Big city flair and rural life – in Bielefeld you have both. The city has a quaint historic district dating back to the Middle Ages and numerous greens and parks. The affordable prices and proximity to everything makes Bielefeld an ideal place to study. As a student in Bielefeld, you may occasionally hear rumours that the city doesn’t exist – a stubborn legend that still lingers today.
Facts
334,195 Inhabitants ¹
40,426 Students ²
4 Higher education institutions ²
WELCOME TO BIELEFELD
Bielefeld was founded in the ninth century and became a trading centre in the region during the Middle Ages. The city became known for its exquisite linen manufacturing. The historic city centre and the Sparrenburg give you an idea of how economically influential Bielefeld used to be in the Middle Ages.
The Sparrenburg, the central landmark of the city, is a mighty fortress dating back to the 13th century and is the scene of a medieval festival and market every July. This is where you can encounter fire-breathers, try out suckling pork on a spit or make your own pottery.
In the beautiful historic centre of town, you will enjoy strolling past the renovated patrician houses or window-shopping at speciality shops and small boutiques. In the “Neustadt” – the new part of town – you can find everything you need at the large chain stores.
If you’re more of a nature person, you can go hiking along the 160-km Hermannsweg. It starts in Rheine and leads all the way to the mountain Lippischer Velmerstot, and is one of Germany’s most beautiful hiking trails. It also takes you through the Teutoburg Forest, which many regard as Bielefeld’s “green lung”.
Tip
You’ve only truly arrived in Bielefeld once you visited the medieval festival at the Sparrenburg and marvelled at the sight of the fire-breathers!
By the way, there’s a legend about Bielefeld that just doesn’t want to die. You might hear Germans tell you that Bielefeld doesn’t really exist. The reason: Twenty years ago students from Bielefeld wanted to find out how quickly information spread via the Internet. They started a conspiracy theory that “Bielefeld doesn’t exist”. The rumour swept across the country like wildfire and still lingers today!
Interview
MUGE FROM TURKEY
LIVING IN BIELEFELD
If you appreciate the big city as much as you do country living, then Bielefeld is the perfect place for you. In town you can get around best by bicycle because the central points are all nearby. As a student, you can also take the tram for free.
Rental prices in Bielefeld are relatively inexpensive. You can live in a flat-share or in a student hall of residence.
Bielefeld also has its share of cultural activities and events. At the ““, a colourful Carnival parade, you can follow the exhilarating music through the streets. A large open-air movie event takes place every summer in the Ravensberger Park featuring the latest blockbusters and classic films. The city’s rich cultural life includes numerous museums, countless independent theatres and various choirs.
When it’s sunny outside, many students enjoy hanging out at the Bürgerpark (Oetkerpark) in the west part of town, but also strolling along the Sparrenburg promenade or in the Nordpark. On warm summer evenings, you’ll find many people sitting outdoors at Siegfriedplatz or outside numerous cafés in Bielefeld’s west side or downtown until the early morning hours.
There are many small and large cafés which are affordable and cater to every taste – chic, old-fashioned, coffee house style or student-alternative.
No matter what your taste in music – rock, pop or electronic – you’ll find it in Bielefeld. The entry fees are quite reasonable. Numerous parties also take place at the higher education institutions. The “Westend Party”, held at the beginning of the semester, is known far beyond the borders of Bielefeld. It was once known as Germany’s largest indoor university party with some 10,000 party-goers.
If you want to play sports, you have plenty of opportunities at the higher education institutions. There is a wide range of sport courses available. Many of the courses are offered at no cost. Just make sure to register early enough because the courses fill up quickly. The higher education institutions are also home to a diverse range of student organisations. For example, you can get involved in the university’s own radio station . The station offers students the chance to produce and broadcast their own pieces and gain experience as radio presenters.
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