Culture
Karlsruhe offers many cultural events. Whether museums, art, technology, concerts, festivals or theatre. Everything is represented here.
Schauburg
Schauburg is one of Germany's oldest cinemas known for its diverse selection of independent and international films. With its historic charm and cozy atmosphere, it offers a unique cinematic experience for movie enthusiasts.
Filmpalast am ZKM
Located at the ZKM | Center for Art and Media, Filmpalast am ZKM is a modern cinema complex featuring state-of-the-art technology and comfortable seating. It screens a wide range of mainstream movies including blockbusters, family films, and special screenings.
Kinemathek
Kinemathek Karlsruhe is a cultural cinema known for its curated selection of arthouse films, documentaries and classic movies. It fosters a community of film lovers by hosting discussions, film festivals and special events throughout the year.
Universum-City Karlsruhe
Universum-City Karlsruhe is a multiplex cinema offering a diverse lineup of mainstream films including Hollywood blockbusters, action-packed thrillers and romantic comedies. Its convenient location in the city center makes it a popular destination for moviegoers of all ages.
Karlsruhe offers a rich variety of museums, showcasing diverse cultural and artistic experiences. From the esteemed Baden State Museum to the pioneering ZKM | Center for Art and Media, there's something for everyone to explore.
ZKM | Center for Art and Media
As a leading institution at the intersection of art and technology, the ZKM hosts a wide range of exhibitions and interactive installations. Whether you're an experienced museum-goer or just curious, the ZKM is a must-visit destination in Karlsruhe. Immerse yourself in art and media or unwind with some retro-gaming experiences at the center.
Baden State Museum
Delve into the cultural heritage of the Baden region through the Baden State Museum's extensive collections and rotating exhibits. Gain insights into history, art and archaeology as you explore the museum's diverse offerings.
Municipal Gallery Karlsruhe
Dedicated to contemporary art, the Municipal Gallery showcases both emerging and established artists, contributing to Karlsruhe's dynamic art scene. Explore thought-provoking exhibitions and engage with the latest trends in contemporary art.
State Museum of Natural History
Take a journey through the natural world at the State Museum of Natural History. Discover captivating exhibits, including a vivarium housing a variety of species and participate in educational programs suitable for visitors of all ages.
Museum beim Markt
Located in the heart of the city, Museum beim Markt provides insights into Karlsruhe's local history and traditions. Explore artifacts and displays that highlight the region's cultural heritage and historical significance.
Recognized as Germany's first and only UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, Karlsruhe embraces innovation, creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration in media arts. This prestigious designation underscores Karlsruhe's commitment to sustainable urban development by merging culture, technology and creativity.
Karlsruher Schlosslichtspiele
Experience the enchanting Karlsruhe Schlosslichtspiele, illuminating the historic Karlsruhe Palace with mesmerizing light projections and multimedia displays since 2015. Blending art, technology, and history, the Schlosslichtspiele captivate visitors with intricate video mappings and interactive installations. The Schlosslichtspiele take place every evening at nightfall from mid-August to mid-September.
ZKM
Explore the ZKM | Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe, a dynamic institution blending art and technology since 1989. Dive into immersive exhibits and interactive displays pushing the boundaries of digital media and contemporary art. With its innovative programming and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, the ZKM invites visitors to engage with the evolving landscape of artistic expression in the digital age.
February | Faschingsumzug - Carnival Parade |
June | Frühjahrsmess' - Travelling Fun Fair |
July | "Das Fest" - Music Festival |
August - September | Karlsruhe Schlosslichtspiele - Light Festival |
August | Light Festival at the Zoo in Karlsruhe (every two years, the next one will be in 2025) |
September | Wine Festivals in and around Karlsruhe |
October | Stadtfest - City Festival |
November | Herbstmess' - Travelling Fun Fair |
December | Christmas Market |
Shopping
Germany has various supermarket chains, offering different shopping experiences. Discounters like Lidl, Aldi, Penny and Netto provide budget-friendly options with a more limited selection and fewer branded products.
Edeka and Rewe are more expensive than discounters, especially when it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables. However, when shopping for other groceries, you can usually find cheap no-name products here, too. In contrast to discounters, the product selection is larger.
Supermarkets remain closed on Sundays and public holidays, therefore, it's important to go shopping early in advance. From Monday to Saturday, most supermarkets open between 7 am and 8 am and close between 8 pm and 10 pm.
Do you want to cook food from your home country, but you don't know where to find the ingredients? Karlsruhe has a variety of international supermarkets catering to different culinary traditions. You can find a diverse selection of Asian, Turkish, Arabic and Eastern European/Russian food in small supermarkets scattered throughout the city.
If you're looking for fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the farmer, the farmers' market is the place to go. There are several markets in Karlsruhe in the various city districts. You can also find specialities and delicacies there. Below, you can find the largest ones with opening hours.
Market | Opening hours |
Evening market at Marktplatz | Wednesday: 4 pm - 8 pm |
Farmers' market Stephansplatz | Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7.30 am - 2 pm |
Farmers' market Gutenbergplatz | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 7.30 am - 2 pm |
If you need room essentials or cooking utensils, IKEA offers a wide selection at affordable prices. Alternatively, second-hand department stores provide a budget-friendly option for second-hand clothes, furniture and household goods.
Store | Address | Opening Hours |
IKEA | Durlacher Allee 97, 76137 Karlsruhe | Monday - Saturday: 10 am - 8 pm |
Kashka (second-hand) | Karlstraße 56, 76133 Karlsruhe | Monday - Friday: 10 am - 7 pm Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm |
Laden 23 (second-hand) | Karlstraße 124, 76137 Karlsruhe | Monday - Saturday: 10 am - 1 pm Monday - Friday: 3 pm - 6 pm |
Karlsruhe offers a variety of stores when looking for new clothes. In Kaiserstraße, Postgalerie and Ettlinger Tor (the largest shopping center in Karlsruhe) in particular, you will find everything you need.
Food & Nightlife
Karlsruhe offers its 40.000 students studying at 9 different universities, a variety of affordable restaurants, bars and clubs. There are also a number of locations, large events and parties organized by students themselves. Below, you will find a list of locations and events that are popular among students.
Oxford
Charles Oxford | Oxford Pub | Oxford OST | |
Address | Waldstraße 30 | Fasanenstraße 6 | Gerwigstraße 2, 76131 Karlsruhe |
Opening hours | Monday - Thursday: 11.30 am – 12 am |
The Oxford Chains are student restaurants which offer very good and cheap food as well as cheap drinks. Charles Oxford is a burger restaurant with high quality extravagant food. The atmosphere there is very nice.
Café Bleu and Kippe 23
Café Bleu | Kippe 23 | |
Address | Kaiserallee 11, 76133 Karlsruhe | Gottesauerstr. 23, 76131 Karlsruhe |
Opening hours | Sunday-Thursday: 9 am – 11.30 pm | Monday-Thursday: 5 pm – 12 am |
Both are run by the same owner.
Stövchen
Address | Waldstr. 54, 76133 Karlsruhe |
Opening hours | Monday: closed |
The Stövchen is a cult pub in Karlsruhe where you can enjoy typical German food.
Kulturküche
Address | Kaiserstraße 47, |
Opening hours | Monday – Wednesday: 11 am – 3 pm |
Kulturküche is a place to go for lunch; it runs completely on donations and offers a fresh and alternating menu every day, while also serving as a social gathering center. For example biweekly game nights on Fridays in coorperation with the Buddy program of the KIT.
Agostea | A big club that on 2 different floors. On Thursdays, it's students´ night and you´ll get free entrance if you go there before 11 pm. | Rüppurerstr. 1, |
App Club | A smaller club in the center of Karlsruhe. Every Wednesday, there's a student party | Kaiserpassage 6, |
A club with a very casual dress code, where you´ll find many students. They have a nice outdoor area as well. | Baumeisterstr. 6, | |
Hello Club | Small club in the city center. | Hirschstraße 18, |
Gotec | Techno club | Gablonzer Straße 11, |
Krokokeller | Smaller club in the center of Karlsruhe. This club is in the basement. | Bürgerstr. 14, |
AKK (Working Group for Culture and Communication)
Located on the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology campus, the AKK hosts numerous evening events that enrich campus life, including dance courses, workshops and open-air events. Its cultural café offers a space for students to socialize over coffee or cool drinks from 9:30 am to 5 pm on weekdays. Most events at the AKK are free, making it a great spot to hang out with friends in a student-friendly atmosphere.
Z10 Café/Bar
Run by students, Z10 offers a variety of events, including quiz evenings, concerts and workshops, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Rooms can be rented free of charge, requiring only a deposit that is refunded at the end. It's ideal for small celebrations or cozy game nights. Check out the upcoming events at Z10.
University Cinema KIT
Students regularly organize film screenings at KIT, featuring current films shown simultaneously in conventional cinemas, as well as classics and short films. There are also screenings with original English dubbing. Entrance is € 3. Check out the films for this semester.
Being active in Karlsruhe
Explore university sports as an international student! Join fun activities, meet new friends and learn about German culture. Stay active while studying for a well-rounded experience. Get ready for unforgettable moments and new adventures through sports at the university!
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
As an exchange student at DHBW Karlsruhe, you can also benefit from the KIT sports program. Here, you'll find a variety of new sports to explore. You may encounter activities you haven't tried before, but don't worry - there are usually beginner courses available to introduce you to them gradually. Whether you're interested in martial arts, acrobatics or team sports, there's likely a suitable course for you!
Please note that the sports programs are highly popular and often fill up within minutes of registration opening. If you're serious about participating in a course, it's best to seek assistance from your buddy or other students during enrollment.
In addition to the sports courses, KIT also offers the opportunity to reserve the calisthenics park for your own training at a fee of € 10 per semester. Once paid, you can train there as frequently as you like. There's also a swimming pool on campus with a student admission fee of € 2.
Furthermore, KIT provides a gym for students, offering 3, 6, or 12-month contract options. More information can be found here.
Free Outdoor Sports Courses
From July to August, sports are offered behind the castle on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 to 8 am and from 8 to 9 am. For anyone who wants to start the morning in a sporty way or try something new.
In addition to the sports courses in the morning, from May there will also be free sports programs in the evenings at various locations in Karlsruhe. You can find more information here.
Calisthenics Parks
In recent years, calisthenics parks have been constructed in nearly every neighborhood in Karlsruhe. Here's an overview:

Karlsruhe offers stunning hiking opportunities in the Black Forest and Palatinate Forest. Many destinations in the Black Forest are accessible for free for students on weekends by train. The S1 train provides quick access to Ettlingen, where numerous hiking trails begin. Alternatively, you can travel to the spa town of Bad Herrenalb to start your hike. The S8 train reaches beautiful Black Forest locations in under an hour, allowing you to disembark at any station between Gernsbach and Forbach and find a hiking trail.
For those who prefer group hiking experiences, there are hiking groups organized through Facebook or WhatsApp, providing an excellent opportunity to meet new people and immerse in German hiking culture.
Moreover, KIT occasionally offers a sports course, where participants hike together several times a semester, providing further opportunities for group hiking experiences.