University of Bayreuth

Student Life

Upon hearing the name “Bayreuth” most people first think of Richard Wagner and the “Bayreuther Festspiele”...but the town offers far more than only those four weeks in summer when it becomes a cultural metropolis.

As the capital of Upper Franconia, Bayreuth was first mentioned in 1194 – and founded by the Margrave of Andechs-Meranien over 800 years ago. Today, it is a protestant town amidst the generally catholic Bavaria. Due to the strong influence of Margravine Wilhelmine of Prussia (Markgräfin Wilhelmine von Preußen) who set about making Bayreuth into a miniature Versailles during the first half of the 18th century, the town managed to successfully preserve a large part of its cultural heritage. This is the town where Wagner created his world-famous music, where philosophers and artists were born.

As a quaint town of 75 000 inhabitants, all areas of Bayreuth are easily accessible by bus or bicycle within 20 minutes. Take a walk through the city centre and its extensive pedestrian zone. Colourful town houses stand alongside traditional 200-year old buildings. Spend an enjoyable sunny afternoon in the downtown area: stop for coffee at a corner-side café – and stroll along the many hidden alleyways located just off the main shopping streets to find unique boutiques and little shops. Discover lovingly decorated windows of art galleries, wonderfully assorted paper shops or sparkling pearl jewelry. Round off your evening in the ambience of a traditional or exotic restaurant and later on those who wish can enjoy a regional beer or cocktail in one of many different pubs.

In the battle between university, dorm life and leisure activities you may not find very much time for an excursion to the surrounding region, but Bayreuth does offer everything a student needs to feel at home. Enjoy a variety of shopping possibilities with affordable prices for the student budget: Asia-Shops, an Africa-Shop, an organic food store and so many hairdressers, stylists and drug-stores that you begin to wonder how they all manage to co-exist. Discover the cozy tea-store, traditional butcheries and bakeries and buy fresh regional fruits and vegetables at the weekly market. Those who crave a "Hardcore-Shopping-Tour" will be delighted by the Rotmain-Center with loads of different clothing stores –Shopaholics be aware!

Bayreuth most certainly meets the needs of most students – be it for leisure activities, sports, or cultural events. And as in every traditional town, you should not miss out on the summer fair and winter Christmas market in December! Read more about life in Bayreuth from the perspective of other students: Bayreuth Live - "Students Need to Have Fun!"

Leisure Activities A wide array of over 40 different pubs, cafés and beer gardens invite everyone to become acquainted with the remarkable diversity of Franconian beers and local culture. For a change-of-pace visit the newly constructed cinema, the Upper Franconia Hall for rock and pop music concerts, the 27 museums and several theatres with alternating performances.

Downtown highlights include the "Altes Schloss" (old castle), which currently houses galleries and museums, and the adjacent "Hofgarten": a green oasis full of flowers and flowing waters. Wide green meadows with Greek statues invite you to spend your summer days in the garden – enjoying a spontaneous BBQ or romantic picnic. In warmer weather many students come to the "Hofgarten" to play frisbee or ball while in other corners you will likely find study groups sitting under the maple trees.

Another cultural highlight of Bayreuth is the "Eremitage-Festival" on the grounds of the Eremitage Park where all of Bayreuth - both young and old – meets up to enjoy the unique atmosphere of a summer evening.

With over 60 sports clubs, Bayreuth offers an abundance of sports activities such as swimming, table tennis, karate, indoor hockey and even scuba diving or horse riding are available to all university students.

For those wishing to spend more time in the great outdoors – Bayreuth is ideally located between the Fichtelgebirge Mountain region and the Fränkische Schweiz (Little Switzerland). As the perfect starting point, Bayreuth offers access to a variety of summer and winter sports activities: whether downhill or cross-country skiing in the Fichtelgebirge, long hikes in the Fränkische Schweiz, freeclimbing, rafting, cycling or swimming in one of the near-by lakes – everybody can enjoy their favourite leisure activity!

When time is short, why not spend a few hours in the outdoor swimming pool in Kreuzsteinbad– located right beside campus. Swim a few laps to start your day or enjoy a refreshing break from the hot summer sun between classes. Do not miss out on a trip to a near-by lake during a free afternoon – they are easily accessible via public transport with the semester ticket.

If you are not entirely satisfied with the leisure activities Bayreuth has to offer you may be interested in what goes on in the surrounding cities. Concert festivals such as "Rock im Park" or the legendary "Minstrels' Meet", a "shop 'til you drop"- day in one of Germany's most beautiful pedestrian precincts or the world famous "Christkindlesmarkt" are only some of the reasons for visiting Nuremberg. Furthermore, visits to UNESCO World-heritage sites of Bamberg and Rothenburg are well worth the while.