Are you the type that likes small towns where you can run into fellow students at parties or when you’re out shopping? Would you feel more comfortable at a smaller higher education institution? Then Siegen is the right place for you! Its small-town flair is perfect for studying, living and having fun.
Facts
102,770 Inhabitants ¹
18,845 Students ²
1 Higher education institution ²
WELCOME TO SIEGEN
Siegen is one of the smaller university towns in Germany with some 100,000 inhabitants. It lies at the heart of what is known as the Siegerland, a densely wooded region in the southern part of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Siegen is a place where everything is reachable on foot and where you can quickly get out into nature and escape the hectic pace of city life. The town and its university offer students many opportunities to expand their horizons and ensure they’re not lost in the anonymity of a big city.
The Siegerland was long known as an ore-mining region. There are two large bronze statues next to the train station named “Hüttenmann“ (Smeltery Man) and “Bergmann” (Mining Man), honouring the city’s industrial history.
In the upper part of town (Oberstadt), you’ll find numerous churches and the Untere Schloss (Lower Castle) and Obere Schloss (Upper Castle). You can get a wonderful view of the entire city from the expansive park grounds of the “Obere Schloss”. The castle features the collections of the Siegerland Museum and the Rubens Hall. Siegen is the birthplace of the world-famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Consequently, Siegen is often nicknamed the “Rubens City”. Nine original paintings by Rubens are on display in the Rubens Hall.
Tip
Pack a picnic basket and blanket and relax with some friends on the lawn in the Schlosspark in the summer.
In the historic centre of town, you’ll see several half-timbered houses with authentically historic slate-covered roofs. They were all lovingly reconstructed after downtown Siegen was destroyed during World War II. St. Nicholas’ Church is also worth seeing. On the spire of the church, you will notice a small golden crown – the official symbol of the city of Siegen.
Interview
AHSAN FROM PAKISTAN
LIVING IN SIEGEN
One of the great things about Siegen is its size. When you go out during the week or at the weekend, you can be sure to meet many of your fellow students. In the immediate vicinity of the train station, there are numerous bars and clubs where you can eat, drink and be merry.
The CityGalerie is a large shopping centre located near the main train station. There you’ll find shops for everything you need – groceries, office supplies, clothing, electronics, etc. On Bahnhofstraße next to the train station, you can do some window-shopping or hang out at one of the many cafés there. You’ll tend to find the smaller shops and boutiques in the Oberstadt district – the historic part of town.
The Obere Schloss regularly hosts a variety of cultural events. You can also just stretch out and relax on the lawns in the adjacent Schlosspark. It’s a favourite oasis for many students.
The entire Oberstadt district has become one the favourite residential areas for students over the past few years. Numerous flatshares have popped up in the small, quaint half-timbered houses downtown. In the summertime, students sit together in the small courtyards, celebrate and go out together at night.
Siegen’s cultural life has much to offer. You can visit poetry slams, concerts or exhibitons from regional and national artists. We should also mention the special film award . The award ceremony is entirely organised and hosted by students, with prizes going to the best student-made films and videos.
The Bigge Lake, located about half an hour away, is a gigantic reservoir which is especially popular in the summer. It’s an excellent place to go camping, swimming and barbecuing and is never jam-packed even on hot days. Thanks to its southern location, Siegen is just minutes away by car from the states of Rhineland Palatinate and Hesse.
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