Kaiserslautern
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Panorama Kaiserslautern © Pfalzfrank/wikicommons
Panorama Kaiserslautern© Pfalzfrank/wikicommons

Kaiserslautern has an international flair and is situated close to the French and Luxembourgian borders. This football-crazy town lies in the middle of the low-lying mountain range known as the Pfälzerwald, or Palatinate Forest. The science centre is renowned for technology and innovation. With everything close at hand, it's an ideal place to study in.

Facts

99,845 Inhabitants ¹

20,586 Students ²

2 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO KAISERSLAUTERN

Kaiserslautern is famous for technology and innovation. The town has gained a reputation in the past years as a modern centre of science and information technology. It lies in south-western Germany, in the middle of the Palatinate Forest, and is just 50 kilometres from the neighbouring country of France, and 150 kilometres from Luxembourg.

At first glance, Kaiserslautern may seem rather unremarkable. But if you take a closer look, you’ll discover plenty of charming details that make the town special. Kaiserslautern’s landmark is the “Rathaus“, or town hall, a plain white multi-storey building. Eighty four metres high, it was for many years the tallest town hall in Germany after its completion in 1968. The views from the bar on the 21st floor are phenomenal.

From here, you can see the 13th century Stiftskirche, the Pfalztheater and the former market hall “Fruchthalle“, no longer a centre of trade but an event location. The ruins of the “Kaiserpfalz“, the imperial castle where Barbarossa once resided, are at your feet.

Tip

You should definitely visit the wine-growing region on the Rhine! Neustadt an der Deutschen Weinstrasse is just a short train ride away. In the autumn, lots of wine festivals take place, you should definitely visit them!

The “Pfälzer“, the inhabitants of the Palatinate region, are open, friendly people. When you walk through the town, you’ll meet people from over 140 nations. In particular, you’ll meet lots of Americans. Not surprisingly, because Kaiserslautern is the world’s biggest US military base outside the States. The military community of “K-Town“, as the Americans call it, has some 50,000 members.

The Fritz Walter Stadium on Betzenberg, where the local football team 1. FC Kaiserslautern is regularly cheered along, accommodates the same number of fans, in other words, half of the town.

OSCAR FROM MEXICO

LIVING IN KAISERSLAUTERN

The cost of living in Kaiserslautern is relatively low. For students, the best way to get around is by bike. There is also a well-developed bus network in the town. You’re not likely to get bored in “Lautern“. Both the higher education institutions and the town itself have a lot to offer. One of the first contact points for many international students is the “International Club“ or “IntClub“ for short from their institution. It organises excursions, parties, film evenings and visits to the theatre. The institutions also offer extensive sports programmes with many different types of sporting activities.

The old part of town is full of bars and party venues, and lots of students like to hang out here. Steinstrasse is lined with cafés, restaurants and bars so that there’s something to suit virtually every taste.

You will also find bistros to have a good breakfast and traditional restaurants where you can try hearty, home-made dishes such as stuffed pig’s stomach (“Saumagen“) or liver dumplings (“Leberknödel“) which can be washed down with a glass of wine. In some places you can also taste home-brewed beer.

Links

In the Palatinate region, there’s always a reason to party. The “Altstadtfest“ in July and “Swinging Lautern“ Barbarossa festival in September are just two examples. Other major highlights are the “Lautrer Kerwe“ – a big public festival in May and October, and the Halloween Parade on 30th October. This is unique in Germany and every year attracts over 30,000 visitors.

Stadtpark is a good place for sports. And the is great for hiking trips or cycle tours. Kaiserslautern has a mild climate so in the summer months lakes such as the Bärenloch, Clausensee or Sägmühlweiher are good places to hang out.

How to find a room in Kaiserslautern

Many university and college towns have dormitories or student halls, and a room there is often the most affordable accommodation. To obtain a room in a dormitory or student hall, you have to apply to your college or university’s student union (). Our ‘Find Student Hall’ function can be of practical help. You only need to make a few mouse clicks to get to the online application form. Find a room and more information about dormitories and student halls in Kaiserslautern.

Sources
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