# Study in Ostholstein district, Schleswig-Holstein

> Ostholstein is a rural district (Landkreis) in Schleswig-Holstein with 201,472 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). There is no university in Ostholstein district itself; the nearest is Musikhochschule Lübeck in Lübeck, about 32 km away. Summers average 17.1 °C and winters 2.4 °C, with about 674 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Ostholstein is a Baltic coastal district of seaside towns, lakes and countryside, with student commutes to Lübeck and Kiel.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,472 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 1,393.02 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 0 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Musikhochschule Lübeck, Lübeck (32 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €11.00/m² net cold rent — Median for all apartments in IB.SH’s 2024 rental-market monitoring for Ostholstein, published in its 2025 housing profile. Excludes subsidised housing and utility costs; this is not a WG-room price or an official Mietspiegel. | [source](https://www.ib-sh.de/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/immobilienkunden/wohnungsmarktbeobachtung/staedte_und_gemeinden/wmp_neustadt_in_holstein.pdf) |
| Mean temperature | 9.5 °C (summer 17.1 °C, winter 2.4 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 674 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,743 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Ostholstein district

Ostholstein combines Baltic beaches, the island of Fehmarn and part of the lake landscape of Holsteinische Schweiz. Eutin is the district’s administrative centre. Tourism is a major part of local life and the economy ([Kreis Ostholstein](https://www.kreis-oh.de/Wirtschaft-Natur-Tourismus/Regional-und-Kreisentwicklung/Zahlen-Daten-Fakten/)).

The towns offer different settings: Eutin has a lakeside palace, Malente sits among woods and lakes, and Neustadt in Holstein has a working harbour and sailing culture. Your choice of town matters more than the district label when planning everyday journeys ([Eutin palace](https://www.malente-tourismus.de/holsteinische-schweiz/schloss-eutin/), [Malente municipality](https://www.malente.de/unser-malente/herzlich-willkommen/lage-anbindung), [Neustadt tourism](https://www.luebecker-bucht-ostsee.de/neustadt-in-holstein)).

- **Eutin**: The district seat, with a palace and landscaped gardens beside the Großer Eutiner See ([district](https://www.kreis-oh.de/Wirtschaft-Natur-Tourismus/Regional-und-Kreisentwicklung/Zahlen-Daten-Fakten/), [palace](https://www.malente-tourismus.de/holsteinische-schweiz/schloss-eutin/)).
- **Bad Schwartau**: A town closely connected to Lübeck’s public transport network and home to Schwartauer Werke ([town background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Schwartau), [Schwartauer Werke](https://www.schwartauer-werke.de/)).
- **Neustadt in Holstein**: A coastal town with harbours, sailing facilities and the zeiTTor museum in its surviving medieval town gate ([local tourism board](https://www.luebecker-bucht-ostsee.de/neustadt-in-holstein)).
- **Malente**: A spa municipality in the wooded lake landscape of Holsteinische Schweiz, served by Bad Malente-Gremsmühlen station ([municipality](https://www.malente.de/unser-malente/herzlich-willkommen/lage-anbindung)).
- **Fehmarn**: The island municipality includes Burg, its principal town, alongside coastal villages, beaches and harbours ([Fehmarn tourism](https://www.fehmarn.de/fileadmin/fehmarn/Dateien/Presse/Press_kit_fehmarn_2026.pdf)).

## Nearest universities

There is no university in Ostholstein. Nearby options include Musikhochschule Lübeck, Universität zu Lübeck, Technische Hochschule Lübeck and the university of applied sciences in Kiel. For commuting, start by comparing homes near Bad Schwartau, Eutin or Bad Malente-Gremsmühlen stations, which lie on the Lübeck–Kiel railway; check the onward journey to your actual campus ([NAH.SH timetable](https://www.nah.sh/assets/03-Fahrplan/RE83-RB84-Fahrplan2025-2026.pdf)). Employer-based study is another route: Schwartauer Werke offers dual study programmes and apprenticeships ([Schwartauer Werke](https://www.schwartauer-werke.de/fuer-bewerberinnen/dein-einstieg-bei-schwartau/ausbildung-duales-studium)). This is a setting to consider if access to the coast and countryside matters more to you than living beside campus.

- **Musikhochschule Lübeck** (Lübeck) — 32 km away, 10 courses
- **Universität zu Lübeck** (Lübeck) — 35 km away, 34 courses
- **Technische Hochschule Lübeck** (Lübeck) — 35 km away, 44 courses
- **Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Kiel** (Kiel) — 43 km away, 44 courses
- **Kiel University of Applied Sciences** (Kiel) — 44 km away, 4 courses

## Housing

Do not assume that a home outside the university cities will be inexpensive. IB.SH’s rental monitoring puts Neustadt in Holstein above the district-wide median, showing that location makes a substantial difference. These figures describe apartment rents, not student-room availability ([IB.SH housing report](https://www.ib-sh.de/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/immobilienkunden/wohnungsmarktbeobachtung/staedte_und_gemeinden/wmp_neustadt_in_holstein.pdf)).

**How to find a place**

- Search WG-Gesucht, ImmobilienScout24 and Kleinanzeigen by individual town, then widen the radius. These portals are recommended by Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein for private housing searches ([Studentenwerk](https://studentenwerk.sh/de/zimmersuche)).
- Check Lübecker Nachrichten property advertisements alongside online listings; the Studentenwerk includes the newspaper in its local housing-search guidance ([Studentenwerk](https://studentenwerk.sh/de/zimmersuche)).
- Before signing, test the address-to-campus journey and the last evening connection in the NAH.SH planner, including any replacement buses ([NAH.SH](https://www.nah.sh/de/fahrplan/fahrplantabellen/)).
- Compare commuting with applying for student accommodation in Lübeck itself. The Studentenwerk’s Lübeck residences are outside Ostholstein and should be treated as an alternative location ([Studentenwerk residences](https://studentenwerk.sh/de/wohnheime-luebeck)).

## Cost of living

Housing and transport are the main costs to compare before choosing a town. Neustadt’s monitored median apartment rent was €12.64/m² net cold in 2024, excluding utilities ([IB.SH](https://www.ib-sh.de/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/immobilienkunden/wohnungsmarktbeobachtung/staedte_und_gemeinden/wmp_neustadt_in_holstein.pdf)). The standard Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026, with €66.80 announced from January 2027; check whether your university already provides a semester-ticket arrangement before buying separately ([Federal Government](https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/bundesregierung/bundeskanzleramt/deutschlandticket-2134074)). Compare the complete warm rent and commuting costs rather than assuming Ostholstein will be cheaper than a university city.

## Jobs & employers

Tourism is a major local industry, making seasonal visitor-service work a practical search direction ([district profile](https://www.kreis-oh.de/Wirtschaft-Natur-Tourismus/Regional-und-Kreisentwicklung/Zahlen-Daten-Fakten/)). Food manufacturing offers another route: Schwartauer Werke regularly recruits seasonal workers ([seasonal recruitment](https://www.schwartauer-werke.de/fuer-bewerberinnen/fuer-saisonale-jobs-bewerben)). For technical or commercial experience, ZVO advertises apprenticeships and internships at its local sites ([ZVO careers](https://karriere.zvo.com/de)).

- Catering and food-service shifts at HANSA-PARK; its application form includes part-time and weekend availability ([official application](https://www.hansapark.de/files/download/arbeiten_im_hansa_park/stellen/Einstellungsfragebogen.pdf)).
- Attraction operations and guest-service work at HANSA-PARK ([official application](https://www.hansapark.de/files/download/arbeiten_im_hansa_park/stellen/Einstellungsfragebogen.pdf)).
- Souvenir-shop sales at HANSA-PARK ([official application](https://www.hansapark.de/files/download/arbeiten_im_hansa_park/stellen/Einstellungsfragebogen.pdf)).
- Seasonal manufacturing work at Schwartauer Werke; check shift requirements against your timetable ([employer recruitment](https://www.schwartauer-werke.de/fuer-bewerberinnen/fuer-saisonale-jobs-bewerben)).

- **Schwartauer Werke** (Food manufacturing): Based in Bad Schwartau and known for preserves and cereal bars; offers seasonal employment, apprenticeships and dual study routes ([company](https://www.schwartauer-werke.de/), [training](https://www.schwartauer-werke.de/fuer-bewerberinnen/dein-einstieg-bei-schwartau/ausbildung-duales-studium)).
- **HANSA-PARK** (Tourism and leisure): Theme park in Sierksdorf, with employment areas including attractions, catering, guest services and retail ([park](https://www.hansapark.de/index?language=de), [application](https://www.hansapark.de/files/download/arbeiten_im_hansa_park/stellen/Einstellungsfragebogen.pdf)).
- **Zweckverband Ostholstein (ZVO)** (Utilities and environmental services): Based in Sierksdorf, with local technical and commercial apprenticeships and internships, including water and wastewater work ([ZVO careers](https://karriere.zvo.com/de)).

## Getting around

RE83 and RB84 connect Bad Schwartau, Eutin and Bad Malente-Gremsmühlen with Lübeck and Kiel. Under the published regular timetable, Eutin–Lübeck Hbf takes roughly 22–32 minutes and Eutin–Kiel Hbf roughly 45–60 minutes, before campus transfers ([NAH.SH](https://www.nah.sh/assets/03-Fahrplan/RE83-RB84-Fahrplan2025-2026.pdf)). Important for November 2026 arrivals: cancellations and replacement buses affect the Lübeck–Plön/Preetz corridor from 2 November to 7 December ([erixx notice](https://www.erixx-holstein.de/baustellenmeldung/re83-rb84-ausfaelle-zwischen-luebeck-hbf-preetz-ploen/)). RB85 links Neustadt and the southern coastal resorts to Lübeck; Neustadt–Lübeck is normally about 33 minutes ([coastal timetable](https://www.nah.sh/assets/03-Fahrplan/RB85-X85-Fahrplan2025-2026.pdf)). For Fehmarn, the X85 express bus replaces trains during construction and accepts the Deutschlandticket ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.deutschebahn.com/de/presse/presse-regional/pr-hamburg-de/aktuell/presseinformationen-regional/Mit-dem-X85-Fahrradbus-nach-Fehmarn-13886544)). The ticket also covers ordinary local buses and regional trains; check each proposed home’s connecting bus service ([ticket coverage](https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/bundesregierung/bundeskanzleramt/deutschlandticket-2134074)).

- Station: Bad Schwartau — RE83/RB84 and RB85 ([NAH.SH](https://www.nah.sh/assets/03-Fahrplan/RB85-X85-Fahrplan2025-2026.pdf)).
- Station: Eutin — RE83/RB84 ([NAH.SH](https://www.nah.sh/assets/03-Fahrplan/RE83-RB84-Fahrplan2025-2026.pdf)).
- Station: Bad Malente-Gremsmühlen — RE83/RB84 ([NAH.SH](https://www.nah.sh/assets/03-Fahrplan/RE83-RB84-Fahrplan2025-2026.pdf)).
- Station: Neustadt (Holstein) — RB85 ([NAH.SH](https://www.nah.sh/assets/03-Fahrplan/RB85-X85-Fahrplan2025-2026.pdf)).
- Nearest airport: Lübeck Airport — A nearby passenger-airport option via Lübeck: the airport has a railway stop and bus connections to Lübeck Hbf/ZOB. Hamburg Airport is another option, reached via Hamburg Hbf and the S1; compare available flights and the complete journey ([Lübeck tourism transport guide](https://www.luebeck-tourismus.de/service/anreise-parken)).

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 2.4 °C, 57 mm rain a month, 1.6 h sun a day
- Spring: 8.1 °C, 42 mm rain a month, 6.2 h sun a day
- Summer: 17.1 °C, 68 mm rain a month, 7.6 h sun a day
- Autumn: 10.2 °C, 58 mm rain a month, 3.6 h sun a day

Expect cool winters with limited sunshine, mild summers and rain in every season. Waterproof layers are useful for walks and station journeys. Spring and summer suit cycling and time by the water; Fehmarn’s tourism guide highlights spring rapeseed fields, summer watersports and windy winter beach walks ([Fehmarn tourism](https://www.fehmarn.de/fileadmin/fehmarn/Dateien/Presse/Press_kit_fehmarn_2026.pdf)).

## Culture & language

Fishing and sailing remain visible parts of coastal identity, especially around Neustadt’s harbour and Fischeramtsfest. JazzBaltica brings an international music programme to Timmendorfer Strand ([Neustadt tourism](https://www.luebecker-bucht-ostsee.de/neustadt-in-holstein), [Fischeramtsfest](https://www.luebecker-bucht-ostsee.de/veranstaltungsdetails/details/193658/stammdaten/25-neust-dter-fischeramtsfest), [JazzBaltica](https://jazzbaltica.de/ueber-jazzbaltica)). For student social life, plan around particular events and your university connections rather than expecting a campus neighbourhood on your doorstep.

English-language visitor services exist—for example, Eutin Palace offers English guided tours on request—but this does not guarantee English support with housing or employment ([palace guide](https://www.malente-tourismus.de/holsteinische-schweiz/schloss-eutin/)). As a practical learning goal, aim for conversational German around B1 and work towards B2 for customer-facing jobs; this is advice, not a universal hiring or admission requirement. Low German, or Plattdeutsch, belongs to the region’s cultural heritage and is recognised as a regional language in Schleswig-Holstein ([state government](https://www.schleswig-holstein.de/DE/fachinhalte/M/minderheiten/minderheiten_sprachencharta)).

## Local food

- **Fischbrötchen**: Fish-filled bread rolls are a practical coastal snack; the fishermen’s stall at Burgstaaken on Fehmarn serves them alongside other fish dishes ([Inselfischer Fehmarn](https://www.inselfischer-fehmarn.de/fischbude)).
- **Brathering**: Fried herring is central to Neustadt’s Fischeramtsfest, where the fishing community cooks it at the harbour ([local tourism board](https://www.luebecker-bucht-ostsee.de/veranstaltungsdetails/details/193658/stammdaten/25-neust-dter-fischeramtsfest)).
- **Räucherfisch**: Smoked fish is another harbour staple; the Burgstaaken fishermen list varieties according to season and availability ([Inselfischer Fehmarn](https://www.inselfischer-fehmarn.de/fischbude)).

## Events

- **JazzBaltica** (June; next announced edition 24–27 June 2027): Jazz festival in Timmendorfer Strand, with concerts around the Strandpark area ([festival dates](https://jazzbaltica.de/), [festival background](https://jazzbaltica.de/ueber-jazzbaltica)).
- **Neustädter Fischeramtsfest** (Late July–early August; 2026 edition ran 31 July–2 August): Traditional harbour festival centred on the local fishing community, food and entertainment ([tourism board event listing](https://www.luebecker-bucht-ostsee.de/veranstaltungsdetails/details/193658/stammdaten/25-neust-dter-fischeramtsfest)).
- **Fehmarn Christmas market** (From late November): Burg’s old-town market square hosts stalls selling food, drinks and crafts; the tourism service includes it in its annual events guide ([Fehmarn tourism](https://www.fehmarn.de/fileadmin/fehmarn/Dateien/Presse/Press_kit_fehmarn_2026.pdf)).

## Places to see

- **Eutin Palace and gardens** (Castle): A former ducal residence with museum interiors and an English-style landscape garden beside the Großer Eutiner See ([palace guide](https://www.malente-tourismus.de/holsteinische-schweiz/schloss-eutin/)).
- **Dieksee promenade, Malente** (Lake): A lakeside walking spot at Malente, with access to a longer circuit around the Dieksee ([Malente tourism](https://www.malente-tourismus.de/holsteinische-schweiz/holsteiner-seenplatte/dieksee/)).
- **Neustadt harbour and Kremper Tor** (Old town): Combine a harbour walk with the zeiTTor museum inside the surviving medieval town gate ([Neustadt tourism](https://www.luebecker-bucht-ostsee.de/neustadt-in-holstein)).
- **Flügge lighthouse, Fehmarn** (Coast): A lighthouse in western Fehmarn that the island’s tourism service lists as accessible to visitors; check seasonal opening before travelling ([Fehmarn tourism](https://www.fehmarn.de/fileadmin/fehmarn/Dateien/Presse/Press_kit_fehmarn_2026.pdf)).

## FAQ

### Is there a university in Ostholstein?

There is no university in Ostholstein. Nearby study options are in Lübeck and Kiel, including Universität zu Lübeck, Technische Hochschule Lübeck, Musikhochschule Lübeck and Kiel’s university of applied sciences.

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

Consider it if you value the coast or countryside and can make the campus journey work. Eutin and Bad Malente-Gremsmühlen are on the Lübeck–Kiel railway, making them sensible starting points for comparing commutes ([NAH.SH](https://www.nah.sh/assets/03-Fahrplan/RE83-RB84-Fahrplan2025-2026.pdf)).

### How do I get from Eutin to Lübeck?

RE83 and RB84 normally take about 22–32 minutes to Lübeck Hbf ([regular timetable](https://www.nah.sh/assets/03-Fahrplan/RE83-RB84-Fahrplan2025-2026.pdf)). Replacement buses affect this corridor from 2 November to 7 December 2026, so check your exact travel date ([erixx](https://www.erixx-holstein.de/baustellenmeldung/re83-rb84-ausfaelle-zwischen-luebeck-hbf-preetz-ploen/)).

### Is Ostholstein expensive for students?

Do not assume it is a cheap alternative to city living. IB.SH reported a district-wide median apartment rent of €11.00/m² net cold for 2024; utilities and other living costs are additional, and this is not a student-room average ([IB.SH](https://www.ib-sh.de/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/immobilienkunden/wohnungsmarktbeobachtung/staedte_und_gemeinden/wmp_neustadt_in_holstein.pdf)).

### What jobs can students find in Ostholstein?

Search for catering, guest-service, attraction and retail work at HANSA-PARK, whose application form allows part-time and weekend availability ([HANSA-PARK](https://www.hansapark.de/files/download/arbeiten_im_hansa_park/stellen/Einstellungsfragebogen.pdf)). Schwartauer Werke also recruits seasonal workers ([Schwartauer Werke](https://www.schwartauer-werke.de/fuer-bewerberinnen/fuer-saisonale-jobs-bewerben)).

### Can I travel to Fehmarn with the Deutschlandticket?

Yes. Deutsche Bahn confirms that the X85 replacement express bus between Lübeck and Fehmarn accepts the Deutschlandticket while railway construction continues ([Deutsche Bahn](https://www.deutschebahn.com/de/presse/presse-regional/pr-hamburg-de/aktuell/presseinformationen-regional/Mit-dem-X85-Fahrradbus-nach-Fehmarn-13886544)).

## Sources

- [Kreis Ostholstein: district profile](https://www.kreis-oh.de/Wirtschaft-Natur-Tourismus/Regional-und-Kreisentwicklung/Zahlen-Daten-Fakten/)
- [Malente tourism: Eutin Palace](https://www.malente-tourismus.de/holsteinische-schweiz/schloss-eutin/)
- [Malente municipality: location and connections](https://www.malente.de/unser-malente/herzlich-willkommen/lage-anbindung)
- [Lübecker Bucht tourism: Neustadt](https://www.luebecker-bucht-ostsee.de/neustadt-in-holstein)
- [Bad Schwartau: general background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Schwartau)
- [Fehmarn tourism: 2026 press and visitor guide](https://www.fehmarn.de/fileadmin/fehmarn/Dateien/Presse/Press_kit_fehmarn_2026.pdf)
- [IB.SH: 2025 Neustadt housing profile with Ostholstein comparison](https://www.ib-sh.de/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/immobilienkunden/wohnungsmarktbeobachtung/staedte_und_gemeinden/wmp_neustadt_in_holstein.pdf)
- [Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein: housing search](https://studentenwerk.sh/de/zimmersuche)
- [Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein: Lübeck residences](https://studentenwerk.sh/de/wohnheime-luebeck)
- [NAH.SH: timetables and journey planning](https://www.nah.sh/de/fahrplan/fahrplantabellen/)
- [NAH.SH: RE83/RB84 timetable](https://www.nah.sh/assets/03-Fahrplan/RE83-RB84-Fahrplan2025-2026.pdf)
- [NAH.SH: RB85/X85 timetable](https://www.nah.sh/assets/03-Fahrplan/RB85-X85-Fahrplan2025-2026.pdf)
- [erixx Holstein: November–December 2026 replacement transport](https://www.erixx-holstein.de/baustellenmeldung/re83-rb84-ausfaelle-zwischen-luebeck-hbf-preetz-ploen/)
- [Deutsche Bahn: X85 services and ticket acceptance](https://www.deutschebahn.com/de/presse/presse-regional/pr-hamburg-de/aktuell/presseinformationen-regional/Mit-dem-X85-Fahrradbus-nach-Fehmarn-13886544)
- [Federal Government: Deutschlandticket prices and coverage](https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/bundesregierung/bundeskanzleramt/deutschlandticket-2134074)
- [Lübeck tourism: airport and transport connections](https://www.luebeck-tourismus.de/service/anreise-parken)
- [Schwartauer Werke: company](https://www.schwartauer-werke.de/)
- [Schwartauer Werke: seasonal jobs](https://www.schwartauer-werke.de/fuer-bewerberinnen/fuer-saisonale-jobs-bewerben)
- [Schwartauer Werke: apprenticeships and dual study](https://www.schwartauer-werke.de/fuer-bewerberinnen/dein-einstieg-bei-schwartau/ausbildung-duales-studium)
- [HANSA-PARK: official park website](https://www.hansapark.de/index?language=de)
- [HANSA-PARK: employment application and work areas](https://www.hansapark.de/files/download/arbeiten_im_hansa_park/stellen/Einstellungsfragebogen.pdf)
- [ZVO: careers and local training opportunities](https://karriere.zvo.com/de)
- [JazzBaltica: upcoming festival dates](https://jazzbaltica.de/)
- [JazzBaltica: festival background and location](https://jazzbaltica.de/ueber-jazzbaltica)
- [Lübecker Bucht tourism: 2026 Fischeramtsfest](https://www.luebecker-bucht-ostsee.de/veranstaltungsdetails/details/193658/stammdaten/25-neust-dter-fischeramtsfest)
- [Inselfischer Fehmarn: Burgstaaken fish stall](https://www.inselfischer-fehmarn.de/fischbude)
- [Malente tourism: Dieksee](https://www.malente-tourismus.de/holsteinische-schweiz/holsteiner-seenplatte/dieksee/)
- [Schleswig-Holstein: regional and minority languages](https://www.schleswig-holstein.de/DE/fachinhalte/M/minderheiten/minderheiten_sprachencharta)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Eutin Palace photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eutin_Schloss_Suedansicht.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Neustadt harbour photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NeustadtHolsteinHafen.jpg)
- [Wikimedia Commons: Flügge lighthouse photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2017-08-19-Leuchtturm_Fl%C3%BCgge-3775.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/schleswig-holstein/ostholstein-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).