# Study in Nordhausen district, Thuringia

> Nordhausen is a rural district (Landkreis) in Thuringia with 80,762 people (Destatis, 31 Dec 2024). It has one university: Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences (Nordhausen). Summers average 16.7 °C and winters 0.6 °C, with about 625 mm of rain a year (DWD, 1991–2020).

Nordhausen is a largely rural district in northern Thuringia, with a university town, industrial heritage and access to the southern Harz.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 80,762 | Destatis, 31 Dec 2024 |
| Area | 713.91 km² | Destatis |
| Universities in the district | 1 | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Nearest university | Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, Nordhausen (6 km) | Where Is My Uni? catalogue |
| Typical student rent | €222–€341 per month — Published monthly rent range for furnished single rooms in shared flats at Weinberghof 6/6a, as listed on Studierendenwerk Thüringen's undated residence page; checked November 2026. This is a residence-specific range, not a private-market average. | [source](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-6/6a.html) |
| Mean temperature | 8.5 °C (summer 16.7 °C, winter 0.6 °C) | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Rain | 625 mm a year | DWD 1991–2020 |
| Sunshine | 1,500 hours a year | DWD 1991–2020 |

## About Nordhausen district

Nordhausen district lies in northern Thuringia, bordering Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. Nordhausen town is its administrative centre; smaller centres include Bleicherode, Ellrich, Heringen/Helme and Harztor. The district combines small-town settlements with the southern Harz landscape. ([District background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Nordhausen))

Its character combines industry and countryside: Bleicherode has a strong potash-mining heritage, while Nordhausen retains its tradition of distilling rye-based Korn spirits. The Südharz Nature Park introduces visitors to the area's distinctive gypsum-karst landscape. ([Bleicherode](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleicherode), [Traditionsbrennerei](https://www.echter-nordhaeuser.de/traditionsbrennerei), [Naturpark Südharz](https://naturpark-suedharz.de/))

- **Nordhausen**: District seat and university town, with the Hochschule campus at Weinberghof. ([District background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Nordhausen), [University campus](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/unsere-hsn/standort-und-campusplan/))
- **Bleicherode**: Former potash-mining town whose industrial past remains visible in its mining infrastructure and spoil heap. ([Bleicherode](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleicherode))
- **Ellrich**: A smaller town with regional trains connecting it to Nordhausen and the route towards Göttingen. ([DB timetable](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:01222e62-ffde-47b6-8175-cd5c932e0176/RB_80_Fahrplan1.2026-01-06-08-43-32.pdf))
- **Heringen/Helme**: Home to Schloss Heringen, with exhibitions on the castle and the archaeology of the Goldene Aue. ([Municipal museum](https://www.stadt-heringen.de/museum.html))
- **Harztor**: Its Neustadt locality houses the Südharz Nature Park administration and an interactive exhibition about the region. ([Naturpark Südharz](https://naturpark-suedharz.de/))

## Universities

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is the local study option, with its campus at Weinberghof in Nordhausen town. Living in town is the practical starting point for attending classes there. ([University campus](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/unsere-hsn/standort-und-campusplan/)) Other nearby university towns include Wernigerode, Clausthal-Zellerfeld and Göttingen. For Göttingen, direct regional trains take roughly 90 minutes station to station, before onward travel to campus; that makes daily commuting a substantial commitment. ([DB timetable](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:01222e62-ffde-47b6-8175-cd5c932e0176/RB_80_Fahrplan1.2026-01-06-08-43-32.pdf)) Consider Nordhausen if you want a smaller study base and opportunities to spend free time outdoors.

- **Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences** (Nordhausen) — 30 courses

## Housing

Student residences provide relatively modest published entry prices, but availability should not be assumed. The university explicitly warns that residence places are limited and recommends applying early while also searching the private market. There is insufficient evidence to describe the entire district's rental market as relaxed. ([University housing advice](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/international/come-in/leben-und-studieren-in-nordhausen/))

**How to find a place**

- Apply early for a Studierendenwerk Thüringen residence and search for alternatives at the same time. ([University housing advice](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/international/come-in/leben-und-studieren-in-nordhausen/))
- Check WBG Südharz and SWG Nordhausen, both recommended in the university's local housing guide. ([University housing guide](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/international/come-in/leben-und-studieren-in-nordhausen/))
- Use WG-Gesucht's Nordhausen listings for shared flats; the university also points students towards Studizentrum and Studentenhotel Nordhausen. ([University housing guide](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/international/come-in/leben-und-studieren-in-nordhausen/))
- Before renting outside town, check the journey to Hochschule and the return service after classes. The operator publishes separate city and regional bus timetables. ([Local timetables](https://www.stadtwerke-nordhausen.de/verkehr/bus-strassenbahn/fahrplan))

**Student residences**

- [Weinberghof 5/5a](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-5/5a.html) (Studierendenwerk Thüringen): Furnished shared-flat rooms and individual apartments; accessible accommodation is also listed. ([Residence details](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-5/5a.html))
- [Weinberghof 6/6a](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-6/6a.html) (Studierendenwerk Thüringen): Furnished single rooms in shared flats, with shared kitchens and bathrooms. ([Residence details](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-6/6a.html))
- [Weinberghof 7](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-7.html) (Studierendenwerk Thüringen): Furnished shared-flat accommodation with laundry facilities and bicycle storage in the building. ([Residence details](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-7.html))
- [Weinberghof 13](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-13.html) (Studierendenwerk Thüringen): Furnished rooms in shared flats, with laundry facilities in a nearby residence. ([Residence details](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-13.html))
- [Weinberghof 14/14a](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-14/14a.html) (Studierendenwerk Thüringen): Furnished shared-flat rooms; the operator also lists a larger room that can accommodate two students. ([Residence details](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-14/14a.html))
- [Bochumer Straße 32](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/bochumer-strasse-32.html) (Studierendenwerk Thüringen): Furnished rooms in shared flats, with shared kitchens and bathrooms and bicycle parking. ([Residence details](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/bochumer-strasse-32.html))

## Cost of living

Start your budget with an actual room offer: Weinberghof 6/6a currently lists monthly rents of €222–€341 and a €300 deposit. ([Studierendenwerk](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-6/6a.html)) The university's fee page, checked November 2026, lists a standard semester contribution of €326.80, or €346.80 for first-semester students, including the Deutschlandsemesterticket; confirm your enrolment invoice because the page still refers to summer semester 2026. ([Semester contribution](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/studienangebote/bewerbung/finanzielles/semesterbeitrag/)) The ordinary Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month during 2026 for people without an included semester ticket. ([Local transport operator](https://www.stadtwerke-nordhausen.de/verkehr/bus-strassenbahn/deutschlandticket)) Residence housing offers a useful low-cost option, but a reliable overall price comparison with larger cities was not established.

## Jobs & employers

Healthcare, energy services and engineering provide concrete local employment routes. Südharz Klinikum offers placements and dual-study opportunities, while Energieversorgung Nordhausen and SOKRATHERM explicitly invite working students. These are useful starting points for relevant experience, although an employer's student programme does not guarantee an immediately available position. ([Südharz Klinikum](https://www.shk-ndh.de/jobs/jobs_kurz.php?typ=1), [EVN](https://www.energie-nordhausen.de/de/Karriere/Duales-Studium-/Duales-Studium-.html), [SOKRATHERM](https://www.sokratherm.de/praktikum-oder-studienabschlussarbeit/))

- Working-student roles in business administration and IT at Energieversorgung Nordhausen. ([EVN](https://www.energie-nordhausen.de/de/Karriere/Duales-Studium-/Duales-Studium-.html))
- Technical and engineering working-student roles in the local energy sector. ([EVN](https://www.energie-nordhausen.de/de/Karriere/Duales-Studium-/Duales-Studium-.html))
- Energy-technology working-student projects involving combined heat and power at SOKRATHERM. ([SOKRATHERM](https://www.sokratherm.de/praktikum-oder-studienabschlussarbeit/))
- Student and holiday work at vehicle and automation engineering company IGENO. ([IGENO careers](https://www.igeno-fat.de/de/unternehmen/karriere.html))

- **Südharz Klinikum Nordhausen** (Healthcare): A major hospital employer in Nordhausen and an academic teaching hospital of Jena University Hospital; it offers internships, dual study and medical placements. ([Careers](https://www.shk-ndh.de/jobs/jobs_kurz.php?typ=1))
- **Energieversorgung Nordhausen** (Energy supply): Local energy company advertising working-student opportunities in business, IT, technology and engineering, alongside dual study. ([Student opportunities](https://www.energie-nordhausen.de/de/Karriere/Duales-Studium-/Duales-Studium-.html))
- **SOKRATHERM** (Combined heat and power engineering): Operates in Nordhausen and accepts enquiries for internships, working-student positions and dissertations related to energy technology. ([Student opportunities](https://www.sokratherm.de/praktikum-oder-studienabschlussarbeit/))
- **IGENO Fahrzeug- und Automatisierungstechnik** (Manufacturing and automation): Nordhausen company working in metal and plastics processing; its careers page explicitly includes student and holiday jobs. ([Careers](https://www.igeno-fat.de/de/unternehmen/karriere.html))

## Getting around

Nordhausen has trams, city buses and regional buses. Bus A links Bahnhofsplatz with the Hochschule campus; tram route 10 connects Nordhausen with Niedersachswerfen and Ilfeld. Check the operator's current timetable for diversions and village connections. ([Local timetables](https://www.stadtwerke-nordhausen.de/verkehr/bus-strassenbahn/fahrplan)) Direct RB80 journeys to Göttingen take about 90 minutes in the published timetable, while Ellrich is around 15–20 minutes away. ([DB timetable](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:01222e62-ffde-47b6-8175-cd5c932e0176/RB_80_Fahrplan1.2026-01-06-08-43-32.pdf)) Regional services also connect Nordhausen and Erfurt. ([DB Nordthüringenbahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/thueringen/wir/nordthueringenbahn)) The Deutschlandsemesterticket covers ordinary local buses, trams and second-class regional trains nationwide, but not ICE or IC services. ([Ticket conditions](https://www.mdv.de/ticket/deutschlandsemesterticket/))

- Station: Nordhausen — the principal regional rail interchange and connection point for city transport. ([University travel information](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/unsere-hsn/standort-und-campusplan/))
- Station: Ellrich — regional services on the route between Nordhausen and Göttingen. ([DB timetable](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:01222e62-ffde-47b6-8175-cd5c932e0176/RB_80_Fahrplan1.2026-01-06-08-43-32.pdf))
- Station: Bleicherode Ost — served by regional trains on the Halle–Hann. Münden railway. ([Bleicherode](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleicherode))
- Nearest airport: Erfurt-Weimar Airport — The nearest commercial airport to Nordhausen town. Compare available flights with the other airports listed by the university, including Leipzig/Halle, Hannover and Frankfurt, before choosing your arrival airport. ([Nordhausen transport background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordhausen), [University arrival advice](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/unsere-hsn/standort-und-campusplan/))

## Weather & seasons

- Winter: 0.6 °C, 53 mm rain a month, 1.6 h sun a day
- Spring: 8.1 °C, 46 mm rain a month, 5.2 h sun a day
- Summer: 16.7 °C, 60 mm rain a month, 6.5 h sun a day
- Autumn: 8.6 °C, 50 mm rain a month, 3.1 h sun a day

Expect cold winters with frequent frost, a gradually warming spring and generally moderate summers. Bring waterproof layers for outdoor trips and warm clothing for the winter semester. Spring through autumn gives you more comfortable conditions for exploring the Südharz; the nature park also organises walks and activities in the colder months. ([Nature park programme](https://naturpark-suedharz.de/))

## Culture & language

Nordhausen's identity includes its past as a free imperial city, Korn distilling and a longstanding theatre tradition. The theatre offers a cultural starting point, while the Rolandsfest brings a recurring public celebration into the town centre. For social life, plan around university activities, performances and individual events; a comprehensive late-night venue guide was not verified. ([Nordhausen background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordhausen), [Distilling tradition](https://www.echter-nordhaeuser.de/traditionsbrennerei), [Event calendar](https://www.ihk.de/erfurt/branchen/aktuelles/marktkalender-mittel-nord-und-westthueringen-6858440))

Treat English as a starting point and plan to build German for housing, everyday administration and work. As a practical learning target, aim for B1 for greater everyday independence and B2 for more demanding workplace conversations; these are recommendations, not universal admission requirements. The university offers German-as-a-foreign-language courses for international students. ([University language information](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/international/come-in/leben-und-studieren-in-nordhausen/)) Nordhausen's traditional dialect is North Thuringian. ([Local language background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordhausen))

## Local food

- **Nordhäuser Korn**: The town's characteristic rye-based spirit. The Traditionsbrennerei explains its production and offers visits and tastings. ([Traditionsbrennerei](https://www.echter-nordhaeuser.de/traditionsbrennerei))
- **Thüringer Bratwurst**: A regional sausage speciality also made locally: Brennecke's smokehouse in Harztor lists it among its products. ([Brennecke](https://brenneckewurst.de/))
- **Nordhäuser Knackwurst**: A local sausage option; Brennecke lists a garlic-seasoned Nordhausen version alongside other traditionally smoked meats. ([Brennecke](https://brenneckewurst.de/))

## Events

- **Nordhäuser Rolandsfest** (June): The town's annual civic festival; the 2026 calendar lists it for 12–14 June. Future editions should be checked individually. ([Nordhausen background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordhausen), [2026 event calendar](https://www.ihk.de/erfurt/branchen/aktuelles/marktkalender-mittel-nord-und-westthueringen-6858440))
- **Nordhäuser Weihnachtsmarkt** (Late November–December): The Christmas market provides a seasonal outing in Nordhausen. The published 2026 dates are 27 November–20 December. ([2026 event calendar](https://www.ihk.de/erfurt/branchen/aktuelles/marktkalender-mittel-nord-und-westthueringen-6858440))

## Places to see

- **Naturpark Südharz** (Nature): Explore the southern Harz landscape and learn about its gypsum karst at the park's interactive exhibition in Neustadt. ([Nature park](https://naturpark-suedharz.de/))
- **Schloss Heringen** (Castle and museum): A castle museum covering local aristocratic history and archaeological discoveries from the Goldene Aue. ([Municipal museum](https://www.stadt-heringen.de/museum.html))
- **KZ-Gedenkstätte Mittelbau-Dora** (Memorial): A place of remembrance and historical learning at the former concentration camp near Nordhausen. Its exhibitions address the camp system and forced labour; the underground tunnels are accessible only on a guided visit. ([Exhibitions](https://www.dora.de/de/besuch/ausstellungen), [Visitor information](https://www.dora.de/de/besuch/faq))
- **Echter Nordhäuser Traditionsbrennerei** (Industrial heritage): A working introduction to Nordhausen's Korn-distilling tradition, with museum visits and guided experiences. ([Official visitor information](https://www.echter-nordhaeuser.de/traditionsbrennerei))

## FAQ

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

Consider Nordhausen if you want to study locally and value access to countryside: the university is based in town, and the Südharz Nature Park offers nearby outdoor activities. Your choice should also account for housing availability and the journey from your address to campus. ([University campus](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/unsere-hsn/standort-und-campusplan/), [Nature park](https://naturpark-suedharz.de/))

### Is there a university in Nordhausen district?

Yes. Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is located at Weinberghof in Nordhausen town. ([University campus](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/unsere-hsn/standort-und-campusplan/))

### How long does the train from Nordhausen to Göttingen take?

Direct RB80 journeys take approximately 90 minutes in the published timetable. Allow additional time for travel between the stations and your home or university building, and check for timetable changes before travelling. ([DB timetable](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:01222e62-ffde-47b6-8175-cd5c932e0176/RB_80_Fahrplan1.2026-01-06-08-43-32.pdf))

### How much is student accommodation in Nordhausen?

Weinberghof 6/6a lists furnished shared-flat rooms at €222–€341 per month, checked November 2026. This is a specific residence's published range, not the average rent across Nordhausen. ([Studierendenwerk Thüringen](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-6/6a.html))

### What jobs can students find in Nordhausen?

Verified routes include working-student roles in business, IT and engineering at Energieversorgung Nordhausen, energy-technology projects at SOKRATHERM, and student or holiday jobs at IGENO. Check the employer's current opportunities and requirements before applying. ([EVN](https://www.energie-nordhausen.de/de/Karriere/Duales-Studium-/Duales-Studium-.html), [SOKRATHERM](https://www.sokratherm.de/praktikum-oder-studienabschlussarbeit/), [IGENO](https://www.igeno-fat.de/de/unternehmen/karriere.html))

### Can I study in Nordhausen without a car?

A car-free routine is practical to investigate in Nordhausen town: bus A connects Bahnhofsplatz with the Hochschule campus, and the town has tram services. For accommodation elsewhere in the district, check the specific regional route and your return journey before signing a lease. ([Local timetables](https://www.stadtwerke-nordhausen.de/verkehr/bus-strassenbahn/fahrplan))

## Sources

- [Nordhausen district background](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landkreis_Nordhausen)
- [Nordhausen town: culture, language and transport](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordhausen)
- [Bleicherode: industrial heritage and railway](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleicherode)
- [University campus and arrival information](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/unsere-hsn/standort-und-campusplan/)
- [University housing and international student guidance](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/international/come-in/leben-und-studieren-in-nordhausen/)
- [University semester contribution](https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/studienangebote/bewerbung/finanzielles/semesterbeitrag/)
- [Residence Weinberghof 5/5a](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-5/5a.html)
- [Residence Weinberghof 6/6a and rent](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-6/6a.html)
- [Residence Weinberghof 7](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-7.html)
- [Residence Weinberghof 13](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-13.html)
- [Residence Weinberghof 14/14a](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/weinberghof-14/14a.html)
- [Residence Bochumer Straße 32](https://www.stw-thueringen.de/wohnen/nordhausen/bochumer-strasse-32.html)
- [Südharz Klinikum careers](https://www.shk-ndh.de/jobs/jobs_kurz.php?typ=1)
- [Energieversorgung Nordhausen student opportunities](https://www.energie-nordhausen.de/de/Karriere/Duales-Studium-/Duales-Studium-.html)
- [SOKRATHERM student opportunities](https://www.sokratherm.de/praktikum-oder-studienabschlussarbeit/)
- [IGENO careers](https://www.igeno-fat.de/de/unternehmen/karriere.html)
- [Nordhausen bus and tram timetables](https://www.stadtwerke-nordhausen.de/verkehr/bus-strassenbahn/fahrplan)
- [Nordhausen operator: Deutschlandticket](https://www.stadtwerke-nordhausen.de/verkehr/bus-strassenbahn/deutschlandticket)
- [Deutschlandsemesterticket coverage](https://www.mdv.de/ticket/deutschlandsemesterticket/)
- [DB regional timetable: Nordhausen–Göttingen](https://assets.static-bahn.de/dam/jcr:01222e62-ffde-47b6-8175-cd5c932e0176/RB_80_Fahrplan1.2026-01-06-08-43-32.pdf)
- [DB Nordthüringenbahn](https://regional.bahn.de/regionen/thueringen/wir/nordthueringenbahn)
- [Naturpark Südharz](https://naturpark-suedharz.de/)
- [Schloss Heringen municipal museum](https://www.stadt-heringen.de/museum.html)
- [Mittelbau-Dora exhibitions](https://www.dora.de/de/besuch/ausstellungen)
- [Mittelbau-Dora visitor information](https://www.dora.de/de/besuch/faq)
- [Echter Nordhäuser Traditionsbrennerei](https://www.echter-nordhaeuser.de/traditionsbrennerei)
- [Brennecke regional sausage specialities](https://brenneckewurst.de/)
- [IHK Erfurt: 2026 local event calendar](https://www.ihk.de/erfurt/branchen/aktuelles/marktkalender-mittel-nord-und-westthueringen-6858440)
- [Commons: Nordhausen Stadthaus photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stadthaus_2_mai_2015.jpg)
- [Commons: Hohnstein castle courtyard photograph](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ALIM0084_Burgruine_Hohnstein,_Neustadt,_Innenhof_mit_Brunnen.jpg)
- [Commons: view from Hohnstein castle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ausblick_Turm_Burgruine_Hohnstein,_Neustadt_-_Harz_-_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/thuringia/nordhausen-district. Last updated November 2026. [How we research](https://whereismyuni.com/study-in/how-we-research).