The surrounding area

Bielefeld is located in the region of Eastern Westphalia (Ostwestfalen-Lippe or short "OWL"), which is the most northeastern administrative district in the federal state of North-Rhine Westphalia. Covering approximately one-fifth of the state, it has a population of more than 2 million inhabitants.
Internationally known companies like Benteler, Bertelsmann, Claas, Dr. Oetker, Gerry Weber, Gildemeister, Melitta, Miele, Schüco, and Wincor Nixdorf are based in Eastern Westphalia which makes it one of the strongest business locations in Germany.

Bielefeld

Bielefeld has a population of 330.000 inhabitants and it is one of 20 major cities in Germany. As it is the largest city of Eastern Westphalia it is the region?s main economic and cultural centre with an excellent public transport system and good travel connections to other major cities in Germany.

Some basic facts about life and culture in Bielefeld:

• Study in Bielefeld and become part of the most famous conspiracy in Germany
• 7 institutions for higher education
• 35.000 students
• Concert halls, a city theatre and many independent theatres
• 15 museums
• Numerous clubs, pubs, bars and cafés
• Many parks and the Teutoburg Forest just around the corner
• The famous "Sparrenburg", a castle from the 13th century
• Several events and festivals in the city