Author: Alessa Boettcher

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SLR Blog: Day trips with your Deutschlandticket | Student Survival Tips

10 Day Trips from Siegen with the Deutschlandticket

As our semesterticket is also the “Deutschlandticket” you can use it, to discover a lot of beautiful locations near Siegen by train! You can reach many destinations with no or just one  or two transfers. That makes it possible to travel to your destination early in the morning, visit the place and come back to Siegen in the evening. It is important to know, that you can only take regional trains with your Deutschlandticket but no distance trains!

For researching the connections, I recommend downloading the app “DB Navigator” where you can search for train connections. In the settings it is possible, to set the language to English! You can tick a box so that only Deutschlandticket connections are shown! In addition, you are able to see if your train is delayed or cancelled. That is very helpful, because sometimes that happens with Deutsche Bahn. 🙁

Still, traveling by train is a great way to discover Siegens surroundings! Often, the trains tracks go through really beautiful nature, and it can feel like an adventure itself just sitting in the train looking out of the window.

These are my tips for which destinations are worth visiting and where you can go and come back in just one day:

  1. Cologne

Cologne is famous for its breathtaking Gothic Cathedral, one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the charming Old Town, walk along the Rhine River, or stop by one of the city’s many cafés and museums.

How to get there: Take the train RE9 from Siegen Hbf to Köln HBF (central station). The train is going hourly, at 9 past the hour.

  1. Bonn

Once the capital of West Germany, Bonn is a relaxed riverside city and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. Explore the historic city center, enjoy a walk along the Rhine, or visit one of the excellent museums on Museum Mile.

How to get there: Take the train RE9 from Siegen Hbf to Siegburg/Bonn. Then take the Straßenbahn STR66 to Bonn central station.

 

  1. Marburg

Marburg is a picturesque university town known for its fairy-tale atmosphere, colorful half-timbered houses, and hilltop castle. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets and enjoy stunning views over the old town.

How to get there: Take the train RE99 from Siegen HBF to Gießen. Than transfer to RE30 to Kassel. Get off the train at Marburg (Lahn).

 

  1. Frankfurt

Frankfurt combines modern skyscrapers with a charming historic center, making it one of Germany’s most unique cities. Visit the Römer Square, walk along the Main River, and enjoy the impressive skyline from one of the city’s viewpoints.

à How to get there: Take the train RE99 from Siegen HBF to Frankfurt HBF. The train is departing every two hours!

  1. Winterberg

Winterberg is a popular destination for outdoor lovers all year round, offering hiking trails in summer and skiing in winter. Whether you want to enjoy nature or simply escape the city for a day, it’s a perfect choice.

How to get there: There are several options. Please look into the App DB Navigator to see which one is most suitable for you. It might depend on if you prefer bus or train rides.

  1. Biggesee

Biggesee is one of the most beautiful lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia and an ideal destination for a relaxing day outdoors. Go for a lakeside walk, rent a boat, or simply enjoy a picnic with scenic water views.

How to get there: Take the bus SB1 from Siegen ZOB to Olpe ZOB. Then take the train RB92 (currently it is replaced by busses) to Finnentrop and get out at the stop called “Sondern”. There you can go swimming, hike a bit or get ice cream.

  1. Freudenberg

Freudenberg is best known for its famous “Alter Flecken,” a beautifully preserved ensemble of black-and-white half-timbered houses. Although it’s a small town, its postcard-perfect streets make it one of the most charming places near Siegen.

How to get there: There are several Busses from Siegen ZOB. Get of at “Freudenberg Bahnhofsstraße”

  1. Königswinter (Drachenfels)

Königswinter is home to the legendary Drachenfels, one of the most famous hills along the Rhine. Hike to the top or take the historic cogwheel railway to enjoy panoramic views and visit the stunning Schloss Drachenburg.

How to get there: There are several options, look up whats most suitable for you on Google Maps or DB Navigator!

  1. Limburg an der Lahn

Limburg is a charming medieval town famous for its impressive cathedral overlooking the Lahn River. Its beautifully preserved old town is filled with colorful half-timbered houses, cafés, and small boutique shops.

How to get there: First take the RE99 to Frankfurt and get off in Wetzlar. Then take the RB45 to Limburg!

  1. Dortmund

Dortmund is best known for football and is home to the legendary Borussia Dortmund and Signal Iduna Park. Beyond football, you can relax at Phoenix See, visit the German Football Museum, or explore the city’s green parks.

How to get there: Just take the train RE34 from Siegen or Weidenau ZOB. It departs every 1-2 hours.

Important information: Currently there is a lot of construction work being done on the train tracks. In this case, some trains might be replaced by busses. You can look it up in DB Navigator.

I hope you will have fun exploring Siegen’s surroundings!!

Your SLR Host Alessa

 

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SLR Blog: How to deal with heatwaves | Student Survival Tips

The summer can feel tough in Germany, as there are some heatwaves coming up and most buildings do not have air conditioning.

Tips from student to student:

I have prepared a list of “survival tips” on how to deal with the heat better:

Cool your body

  • Run cool water over your wrists and forearms.
  • Place your feet in a bowl of cool water.
  • Put a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
  • Take a lukewarm shower (ice-cold water can cause your body to produce even more heat afterwards).

Stay hydrated

  • Drink regularly before you feel thirsty.
  • Water, unsweetened tea, or diluted fruit juice are good options.
  • If you are sweating a lot, make sure to replace electrolytes as well (for example through mineral water, broth, or electrolyte drinks).
  • Avoid large amounts of alcohol, as it can interfere with your body’s fluid regulation.

Adjust your diet

  • Choose light meals such as salads, fruit, vegetables, and yogurt.
  • Eat foods with a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, or peaches.
  • Very heavy or fatty meals can increase the body’s heat load.

Keep your home cool

  • Air out your home in the early morning and at night when temperatures are lower.
  • Keep windows closed during the hottest part of the day and use blinds, curtains, or shutters to block sunlight.
  • Place a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan to help cool the air.

Clothing

  • Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure whenever possible, especially between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Sleeping in hot weather

  • Use cotton or linen bed sheets.
  • Take a short lukewarm shower before going to bed.
  • Fill a hot water bottle with cold water or wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it briefly on your feet or calves.

If you exercise

Since exercising generates additional body heat, try to do it early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower. Bring more water than usual and take breaks in the shade.

Warning signs of heat-related illness

If you experience dizziness, severe headaches, nausea, confusion, or a rapid heartbeat, move to a cool place immediately, drink fluids, and seek medical attention if necessary.

I hope you will have a great summer and will have the chance to enjoy the warmer temperatures!!

 

 

Your Host, Alessa 😊

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SLR Blog: What can you do when you are feeling sick | Student Survival Tips

What you can do if you are feeling sick:

If you are feeling sick and need to see a doctor and need medicine, I listed some tips for what you can do:

  1. How to find a doctor?

If you are feeling sick right now and do not have a general practitioner yet, you can call any doctor that is close to you and tell them you are sick. Then, they will tell you if the have the capacity to treat you. Otherwise, they might be able to tell you, who has a capacity for new patients.

It is best to start looking for a general practitioner right after arriving in Siegen.

Here you can find more information on how it works: https://blogs.uni-siegen.de/fit-in-siegen/de/2025/04/14/slr-blog-how-to-find-a-general-practitioner-student-survival-tips/

 

  1. How to get your medicine?

Medicines and Pharmacies

In Germany, some medicines require a prescription, while others can be purchased freely.

Prescription medicines (verschreibungspflichtige Medikamente) are only provided to patients with a prescription from their doctor. They can be acquired at public pharmacies (Apotheken) upon presentation of the physical prescription slip. Please note that Germany’s pharmacy laws are strict, meaning a prescription may be required for medicines that are sold over the counter in other countries. Medicine is not available in supermarkets.

Prescription medicines typically include a co-pay of between 5 to 10 euros, or roughly ten percent of their price. If your medication costs less than 5 euros, you pay for it yourself.

Other medications (such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol) can be purchased freely in any pharmacy – without prescription.

Pharmacies are typically open from Monday to Friday, although some also open on Saturday mornings as well. On Sundays, pharmacies are usually closed in Germany. The emergency pharmacy service (Apothekennotdienst) is open around the clock. In Siegen you find the actual emergency pharmacy on the following homepage. https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/apotheken-notdienst/stadt/siegen/

There is also a list on every pharmacy door.

  1. What to Expect at a Doctor’s Appointment

After your search for a doctor was successful, check their office hours on their homepage. To avoid waiting for the medical treatment you should call before your visit and make an appointment. If you want to go to a specialist, you may have to wait several weeks. You must first visit a general practitioner, as a referral is required to see the specialist.

    1. Please arrive on time for your appointment.
    2. At the reception you will need to present your health insurance card.
    3. If you are visiting a specialist you will also need the referral from the general practitioner.
    4. First of all, as a new patient, you will have to fill out a personal medical questionnaire every time. This questionnaire is mostly in German only, if you have any difficulties in understanding it, please ask the staff at the front desk.
    5. While filling the form you will typically be sent to a waiting room to wait until called.
    6. Patients with public health insurance do not normally have to pay for standard treatments and can simply leave once they are finished with the consultation and/or have received any necessary prescriptions or referrals.

Your host, Alessa 😊

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SLR Blog: How to find psychological consultation | Student Survival Tips

Psychological Consultation Offers

Studying can be hard and moving to a new country makes it more complicated. It is completely normal to need assistance at some points in your life.

  1. The Social Psychiatric Service: is a doctor-led socialservice provided by the health and veterinary office within Siegen-Wittgenstein. It is available for people with a mental illness or in a psychosocial crisis situation as well as their relatives and social environment. The consultation is free and confidential.
  2. Urgent help: In case of an acute emergency, you can dial 112 and/or visit the Psychological Institute Outpatient Clinic next to the Kreisklinikum in Weidenau.

 

The University of Siegen itself has some offers to look at.

  1. Psychological counselling

The university of Siegen has a free offer for psychological counselling!

Where to find more information: https://www.uni-siegen.de/en/zsb

Open consultation hours:

By phone: Mondays 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (0271 740 4300)

Office consultation hours: Tuesdays 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (F-S 204-206)

Workshops offered by the psychological counselling of the Student Counselling Service (ZSB)

The Psychological Counseling of the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) is offering various german speaking workshops for students this semester:

 

  1. Psychotherapeutic Ambulance of the University of Siegen

The Psychotherapeutic Ambulance of the University of Siegen offers Consultation hours, psychological diagnostics and psychotherapy

  • Languages: Therapy sessions are offered in English, German and Turkish!
  • Further Information: https://www.uni-siegen.de/pha/index.html.en?lang=en
  • Important notice: The waitlist is very long and it is highly recommended to also contact other therapists: https://blogs.uni-siegen.de/fit-in-siegen/files/2025/04/Psychotherapists.pdf

 

Your SLR Host Alessa