Expats moving to Wolfsburg should have an easy time settling into life in this German city. The city’s relatively compact size and excellent road and public transport network make getting around easy and stress free.

Accommodation in Wolfsburg is generally of a high standard and expats will likely be able to find a place to stay for significantly less than they would spend in other German cities like Berlin or Frankfurt.

Attractions like the famous Autostadt draw thousands of visitors every year, and with the city’s large selection of museums, galleries and national parks expats are sure to find things to keep themselves busy over weekends.

While it’s unlikely that expats in Wolfsburg will experience much culture shock, the language barrier may cause some minor issues. Learning as much German as possible before arrival should help ease the transition for new arrivals.

Wolfsburg’s biggest employer is Volkswagen, and most expats relocating to the city are likely to move here for jobs in the auto manufacturing industry. This industry has attracted workers from all over Europe, and new arrivals will find themselves in a vibrant and diverse city.

Expats relocating to Wolfsburg will find that this small city has a surprisingly wide range of accommodation options. Rental properties in Wolfsburg are generally well-priced and well-suited to expats' needs, and the excellent public transport network makes commuting from most of areas and suburbs fairly simple.

Types of accommodation in Wolfsburg

Expats moving to Wolfsburg will find a range of accommodation options available to them. Apartments, condos and houses of different sizes are all available and new arrivals are sure to find something to meet their requirements. Accommodation in Wolfsburg is generally of a high standard, and expats should have access to all the amenities they would expect from any other Western European destination.

The weather in Wolfsburg can get cold in winter, and new arrivals should make sure that any potential home has adequate heating options before signing a lease. Due to its relatively small size, rental property in Wolfsburg is generally far more affordable and spacious than in major cities like Berlin and Frankfurt.

Finding accommodation in Wolfsburg

Expats are unlikely to struggle when searching for accommodation in Wolfsburg. Online property portals are an excellent starting point to give expats a first impression of what will be available within their chosen area and price range. Real estate agencies are also a helpful resource for expats who cannot speak German and will need help navigating rental contracts and processes. However, expect to pay a premium for professional services like these.

Renting property in Wolfsburg

Renting property in Wolfsburg can be a complicated process. In most cases, landlords prefer to meet potential tenants before agreeing to rent them the property. Expats are advised to have their documents in order before viewing a property in order to speed up the rental process.

Most leases in Wolfsburg are for a one-year period and require at least one month’s rent as a deposit. Utilities like internet and electricity are not generally included in the advertised rental cost and may need to be paid for separately so be sure to be clear of the terms and conditions before committing to a contract.

While it may be a relatively small city, expats moving to Wolfsburg with children can rest assured that, as is the case in the rest of Germany, education is taken seriously and there will be a number of good schooling options available.

Public schools in Wolfsburg

Each federal state (lander) in Germany oversees the schooling system in a given area, and so there are likely to be some noticeable differences for those who’ve lived elsewhere in the country. In Lower Saxony, all children attend primary school until the 4th grade (about 10 years old). From there, teachers make recommendations as to the type of school each student should attend.

Hauptschulen or Realschulen tend to be best suited for those looking to pursue a practical apprenticeship after school. Gymnasium provides the academic structure necessary to get the qualifications to pursue a degree level course at university. Gesamtschulen offers mixed-level classes and there are also some opportunities to transfer between types of school depending on how a child progresses through the system.

New arrivals in Wolfsburg will find that schools differ quite markedly it terms of the content of the curricula, teaching language and subject orientation. Therefore, in order to find the school most suitable for their child, parents should do their research and get in touch with city departments to learn more about the options available.

International schools in Wolfsburg

Those relocating to Wolfsburg on a shorter contract may opt to have their child attend an international school. The major advantage here would be that the child is able to continue studying a curriculum that they are familiar with which would likely allow for a smoother transition. A major downside, however, is the notoriously high costs of attending international schools. So expats relocating for work should consider this when negotiating their salary and relocation package.

Being a relatively small city and fairly new expat destination, Wolfsburg has no international schools of its own. However, the Braunschweig International School in a neighbouring town provides a viable option for those looking to study for the International Baccalaureate or IGCSE qualifications.

Expats living in Wolfsburg will be able to enjoy a quiet life while never being too far from bustling cities like Berlin and Frankfurt. The city’s famous ‘Autostadt’ draws in visitors from all around the country and has a myriad of entertainment options for residents to enjoy. Wolfsburg’s many museums and historical sites also add to the unique atmosphere of this German city.

Shopping in Wolfsburg

Expats looking to shop in Wolfsburg will find that Porschestraße is the most popular shopping street in the city. This avenue offers everything from designer goods to grocery stores and pharmacies.

Attractions in Wolfsburg

There are many attractions and things for expats to see and do in Wolfsburg. Among these is the city’s eponymous castle, Schloss Wolfsburg. There are also a number of other castles in the area which offer tours and family-friendly outings.

Museums in Wolfsburg also offer expats some exciting entertainment options. Two of the most popular of these is the renowned Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg and Phaeno Science Centre. The Volkswagen Automuseum offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about the industry that put Wolfsburg on the map.

Autostadt is perhaps the most famous attraction in Wolfsburg. This park is one of the most popular in Europe and is a major tourist attraction in the area.

Sports and outdoor activities in Wolfsburg

Nature lovers will find that there are plenty of outdoor activities and sports in Wolfsburg for them to enjoy. There are six nature reserves within the city’s administrative district. Expats will be able to enjoy frequent picnics and days outdoors in these parks.

Motor enthusiasts will also be able to do a number of advanced driving courses in the city. There are many successful sports teams which play local matches often, giving expats an exciting opportunity to experience local sports culture.

Expats in Wolfsburg will have a diverse range of options for getting around. Despite the fact that the city is known for its auto manufacturing industry, Wolfsburg’s small size and excellent public transport network make owning a car an unnecessary luxury for many of its residents.

Public transport in Wolfsburg

Despite its relatively small population, there is a surprisingly extensive network of public transport in Wolfsburg. The local bus system is efficient and reliable, and those who choose not to purchase a car will be well catered for.

Buses

Buses are the most prevalent form of public transport in Wolfsburg. The local bus company is called RegioJet and bus tickets can be purchased online, through the company’s mobile app or in person at various outlets scattered around the city.

There are also a number of bus services offering intercity journeys for expats looking to explore other towns and cities in the area. Tickets for these services are best booked in advance to ensure availability.

Taxis in Wolfsburg

Using a taxi in Wolfsburg is another popular way for expats to get around the city. A number of taxi companies operate in Wolfsburg, and these vehicles can be picked up at specific taxi ranks or booked over the phone or online.

Expats are advised to have the address of their destination written down to avoid any confusion that could be caused by the language barrier.

Driving in Wolfsburg

Germany is well known for its excellent and extensive road network, most of which is in good condition. While owning a private vehicle may not be strictly necessary due to the country’s efficient and reliable public transport system, Wolfsburg is a small town and expats who wish to do some exploring of nearby cities and the beautiful German countryside may prefer to self-drive.

Expats driving in Germany will be able to use an international drivers’ licence for their first six months in the country, after which they will be required to apply for a local driving licence.

When driving in Wolfsburg, expats should be aware that traffic cameras are often placed on smaller roads and speeding is harshly penalised. Parking gets more expensive and more difficult to find the closer one gets to the city centre, so owning a car may not be a practical option for everyone.

Walking in Wolfsburg

Expats may be surprised to find that despite being known for its car manufacturing, walking in Wolfsburg is often the most efficient way to get around. Most amenities in the city are easily accessible on foot, and the city centre is a busy pedestrianised area which can actually be hard to navigate by vehicle.

Air travel in Wolfsburg

When flying domestically or internationally, most expats in Wolfsburg will use the nearby Hanover or Hamburg airports. For a wider choice of international destinations, Frankfurt International Airport will likely be an expat's first choice.