Mainz: Excellence served with a smile

Unpretentious and easygoing, the city of Mainz is known for the come-as-you-are attitude of its residents. Students contribute greatly to the overall look and feel of this Southern German town of 200,000, with newcomers from around the world arriving each semester. Some even end up liking it so much that they never leave.

Mainz at a glance

Mainzer Dom, Foto: DAAD/Ebert

What's not to like about a city where once a year everything shuts down for a whole week for crazy carnival celebrations, only to pick right back up afterwards as if nothing has happened? We're talking, of course, about Fastnacht, when Mainz parties like there's no tomorrow.
All across Germany, Mainz is famous for the charm and self-effacing humour of its 200,000 residents. But humility aside, they do have things to brag about - if that were their style. After all, the state capital of Rhineland Palatinate which was founded by the Romans has a long history and early became an important church town. The Mainz Cathedral is more than 1,000 years old. Besides Mainz is home to one of the oldest universities in the country and is a major hub commerce and media, connected to the buzzing Rhine-Main region with Frankfurt's international money markets at its centre. The Second German Television (ZDF) is based here. Together with the ARD network and Deutschlandradio it forms the public broadcast in Germany and is one of Europe’s largest broadcasting networks.
Add to that the scenic beauty and culinary delights of the stretched-out Rhine valley region and you have a place that many folks - even over-worked Frankfurt bankers - love to call home. The same goes for students. Over 40,000 students are signed up at the city's higher educational facilities, adding their youthful energy to the city's reputed charms.

Universities - Overview

Johannes Gutenberg Universität

Uni Mainz, Foto: JGU Mainz

Incorporated in 1477, Johannes Gutenberg University has a strong tradition in the arts, complemented by today's groundbreaking research activities in the sciences. More than 35,000 students from over 130 countries are currently enrolled at JGU, making it one of the largest universities in the country.
The expansive campus, gated by the old Forum courtyard, is almost a city in its own right. More than 2,200 academics teach and research in more than 150 institutes and faculties. The nearby university medical center enjoys a reputation for its achievements in immunological medicine, tumour medicine, neurosciences, preventive medicine and minimally invasive surgery.
A one of a kind academic institution is the Max Planck Graduate Center (MPGC): an organisation that permits joint research and education in the two local Max Planck Institutes (MPI) and four departments of the University and addresses young researchers from around the world.

Mainz University of Applied Sciences
Internationally connected and progressive, the Mainz University of Applied Sciences has its eyes set on world markets. And its shows - 450 of its 4,500 students are pulled from over 60 countries. They win awards, too. For three years in a row, the DAAD has awarded individual co-eds the title of Outstanding International Student in Civil Engineering and Media Design. The university also offers integrated study abroad programs with internationally compatible degrees and is top ranked in the CHE-University Ranking.

Recreation in Mainz

Mainzer Fastnacht, Foto: DAAD/Ebert

Johannes Gutenberg's invention for the printing of books with moveable type - perfected in 1450 and successfully employed for his "Gutenberg Bible" in 1452 - was nothing short of revolutionary at the time. It’s not for nothing that the university is bearing his name. Learn more about Gutenberg and his inventions by visiting the Gutenberg Museum.
Mainz is not only the home of great inventors but also one of the major carnival hubs in Germany. The Mainzer Fastnacht climaxes in mid-February with the pomp and ceremony of the Carnival Monday pageant, attended by some 300,000 spectators. Wearing a costume is not a must but in the middle of thousands of dressed up people you will feel weird sooner or later in plain jeans and t-shirt.

Weinberge um Mainz, Foto: DAAD/Ebert

As the city sits right on the banks of the Rhine you should definitely hop on one of the many boats cruising the river at least once. Sounds kitschy, but the scenery and folklore of the Rhine Valley are best experienced on the water itself. And you're in good company - international luminaries from scholars to American presidents have admired the legendary Loreley cliffs and the many castles that are now part of UNICEF World Heritage.
After an exciting day of sightseeing or roaming around town take a break and enjoy the endless vineyards all along the river. They are famous for their fine wines, especially the renowned Riesling. The secret? Lots of sunshine, a mild climate and some of the finest soil imaginable. Sign up for a wine sampling tour and see for yourself.
If you are more into sports then you should check out Mainz 05 sport club. The football club playing in the German premier league is more than 100 years old. If you like football you should experience the stadium atmosphere.
You like beer more than wine? No problem, check out Eisgrub Brewery: This micro-brewery in the heart of town combines traditionally brewed beers with solid German fare like Braten and Eisbein. Any visitor will attest that good Mexican food is hard to come by anywhere in Germany. Mexico Lindo is one of the rare exceptions that gets it right. Why? The owner is a Mexican chef from San Antonio, Texas, who serves specialties like homemade carne guisada and Texas smoked barbecue. Later on, if you want to go dancing you should visit the Star Club. This club offers high-end entertainment with a circular dance floor, cutting-edge sound system, lounge bar, and tunes from local and international DJs. Additionally you can enjoy one of the best views of the city.