Uni-Tübingen

Leisure Activities in Tübingen

Events for Internationals in November & December*

Sun 2/11/2025 StudIT Trip to Ludwigsburg (exchange students)
Sun 16/11/2025 StudIT Trip to Bad Urach (exchange students)
Fri 21/11/2025, 7-9 p.m.  Language café in Café Mehrrettich
Sat 29/11/2025 StudIT Trip to Ulm (exchange students)
Tue 02/12/2025 StudIT MeetUp at Chocolate Festival Tübingen (exchange and degree seeking students)
Sun 07/12/2025 StudIT Trip to the Hohenzollern Castle (exchange students)
Fri 12/12/2025, 7-9 p.m.  Language café in Café Mehrrettich
Fri 19/12/2025 StudIT MeetUp at Medieval Christmas Market Esslingen (exchange and degree seeking students)
Thu 25/12/2025 International Christmas Potluck brunch at Schlatterhaus (exchange and degree seeking students)

* The weekly International Coffee Hour and Language café at FSZ are not extra listed.

Eager to connect, explore, and feel at home in Tübingen? Both the university and the city offer a vibrant mix of activities and groups – ranging from language exchanges and international gatherings to sports courses and a variety of cultural or social initiatives. These opportunities make it easy to meet new people and enjoy your time outside of class.

International Student-Oriented

We offer a range of special programs for international students – some designed for specific groups of internationals, others open to everyone. We’re excited to meet you!

The Zwingelmauer in Tübingen, fully lined with people sitting and enjoying the view over the Neckar on a sunny day.
2 students with a parasol on a boat
Three students in a kajak on a river
Group of international students at the river bench having a barbecue
Two students are having a conversation.
A group posing for a picture with the Hohentübingen castle in the back
rückwärts blättern vorwärts blättern

Buddy Program

Three students posing for a picture while standing on a boat on the Neckar

Adjusting to life in a new city with a different language and culture can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why our Buddy Program for exchange students pairs you with a local Tübingen student who can help you get settled in and find your way around: Whether it’s figuring out how things work at the university, navigating everyday life, or discovering cool spots in town, your buddy will be there to support you. It’s a great way to ease the transition – both academically and socially – while also getting to know someone from the local student community.

Learn more about the Buddy Program for Exchange Students – you’ll also find an overview about all Buddy Programs.

StudIT

Group picture in front of the monastery in Bebenhausen

If you're looking to meet new people, explore Tübingen and its surroundings, and settle in quickly, StudIT is a great way to get started. StudIT, short for Studierenden-Initiative Internationales Tübingen, is a student group that organizes social events and activites especially for exchange students. It’s an easy way to connect with others and experience local culture.

The biweekly regulars' table of StudIT is open to both international exchange and degree seeking students.

Find out about StudIT's semester program at our StudIT section.

International Coffee Hour

Five students having a conversation while sitting around a table in a cafe.

During the weekly International Coffee Hour students from all over the world gather for a cup of coffee or tea in the university's Brechtbau building. It’s a casual opportunity to meet people, have a good conversation, or simply take a pleasant break in a relaxed atmosphere. The organizers provide beverages and homemade cookies Check out the details for the International Coffee Hour and see you soon for Coffee, Cookies, Contacts!

The Coffee Hour is open to both international degree seeking students and exchange students.

Language Partner Program 'Tandem' & Language Cafés

Two students walk and talk

'Tandem' Program by DaF

Join the 'Tandem' Language Partner Program offered by German as a Foreign Language (DaF): You will be matched with a so-called tandem partner. While learning each others' language, you can exchange your experiences and cultural perspectives Visit Tandem Learning for details.

Tandem Tübingen Facebook Group

'Tandem Tübingen' is a long-lasting community group on Facebook open to everyone. With several thousand members, you are likely to find the right language partner: See  Tandem Tübingen and get your language match!

Language Cafés by the Foreign Language Center (FSZ)

Participate in one of the Language Cafés at the FSZ to enhance your skills while connecting with new people: Currently (May '25), actively moderated Language Cafés are available for French and Spanish. Cafés for Italian and Turkish will follow soon For more information on how to join, contact fsz@uni-tuebingen.de.

Language Café by Café Mehrrettich

Meet up monthly for the Language Café at Café Mehrrettich, Neckarhalde 70, 72070 Tübingen: All languages are welcome, no matter if it is your native language or you are just learning it: Check out Café Mehrrettich's Instagram account for the next dates of the Language Café and more offerings! 

ComeTogether - Internationals by ESG & KHG

Two of the largest Christian student communities in Tübingen are the Evangelische Studierendengemeinde (ESG) and the Katholische Hochschulgemeinde (KHG). They are student centered groups of the general  Protestant and Catholic communities (translatable to English) in Tübingen.

KHG and ESG organize a range of events, also for students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds: Their joint initiative ComeTogether - Internationals provides activities for international students to engage with open-minded people. Plus, if you're interested, there are more Christian religion-based events in English (Church@Six with Potluck Dinner) or in German you can join. 

Check out ESG - Internationals and KHG - International for additional information.

For religious student groups (Christian, Muslim, Jewish) affiliated with the university and their offerings, please see below or directly at Religious University Groups (German).

Leisure Activities for Everyone

Explore a wide variety of leisure activities available through the university, the city, and the surrounding region – ranging from group activities to independent options you can enjoy on your own. Get involved and discover something new!

The botanical garden filled with lots of people sitting on the grass and enjoying the weather during the summer
The castle Hohenzollern on a hill top at the edge of the Swabian Alb
Two people on a hike
Orchestra musicians dressed in black performing in a church
Students sitting in a library
Two female runners of a relay race on a track
Two persons going by bike in a green landscape
Three persons each on a SUP on the river Neckar in front of timbered houses
rückwärts blättern vorwärts blättern
View of Hohenzollern Castle in a green landscape of the Zeller Horn
Hohenzollern Castle from the Zeller Horn

Outdoor activities and sightseeing in the region


Nestled in the heart of Baden-Württemberg and surrounded by greenery, Tübingen is a good base for getting out and active. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, or discovering historic sights like the impressive Hohenzollern Castle – there’s plenty to explore. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is an expansive green space on the university’s Morgenstelle campus, featuring more than 10,000 plant species from every continent. Its outdoor areas are complemented by three greenhouses: Each offers beautiful plant collections and a warm atmosphere that’s especially inviting during the winter months. Open for visitors year-round, the garden is both a living museum and a peaceful retreat, ideal for a stroll or study break!

Don’t confuse the new Botanical Garden with the 'Bota' – the Old Botanical Garden on Wilhelmstraße, now a popular park where students gather in the warmer months.

Hiking Destinations and Others Tours

The surroundings of Tübingen are ideal for hiking, a popular activity throughout Germany. You can explore the nearby Schönbuch (German) nature reserve which borders the town to the north, or discover local trails (German), like those on the Spitzberg.
For those willing to venture a bit farther, the Swabian Alb (translatable to English) and Black Forest are just a day trip away offering great outdoor activities: Whether you're after a relaxed bike tour with friends, a challenging hike, or an exciting MTB single trail, you’ll find plenty of options. Just be sure to pack proper footwear or gear, some snacks, and plenty of water. Further tour suggestions can be found for instance at

  • visit-bw – official tourism site for Baden-Württemberg

  • bwegt (German) – lists selected tours with convenient public transport connections

  • Outdooractive – a platform offering trail and tour tips for all kinds of activities

Castles and Palaces

The south of Germany still shows traces of its long past, with countless castles, monasteries, and palaces. Many of these popular sights can be easily combined with a hike or bike tour. The places listed below are all within easy reach of Tübingen, perfect for a spontaneous trip. Check out for instance…

Find more destinations at bwegt (German), Castles and Gardens and State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg with lots of background information on everything the federal state has to offer! 

A few people playing beach volleyball in the sun
Sport Classes and Facilties
a sports class on the university gym
University Gym - KuF

University Sports Center

University Sports Center – Hochschulsport (HSP)  

From deadlines to dumbbells: Take a break from studying with the University of Tübingen’s Hochschulsport (HSP) – open to all university members! Whether you prefer solo workouts or team sports, the sports center offers a wide range of activities from yoga and climbing to volleyball and dance to help you stay active and recharge during your studies.

For the student health program BeTaBalance by HSP, please see Student Health Management.

Sports Program

The University Sports offer a semester program as well as a vacation program during the lecture-free period. Find the complete program here and follow Hochschulsport Uni Tübingen on Instagram for the latest updates. For orientation in the jungle of the sports classes, you can use the UniSport-O-Mat: It provides you with a top 10 list of sports that match your preferences. Registration for all classes takes place online.

  Many semester classes fill up very quickly – so be online right when registration opens. Even a one-minute delay can mean missing out on a spot.

Language of Instruction

Most of the University Sports' courses are taught in German, but the instructions are still easy to follow and most trainers are capabe of conveying the essential information in English as well. You can see this list of English-taught courses and other useful information for English-speaking participants.

University Gym - Kraft- und Fitnesshalle (KuF)

The “Strength and Fitness Hall” is the university's own gym. Offering special prices for students, it is well-equipped and modern. Visit Strength and Fitness Hall  for details or check out their active Instagram at KuF Uni Tübingen.

outdoor swimming pool
Freibad - Outdoor Swimming Pool
A man is bouldering inside the boulder hall B12
Boulder Hall - B12

Local sports offers


Tübingen is an active city with plenty of sports opportunities, from local clubs and sport initiatives to events like the annual city run or triathlon. Punting on the Neckar and the many outdoor and indoor sports facilities are also very popular. Even if you're here for just a semester or two, joining a club can be an easy way to stay active and meet people beyond the university.

Indoor and Outdoor Sports Facilities

In the city, you’ll come across a variety of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including swimming pools, gyms, and sports halls as well as outdoor fields / running tracks,  skate parks and even climbing and bouldering walls (sites in German, some translatable into English). These well-kept venues support both recreational use and organized activities and are open to individuals or clubs.

Sports Clubs – City of Tübingen

Tübingen’s local clubs cover a broad spectrum of sports and leisure activities, from team sports to individual training. The city’s official listings under Vereine or  Sportvereine (both translatable into English) are a good place to start. One example is SV 03 Tübingen e.V., one of the city’s largest clubs, offering a variety of programs for all ages and skill levels. Visit their website (German) for a full overview.

View of three violinists of the orchestra
Shadow Performances during the Cultural Night
Four students looking at a laptop screen

Cultural offers and societal groups – music, politics and more!


There are numerous student groups and initiatives at the university where you can get involved and meet other students with the same interests. In addition, you can join different cultural offers that make your studies more exciting.

Music and Arts

Are you musically or creatively inclined and want to stay active during your exchange stay at the University of Tübingen? From choirs and orchestras to theater ensembles and writing groups – the university and the city offer a wide range of opportunities   Find music and arts groups at Music, Creativity, Play (German) or explore a broader list including dance, writing, and more at Clubs and Societies. Most groups welcome international students and it’s a great way to meet people and keep doing what you love!

Many groups hold regular rehearsals throughout the semester often wrapping up with a performance near the end of the term. 

Politics, Climate and More

There are plenty of ways to get involved beyond music and the arts. Whether you're passionate about sports and health, political causes, societal challenges, or environmental issues, you'll find a wide variety of student-led groups and further initiatives that align with your interests: For a detailed overview, visit Groups and Initiatives (German) and check out the relevant sub-websites. The groups are valuable opportunities to connect and make an impact!

You can earn ECTS credits for involvement in certain groups or initiatives, please see Civic Engangement for International Students for details. 

Multiple students sitting at tables listening to a woman who is standing on a stage and speaking into a microphone
Two women standing on a stage while one of them is talking to a crowd of people using a microphone

Religious student groups


There are several religious student groups at the University of Tübingen, some rooted in specific faiths, others open to anyone interested in exploring spiritual or philosophical questions. Whether you're Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, spiritual, or simply curious, these groups offer spaces to reflect, connect, and find community Check out Religous Student Groups (German) for an overview. Most groups are student-led and host regular meetups, services, discussions, or social events – an easy way to meet like-minded people.

For religious communities in Tübingen in general, please see Overview of the different religious congregations (German) and explore ComeTogether - Internationals as an interreligious option for Internationals.

Kuckuck - the student-operated bar and club

Symbol of the student bar 'Kuckuck'

The Kuckuck ("cuckoo") is a student-run café-bar situated in the heart of the dormitory complex Waldhäuser-Ost (WHO). It offers coffee, soda and laid-back vibes during the day and turns into a club at night. Kuckuck is open only to students of the university and has no entry fees while offering student-friendly prices. Whether you’re into karaoke, theme nights, live music, or just feel like playing a round of Beerpong – the Kuckuck got you covered. So grab a few friends (or come solo – you’ll meet people!) and swing by!

  Visit  Kuckuck's website, their Instagram or follow the red cuckoo to learn more…

Actionbounds in Tübingen

'Actionbound' symbol

Do you want to get to know the city and the university better in a fun way? Are you curious about local culture, history and interesting spots? Then try one of the Actionbounds for Tübingen and its university: The free app Actionbound lets you explore places through interactive tours – like a rally or scavenger hunt. Each Actionbound leads along a themed route with tasks, quizzes, and interesting facts. All local routes can be found on the Actionsbound website, when searching for “Tübingen”. Below, you’ll find a few highlights to get started!

Stadtmuseum Tübingen

The City Museum of Tübingen offers both German and English Actionbounds. Three tours are available in English and you can find all routes and further details on the museum’s Actionbound profile. 

Student Health Management BeTaBalance

The Student Health Management offers Actionbounds in German as break activities for students. Check out the…

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is worth to explore in depth, especially with its own Actionbounds (in German):

University Library

Also the University Library offers a couple of Actionbounds – all of them in German. 

  • The UB-Quiz challenges you to test your skills in navigating the University Library’s website.
  • Several versions of a Schnitzeljagd (schnitzel hunt) invite you to explore the library building itself through a fun scavenger hunt.