Life in Trier

Healthcare in Trier

There are two main hospitals in Trier. If it is not an emergency, it is first advised that you see a general practitioner.

In order to benefit from the German health system, you must first be properly insured. There are several public as well as private health insurance providers available in Germany. It is best to pick one according to your employment situation — that is, whether you have a permanent position at a company or you are working freelance. Employees can, in fact, only opt for a full, private health insurance cover under specific circumstances (e.g. high earners, students). Private complementary insurance policies, on the other hand, are an option for everyone (e.g. for full coverage of dental treatment costs).

In the public health insurance system, the amount deducted from your monthly income will be 7.3% (as of 2015), with your employer paying an addition 7.3% for you.

Transportation in Trier

Trier, like most of Germany, has a good city bus system. You may find that it is not even necessary to own a car, and you will enjoy the environmental, financial and health benefits of this. Trier in general is a fairly green city, and there are also many cycle paths available. Furthermore, it is easy to reach cities like Frankfurt and Cologne directly by rail in just a couple of hours. Current transit schedules can be found on the website of the Verkehrsbund Region Trier.

In case you decide you do want to drive while living in Trier, however, it is important to keep in mind that your foreign driver’s license will only be valid as long as your stay in Germany is temporary — residents need to exchange their license for a German one. If your license was issued in an EU member state, though, it will be valid in Germany until the document’s expiration date. If your license is not in German (and not from an EU/EEA state), you must carry a copy of it translated by a sworn translator or alternatively have an International Driver’s Permit.

Please note that German traffic is on the right. For more information on driving in Germany, as well as other modes of transportation, please refer to our dedicated articles on Transport and Driving in Germany.

Culture and Leisure in Trier

Trier is a city founded by the Romans, and as such it offers an unimaginably rich historical heritage. There are plenty of authentic Roman structures to behold, such as the Imperial Baths. Newer yet equally stunning architecture includes the cathedral and the main market square. If it is a rainy day, there are also many indoor activities to take advantage of in the form of museums. There’s an archaeological museum, and even a museum dedicated to renowned German philosopher Karl Marx.

You can take advantage of a membership at one of Trier’s many gyms, but if the weather is good, you can instead go for a run through the beautiful nature in and around the city — the trail along the Moselle River is especially recommended.

There are also great shopping opportunities on offer in Trier, whatever your taste. All stores tend to be closed on Sundays in Germany, although every couple of months, certain stores will open their doors on a Sunday for a few hours.