What does the future hold for the Prinz Karl refectory in Tübingen? This question has been on many students’ minds since the closure of this long-established venue in the winter semester of 2025. The answer is now clear: the Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim has developed a new operational concept and plans to reopen the city centre refectory in the summer semester of 2027.
The closure was prompted by a significant decline in visitor numbers and turnover at Prinz Karl following the reopening of the completely refurbished Wilhelmstraße refectory. Under these circumstances, the previous operating model proved no longer viable in the long term. However, the Studierendenwerk never considered permanently closing the site.
“We know how important this place is to many students and staff at the university,” explains Edith Hein, Managing Director of the Studierendenwerk. “The numerous responses we have received over the past few months have shown us just how much Prinz Karl is missed. We will give this special place a long-term future once again with a new operating concept.”
At the heart of the new concept is a clear reorientation of the catering offering. “In future, food will once again be cooked on the premises at the Prinz Karl,” says Ulrich Brand, designate head of the University Catering Department and project coordinator. “The menu will focus on seasonal and regional ingredients, artisanal preparation and a range of meat-free dishes.” This will give the city centre canteen its own distinct culinary identity.
“At the same time, we want to develop the Prinz Karl as a space for students,” adds Edith Hein. “As a meeting place, a venue for discussion and exchange, or simply somewhere to relax. With Kuckuck e.V., we have an experienced partner at our side to bring the Prinz Karl refectory to life during the afternoons and evenings as well.”
Plans include opening hours extending into the evening, with drinks available at the bar from late afternoon onwards at prices affordable for students. Furthermore, the partnership also offers scope for further developments. In the future, cultural and event formats such as poetry slams, readings or student-organised events could further enrich the venue.
Firstly, the kitchen and dining areas will be comprehensively modernised and adapted to the expanded operational concept. New communal areas, improved acoustics, modern lighting and, for the first time, outdoor seating are intended to significantly enhance the quality of the visitor experience and open up the site more to the city centre. The Studierendenwerk would like to thank the City of Tübingen, Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg and the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts for their close and constructive cooperation. Without their contributions, this new beginning would not be possible.
The result will be a place in the heart of Tübingen’s old town that is far more than just a refectory: a space for eating, studying, socialising and relaxing.
The Studierendenwerk will provide information on the exact opening date in good time.
For those interested: here is a link to the new concept for the Prinz Karl refectory (in German).
