Pforzheim
GREEN CITY WITH A SUNNY DISPOSITION

View of Pforzheim from the Wallberg © Bauz / DAAD
View of Pforzheim from the Wallberg© Bauz / DAAD

The historic city of Pforzheim is situated in the scenic region of southern Germany. Although it proudly looks back on a long history, Pforzheim welcomes progress and innovation. International students can expect to find a vibrant culture and successful industry.

Facts

125,957 Inhabitants ¹

5,913 Students ²

1 Higher education institution ²

WELCOME TO PFORZHEIM

Situated in the sunny region of southern Germany, Pforzheim is a city brimming with vitality. It offers many recreational activities and its residents frequently celebrate their local culture. Once you live here, you will quickly share their enthusiasm for Pforzheim, too. Surrounded by green hills, there are three rivers that flow through town. When the weather’s nice, the nature draws people out of their offices and lecture halls and onto picnic blankets and park benches.

 

On a walk through the city, you will quickly notice that both tradition and modern life play an important role in Pforzheim. In the pedestrian zone, which is the main shopping street in Pforzheim, you’ll find the Sparkassenturm. It’s a modern office building which “stands guard” over downtown Pforzheim. Right next to it is the Industriehaus Pforzheim, a historic building and one of the few which was not destroyed in World War II (1939-1945).

In some parts of the city, you can still notice how the war influenced the development of Pforzheim. For example, the used to be a smaller mountain, but was elevated to 417 metres after the war with tons of rubble from the destroyed city. You will find large pillars atop the hill showing photos of what Pforzheim looked like before and after the war.

Tip

Every summer the Kulturhaus Osterfeld shows popular films in its inner courtyard. Enjoy the summer evening with popcorn under the starry sky!

You might hear people refer to Pforzheim by its nickname: “Goldstadt”, meaning “Gold City”. The name refers to its historic tradition of jewellery making. Even today, Pforzheim and the surrounding region are home to numerous companies which produce watches and jewellery.

VLADA FROM UKRAINE

LIVING IN PFORZHEIM

The cultural scene in Pforzheim is very dynamic and offers events and activities you shouldn’t miss. The is well-known throughout the region and stages concerts, exhibitions and plays. You can also sign up for dance and singing courses there.

If you’d like to learn more about the local culture, you should pay a visit to the Pforzheim Jewellery Museum. Not only is the exhibition on the jewellery- and watch-making industry in Pforzheimfascinating, the museum’s architecture itself is worth seeing. It’s called the and is an outstanding example of the architectural style of many buildings constructed in the post-war era.

The , a park on the Nagold River with benches and bright flower patches, is situated directly next to the Jewellery Museum. When it gets warm, you’ll see kids playing in the fountain and people relaxing in the shade of the trees. But even in bad weather, the inhabitants of Pforzheim are prepared and for example go to the cinema.

Links

As a true resident of Pforzheim, you will have to go to the annual at least once. The festival is named after Christian Ferdinand Oechsle, a former resident of Pforzheim and the inventor of a method to measure the alcohol content of wine. Held at the end of August on the marketplace, the festival offers you a great opportunity to try out traditional cuisine and wines from the region.

How to find a room in Pforzheim

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 Pforzheim.

Sources
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