# Study in Görlitz district, Saxony

> Görlitz is a rural district (Landkreis) in Saxony with 243,958 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz (Zittau). Summers average 18.2 °C and winters 0.6 °C, with about 694 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Görlitz is a largely rural district in eastern Saxony, with university life in Zittau and Görlitz, historic towns and mountain walks.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 243,958 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 2,111.4 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Berufsakademie Sachsen Staatliche Studienakademie Bautzen, Bautzen, Sachsen (23 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €269 per month — Published rent per person for a furnished single room in a two- or four-person shared flat in Wohnheim F, Zittau. Undated operator listing checked November 2026; this is a residence price, not a district-wide market average. | [source](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-wohnheim-f.html) |
| Mean temperature | 9.2 °C (summer 18.2 °C, winter 0.6 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 694 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,792 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Görlitz district

Görlitz district covers the eastern part of Upper Lusatia in Saxony. Its two university towns offer different settings: Görlitz has a historic centre beside the Polish border, while Zittau sits close to the Zittau Mountains ([JobKompass](https://www.jobkompass-landkreis-goerlitz.de/), [Saxony Tourism](https://www.sachsen-tourismus.de/tour/rundgang-durch-die-altstadt-von-goerlitz), [Naturpark Zittauer Gebirge](https://www.zittauer-gebirge.com/de/cms/de/naturpark)).

Beyond the campus towns, landmarks include Löbau’s cast-iron lookout tower and the cross-border Muskau Park at Bad Muskau. This is a good setting to consider if you want historic streets and outdoor trips alongside your studies ([Löbau](https://www.loebau.de/freizeit-und-tourismus/stadtrundgang/k%C3%B6nig-friedrich-august-turm/), [UNESCO](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1127)).

- **Görlitz**: University town whose old-town pedestrian bridge connects it with Zgorzelec in Poland ([Saxony Tourism](https://www.sachsen-tourismus.de/tour/rundgang-durch-die-altstadt-von-goerlitz), [HSZG](https://www.hszg.de/studium/campusleben/wohnen-leben/wohnen)).
- **Zittau**: University town with student residences and access to the sandstone landscapes of the Zittau Mountains ([HSZG](https://www.hszg.de/studium/campusleben/wohnen-leben/wohnen), [Saxony geology service](https://www.geologie.sachsen.de/naturpark-zittauer-gebirge-29599.html)).
- **Löbau**: Known for the cast-iron König-Friedrich-August-Turm on Löbauer Berg ([Löbau](https://www.loebau.de/freizeit-und-tourismus/stadtrundgang/k%C3%B6nig-friedrich-august-turm/)).
- **Bad Muskau**: Town adjoining Muskau Park, a UNESCO-listed landscape extending across the German–Polish border ([UNESCO](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1127)).

## Universities

Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz has campuses and student accommodation in both Zittau and Görlitz; choose your home around the location of your course ([HSZG housing](https://www.hszg.de/studium/campusleben/wohnen-leben/wohnen)). The RB65 connects the two towns, making travel between them possible, but check the timetable against your classes before committing to a daily commute ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/)). This setting is worth considering if student clubs and access to nature appeal to you: the university lists Maus in Görlitz and DeZi-Bar in Zittau as local meeting places ([HSZG clubs](https://www.hszg.de/en/studium/campusleben/vertretungen-clubs-und-vereine)).

- **Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz** (Zittau) — 47 courses

## Housing

Availability differs between the campus towns. On 9 October 2026, Studentenwerk Dresden reported that Vogtshof in Görlitz was fully occupied, while rooms remained available in Zittau. That supports an easier residence search in Zittau at that point, rather than a blanket claim that housing is easy throughout the district ([Studentenwerk Dresden](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wirueberuns/pressemitteilung-350.html)).

**How to find a place**

- Start with Studentenwerk Dresden’s residence catalogue and its linked online application; select Zittau or Görlitz according to your campus ([residence catalogue](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/)).
- For private accommodation in Zittau, follow HSZG’s links to Wohnbaugesellschaft Zittau, Das freundliche Wohnheim and Zittauer Tor ([HSZG housing](https://www.hszg.de/studium/campusleben/wohnen-leben/wohnen)).
- For Görlitz, use the university’s local housing directory, which includes municipal housing and TAG Wohnen’s student-oriented offers ([HSZG housing](https://www.hszg.de/studium/campusleben/wohnen-leben/wohnen)).
- Apply early for Vogtshof and keep a private-rental alternative: the operator reported it fully occupied at the start of winter semester 2026/27 ([Studentenwerk Dresden](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wirueberuns/pressemitteilung-350.html)).

**Student residences**

- [Vogtshof, Görlitz](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-vogtshof.html) (Studentenwerk Dresden): Furnished accommodation in the historic centre, with shared flats and some apartments; the building also houses student club Maus ([operator](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-vogtshof.html)).
- [Wohnheim F, Zittau](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-wohnheim-f.html) (Studentenwerk Dresden): Residence on Schliebenstraße between the university and cafeteria, offering furnished shared-flat rooms and individual apartments ([operator](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-wohnheim-f.html)).
- [Wohnheim D, Zittau](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-wohnheim-d.html) (Studentenwerk Dresden): Student residence at Schliebenstraße 27 ([HSZG housing](https://www.hszg.de/studium/campusleben/wohnen-leben/wohnen), [operator](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-wohnheim-d.html)).

## Cost of living

Useful budget anchors are the €269 monthly shared-flat room listed at Wohnheim F and the €3–5 cafeteria lunch estimate in HSZG’s international guide for 2026/27 ([Studentenwerk Dresden](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-wohnheim-f.html), [HSZG international guide](https://www.hszg.de/fileadmin/Redakteure/Hochschule/International/AAA/Studienf%C3%BChrer-aktuell-2026-2027-1.pdf)). A separately purchased Deutschlandticket costs €63 monthly in 2026; check your university ticket entitlement before buying another subscription ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket), [HSZG student council](https://stura.hszg.de/studierendenrat/finanzen/semesterbeitrag)). These provide practical starting points, but no verified like-for-like comparison with big-city living costs was established.

## Jobs & employers

Engineering, healthcare, research and tourism provide distinct employment routes. Siemens Energy manufactures industrial steam turbines in Görlitz, the municipal hospital offers employment and placement routes, and the district’s JobKompass covers tourism and hospitality employers ([Siemens Energy](https://www.siemens-energy.com/de/de/home/locations/goerlitz.html), [Klinikum Görlitz](https://www.klinikum-goerlitz.de/karriere-ausbildung/), [JobKompass](https://www.jobkompass-landkreis-goerlitz.de/)). For work alongside classes, start with university assistant roles and hospitality employers, then check hours, language requirements and the actual workplace.

- Student or research assistant work, including educational projects at HSZG’s Zukunftslernort Oberlausitz ([ZukLOS vacancies](https://zuklos.hszg.de/stellenboerse)).
- Restaurant service and kitchen-support work: search the district’s hospitality employer directory for suitable part-time openings ([JobKompass](https://www.jobkompass-landkreis-goerlitz.de/jobs/tourismus-und-dienstleistung/)).
- Hotel and visitor-service work: check tourism employers for shifts compatible with your course ([JobKompass](https://www.jobkompass-landkreis-goerlitz.de/jobs/tourismus-und-dienstleistung/)).

- **Siemens Energy, Görlitz** (Energy engineering): The Görlitz site manufactures industrial steam turbines and links to local career opportunities, apprenticeships and dual-study information ([Siemens Energy](https://www.siemens-energy.com/de/de/home/locations/goerlitz.html)).
- **Städtisches Klinikum Görlitz** (Healthcare): Municipal hospital with a dedicated careers, training and internship section; clinical roles have their own qualification requirements ([Klinikum Görlitz](https://www.klinikum-goerlitz.de/karriere-ausbildung/)).
- **Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz** (Higher education and research): The university publishes its own vacancies and provides an external-employer job board; ZukLOS also advertises student assistant opportunities ([HSZG careers](https://www.hszg.de/hochschule/jobs-karriere), [ZukLOS](https://zuklos.hszg.de/stellenboerse)).

## Getting around

ZVON is the local transport association. Regional trains connect Görlitz with Dresden via Bautzen, and Zittau with Dresden via Bischofswerda ([VVO](https://www.vvo-online.de/de/tarif-tickets/tarif/fahrten-in-den-zvon-5626)). DB’s November 2026 examples put direct Görlitz–Dresden Hbf journeys at roughly 1 hour 20 minutes; check your travel date for changes ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/goerlitz/dresden.shtml)). RB65 links Zittau, Görlitz, Weißwasser and Cottbus ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/)). The Deutschlandticket covers ordinary local and regional public transport in Germany; check cross-border validity separately before travelling into Poland or Czechia ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket)). For accommodation outside the campus towns, check the final evening connection before signing a lease.

- Station: Görlitz — regional connections towards Dresden, Zittau and Cottbus ([VVO](https://www.vvo-online.de/de/tarif-tickets/tarif/fahrten-in-den-zvon-5626), [VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/)).
- Station: Zittau — regional connections towards Dresden and Görlitz ([VVO](https://www.vvo-online.de/de/tarif-tickets/tarif/fahrten-in-den-zvon-5626), [VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/)).
- Station: Weißwasser — station on the Cottbus–Görlitz–Zittau RB65 route ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/)).
- Nearest airport: Dresden Airport (DRS) — The nearby commercial-airport option to check first. Its S2 rail service connects with Dresden-Neustadt and Dresden Hbf, where onward regional connections serve the district ([Dresden Airport transport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dresden_Airport), [VVO](https://www.vvo-online.de/de/tarif-tickets/tarif/fahrten-in-den-zvon-5626)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 0.6 °C, 49 mm rain a month, 2.2 h sun a day
- Spring: 9 °C, 49 mm rain a month, 6 h sun a day
- Summer: 18.2 °C, 83 mm rain a month, 7.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 9.4 °C, 51 mm rain a month, 3.9 h sun a day

Expect cold, often frosty winters and warmer summers, with rain possible throughout the year. Pack waterproof layers for walks and a warm coat for winter journeys to campus. Spring and autumn suit exploring the Zittau Mountains’ walking trails, while December brings Görlitz’s Christmas market ([Saxony geology service](https://www.geologie.sachsen.de/naturpark-zittauer-gebirge-29599.html), [market organiser](https://www.schlesischer-christkindelmarkt-goerlitz.de/)).

## Culture & language

Local identity combines Upper Lusatian traditions with a visible border setting. Around Zittau, traditional Umgebindehäuser are characteristic buildings; in Görlitz, the old-town bridge makes neighbouring Zgorzelec part of an easy cross-border walk ([Naturpark Zittauer Gebirge](https://www.zittauer-gebirge.com/de/cms/de/naturpark), [Saxony Tourism](https://www.sachsen-tourismus.de/tour/rundgang-durch-die-altstadt-von-goerlitz)).

For student evenings, Maus in Görlitz and DeZi-Bar in Zittau are concrete starting points: both are listed by HSZG as pubs and party organisers. Expect to build your social routine around particular clubs and events; these are small campus towns ([HSZG clubs](https://www.hszg.de/en/studium/campusleben/vertretungen-clubs-und-vereine)).

Plan to learn German even if your course uses English. HSZG’s international guide says most modules are taught in German, while selected programmes use English; check the requirements of your particular programme rather than treating English as a campus-wide teaching language ([HSZG international guide](https://www.hszg.de/fileadmin/Redakteure/Hochschule/International/AAA/Studienf%C3%BChrer-aktuell-2026-2027-1.pdf)). As a practical goal, aim for conversational German for everyday errands and stronger German for customer-facing work. HSZG offers German as a foreign language, alongside other language courses ([HSZG language centre](https://www.hszg.de/hochschule/struktur-und-organisation/serviceeinrichtungen/hochschulsprachenzentrum)). You may hear Upper Lusatian dialect, particularly in the southern part of the region ([dialect background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberlausitzer_Mundart)).

## Local food

- **Schlesisches Himmelreich**: A Silesian dish combining pork with dried fruit, associated with the Silesian cooking still found around Görlitz ([Silesian cuisine](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlesische_K%C3%BCche)).
- **Schlesischer Mohnkuchen**: Silesian poppy-seed cake, among the regional bakery specialities found in the Görlitz area ([Silesian cuisine](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlesische_K%C3%BCche)).
- **Butterdrückstreuselkuchen**: A buttery Silesian streusel cake associated with the local Silesian food tradition ([Silesian cuisine](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlesische_K%C3%BCche)).

## Events

- **Altstadtfest Görlitz** (Late August): Annual old-town festival. The organiser confirms the 2026 edition took place and announces 27–29 August for 2027 ([organiser](https://www.altstadtfest-goerlitz.com/)).
- **Schlesischer Christkindelmarkt** (December): Traditional Christmas market around Görlitz’s Untermarkt and neighbouring streets; the announced 2026 dates are 4–20 December ([organiser](https://www.schlesischer-christkindelmarkt-goerlitz.de/)).

## Places to see

- **Görlitz old town and Altstadtbrücke** (Old town): Walk between the market squares, Peterskirche and the pedestrian bridge to Zgorzelec ([Saxony Tourism](https://www.sachsen-tourismus.de/tour/rundgang-durch-die-altstadt-von-goerlitz)).
- **Muskauer Park** (UNESCO): A landscaped park extending across the Neisse and the German–Polish border, with a reconstructed castle, bridges and an arboretum ([UNESCO](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1127)).
- **Zittau Mountains around Oybin and Jonsdorf** (Nature): Sandstone formations and walking trails south of Zittau offer a practical destination for an outdoor study break ([Saxony geology service](https://www.geologie.sachsen.de/naturpark-zittauer-gebirge-29599.html)).
- **Oybin castle and monastery ruins** (Castle): Historic castle and monastery remains on Berg Oybin, highlighted among the nature park’s cultural sights ([Naturpark Zittauer Gebirge](https://www.zittauer-gebirge.com/de/cms/de/naturpark)).
- **König-Friedrich-August-Turm, Löbau** (Viewpoint): The cast-iron lookout tower on Löbauer Berg is the town’s distinctive landmark ([Löbau](https://www.loebau.de/freizeit-und-tourismus/stadtrundgang/k%C3%B6nig-friedrich-august-turm/)).

## FAQ

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

It is worth considering if you want small-town university life with identifiable student meeting places. HSZG lists Maus in Görlitz and DeZi-Bar in Zittau as pubs and party organisers ([HSZG](https://www.hszg.de/en/studium/campusleben/vertretungen-clubs-und-vereine)).

### Is there a university in Görlitz district?

Yes. Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz operates in both Zittau and Görlitz, with student residences available in both towns; check your course’s campus before choosing accommodation ([HSZG](https://www.hszg.de/studium/campusleben/wohnen-leben/wohnen)).

### Can I travel between Zittau and Görlitz by train?

Yes. Both towns are on the RB65 route, which continues through Weißwasser to Cottbus. Check current departure times and engineering-work notices before planning a regular commute ([VBB](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/)).

### How much does student accommodation cost in Görlitz district?

One verified example is €269 monthly for a furnished single room in a shared flat at Wohnheim F in Zittau, listed by the operator when checked in November 2026. This is a specific residence price, not an average for private rentals ([Studentenwerk Dresden](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-wohnheim-f.html)).

### Is it easier to find a student room in Zittau or Görlitz?

The latest verified operator statement, dated 9 October 2026, reported vacancies in Zittau but full occupancy at Görlitz’s Vogtshof. Availability can change, so apply and request a current offer ([Studentenwerk Dresden](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wirueberuns/pressemitteilung-350.html)).

### What jobs can students look for in Görlitz district?

Useful starting points include university assistant work and hospitality employers. HSZG’s ZukLOS publishes student assistant opportunities, while the district’s JobKompass lists tourism and service employers; check each opening for hours and language requirements ([ZukLOS](https://zuklos.hszg.de/stellenboerse), [JobKompass](https://www.jobkompass-landkreis-goerlitz.de/jobs/tourismus-und-dienstleistung/)).

## Sources

- [District JobKompass: economy and employers](https://www.jobkompass-landkreis-goerlitz.de/)
- [Saxony Tourism: Görlitz old-town walk](https://www.sachsen-tourismus.de/tour/rundgang-durch-die-altstadt-von-goerlitz)
- [Naturpark Zittauer Gebirge: landscape and cultural sights](https://www.zittauer-gebirge.com/de/cms/de/naturpark)
- [Löbau: König-Friedrich-August-Turm](https://www.loebau.de/freizeit-und-tourismus/stadtrundgang/k%C3%B6nig-friedrich-august-turm/)
- [UNESCO: Muskauer Park](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1127)
- [HSZG: housing in both campus towns](https://www.hszg.de/studium/campusleben/wohnen-leben/wohnen)
- [Saxony geology service: Zittau Mountains](https://www.geologie.sachsen.de/naturpark-zittauer-gebirge-29599.html)
- [VBB: RB65 route](https://www.vbb.de/unterwegs-im-vbb/regionalbahnlinien/rb65/)
- [HSZG: student clubs and organisations](https://www.hszg.de/en/studium/campusleben/vertretungen-clubs-und-vereine)
- [Studentenwerk Dresden: housing availability, 9 October 2026](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wirueberuns/pressemitteilung-350.html)
- [Studentenwerk Dresden: Wohnheim F and rents](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-wohnheim-f.html)
- [Studentenwerk Dresden: residence catalogue](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/)
- [Studentenwerk Dresden: Vogtshof](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-vogtshof.html)
- [Studentenwerk Dresden: Wohnheim D](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wohnen/wohnheimkatalog/details-wohnheim-d.html)
- [HSZG: international student guide 2026/27](https://www.hszg.de/fileadmin/Redakteure/Hochschule/International/AAA/Studienf%C3%BChrer-aktuell-2026-2027-1.pdf)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Deutschlandticket](https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket)
- [HSZG student council: semester contribution](https://stura.hszg.de/studierendenrat/finanzen/semesterbeitrag)
- [Studentenwerk Dresden: contribution regulations](https://www.studentenwerk-dresden.de/wirueberuns/beitraege.html)
- [Siemens Energy: Görlitz site](https://www.siemens-energy.com/de/de/home/locations/goerlitz.html)
- [Städtisches Klinikum Görlitz: careers and training](https://www.klinikum-goerlitz.de/karriere-ausbildung/)
- [HSZG ZukLOS: assistant opportunities](https://zuklos.hszg.de/stellenboerse)
- [JobKompass: tourism and service employers](https://www.jobkompass-landkreis-goerlitz.de/jobs/tourismus-und-dienstleistung/)
- [HSZG: careers and job board](https://www.hszg.de/hochschule/jobs-karriere)
- [VVO: regional rail connections into ZVON](https://www.vvo-online.de/de/tarif-tickets/tarif/fahrten-in-den-zvon-5626)
- [Deutsche Bahn: Görlitz–Dresden journey examples](https://www.bahn.de/reisen/view/verbindung/goerlitz/dresden.shtml)
- [Dresden Airport: ground transport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dresden_Airport)
- [Silesian cuisine and its presence around Görlitz](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlesische_K%C3%BCche)
- [Altstadtfest Görlitz: official organiser](https://www.altstadtfest-goerlitz.com/)
- [Schlesischer Christkindelmarkt: official organiser](https://www.schlesischer-christkindelmarkt-goerlitz.de/)
- [HSZG: language centre](https://www.hszg.de/hochschule/struktur-und-organisation/serviceeinrichtungen/hochschulsprachenzentrum)
- [Upper Lusatian dialect](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberlausitzer_Mundart)
- [Commons: Görlitz old-town photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Altstadt_G%C3%B6rlitz.jpg)
- [Commons: Zittau market-square photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marktplatz_Zittau_2016.jpg)
- [Commons: Bad Muskau castle photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bad_Muskau_-_Schloss_Muskau2.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/goerlitz-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).