de/d-ticket/)).

## Sources

- [Erzgebirgskreis: geographical background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erzgebirgskreis)
- [Duale Hochschule Sachsen: Breitenbrunn](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn)
- [Breitenbrunn: applicant and housing FAQ](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/fuer-studieninteressierte/faq)
- [Breitenbrunn: campus and residences](https://www.dhsn.de/breitenbrunn/dhsn-in-breitenbrunn/campus-einrichtungen/wohnheime)
- [Erzgebirgsbahn: current timetable index](https://www.erzgebirgsbahn.de/fahrplan/fahrplan)
- [RB80: 2026 timetable](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:7f159082-ad0a-43d0-b601-14e2d3d9bcb2/RB80_Fahrplan_2026_Chemnitz-Cranzahl.2025-11-27-06-37-51.pdf)
- [RB95: 2026 timetable](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:81f23bc7-b30d-4be7-a781-b35f939cf030/RB95_Fahrplan_2026_Zwickau-Johanngeorgenstadt.2025-11-27-06-37-38.pdf)
- [VMS: Deutschlandticket price and conditions](https://www.vms.de/d-ticket/)
- [Annaberg-Buchholz: arrival, transport and airports](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/tourismus/anreise-parken-nahverkehr/anreise.php)
- [Auerhammer Metallwerk: careers and location](https://www.auerhammer.com/karriere/stellenangebote/)
- [Turck: careers and Beierfeld site](https://www.turck.com/de/de/unternehmen/karriere)
- [Erzgebirgsklinikum: official careers portal](https://erzgebirgsklinikum.career.softgarden.de/)
- [AHORN: careers and hotel locations](https://karriere.ahorn-hotels.de/)
- [AHORN: casual and holiday work](https://karriere.ahorn-hotels.de/aushilfen/)
- [Annaberg-Buchholz: local traditions](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/stadtleben/stadtportraet/traditionen.php)
- [Erzgebirge tourism board: Neunerlei](https://www.erzgebirge-tourismus.de/weihnachtszeit/neunerlei)
- [Regional recipe: Buttermilchgetzen](https://www.erzgebirge.de/kultur-tradition/regionale-rezepte/erzgebirgische-buttermilchgetzen-artikel8031269)
- [Annaberg-Buchholz: 2026 events](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/tourismus/veranstaltungen.php)
- [Annaberger Christmas market](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/weihnachtsmarkt/)
- [Frohnauer Hammer: museum and prices](https://www.annaberg-buchholz.de/frohnauer-hammer/museum/museum.php)
- [Schloss Schwarzenberg: museum and cultural facilities](https://www.schlossschwarzenberg.de/einrichtungen/)
- [Oberwiesenthal: walking routes](https://www.oberwiesenthal.de/wandern/)
- [Erzgebirgisch: dialect background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erzgebirgisch)
- [Commons: Annaberg aerial photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Annaberg_Luftbild.jpg)
- [Commons: Schwarzenberg church and castle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kirche_und_schloss_schwarzenberg.jpg)
- [Commons: Fichtelberg forest](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fichtelberg_Wald.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/saxony/erzgebirgskreis-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).