freiburg germany tourism

Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 15 Best Things to Do in Freiburg (Germany)

15 Best Things to Do in Freiburg (Germany)

Wreathed in vineyards in Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg is a Medieval university city on the edge of the Black Forest. The minster has to be the first thing you see in Freiburg, and you’ll want to view this Gothic marvel and its marvellous tower from every angle.

The city is one of Germany’s most liveable, and the green movement was born in the 1970s. Now Freiburg is both a stronghold for the Green party and one of the most sustainable cities on the planet. Freiburg is also a jumping off point for the Black Forest, and you can catch a cable-car from the south of the city to the summit of Schauinsland mountain at 1,284 metres.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Frieburg :

1. Freiburg Minster

Begun as a Romanesque church in the 13th century, Freiburg’s awe-inspiring minster would take another 300 years to complete.

Despite the destruction wreaked around Münsterplatz in 1944, the minster came through with only minor damage.

In 1869 the Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt described the 116-metre tower as the most beautiful in the world, and it’s hard to disagree.

For three years after it was completed in 1330 the tower was also the highest in the world and is a hollow, highly ornamented mass of tracery and pinnacles.

The amount of artistry on the facade alone is astounding: The tympanum and archivolts on the portal have 418 stone figured carved at the end of the 1200s.

Inside, see Hans Baldung Grien’s Renaissance altarpiece and scale that tower to reach the viewing platform at 70 metres.

2. Münsterplatz

Surrounding the minster is a cobblestone pedestrian square, ringed by historic monuments and scene of a market that trades every day of the week except Sundays.

The square was almost totally flattened by bombs in 1944, but along with the minster one of the buildings to come through intact was the Wentzingerhaus on the southern margins of the square.

This late Baroque mansion was built in 1761 by painter, sculptor and architect Johann Christian Wentzinger and now holds a small museum about the city.

And as for that market, there are 96 regional produce stalls on the north side, and 65 on the south side selling anything from exotic spices to handicrafts.

At the foot of the minster are snack bars selling freshly cooked food like a long, Freiburg style wurst in a toasted bun.

3. Historical Merchants’ Hall

Also on the south side of Münsterplatz is a magnificent Renaissance building constructed as a market storehouse.

The hall is impossible to miss for its crimson facade and glazed patterned tiles on its bay windows.

In its current format, with crow-stepped gables and arcade on the ground floor, the building dates to the start of the 1530s.

The four statues above the access balcony on the facade depict three Holy Roman Emperors, Maximilian I, Charles V and Ferdinand I, as well as Philip I of Castile, son of Maximilian I who died before his father and so never became emperor.

Under the bay windows check out the coats of arms of the five dominions under the control of the House of Habsburg . These, along with the statues were carved by the Renaissance artist Hans Sixt von Staufen.

4. Freiburg Bächle

You can’t spend any time in Freiburg without dodging one of the little waterways in grooves in the Old Town.

These are fed by the Dreisam river and are called Bächle.

They were first recorded in the 1200s and in Medieval times they had a few uses, like helping to fight fires, providing local trades like tanners with water but were also open sewers.

The system of channels adds up to 15.5 kilometres, 6.4 of which is underground.

Now they’re a quaint fixture in the city and help to cool things down in summer.

The legend also goes that if you accidentally step into one you will end up marrying someone from Freiburg.

5. Augustiner Museum

On Augustinerplatz a former Augustinian monastery has been converted into a stylish gallery for art from the Middle Ages to the Baroque.

In the gallery upstairs are works by German Renaissance masters like Matthias Grünewald, Lucas Cranach the Elder and Hans Baldung Grien, as well as paintings from the Speyer Altarpiece by Master of the Housebook.

Original Medieval stained glass from Freiburg Minster is presented on two levels, and a trove of wooden Medieval sculpture is also shown on the upper floor.

Downstairs, the chancel of the abbey church has been reserved for Baroque sculptures, statuettes, paintings and altars, and has solemn carved figures arranged in rows along the pillars.

6. Schwabentor

The younger of Freiburg’s two Medieval gates went up in the middle of the 13th century and is close to the oldest crossing on the Dreisam River.

The tower is three storeys high and built from red sandstone.

The staircase tower and half-timbered extensions are a little later, from the 16th century.

On the town side you can see a Baroque painting from 1672 of a merchant.

This soon became the subject of a legend about the city about a merchant who tried to buy Freiburg with sacks of what he thought was gold but had been replaced with sand and pebbles by his wife.

Above the keystone on the city side of the arch is a Romanesque carving of Boy with Thorn, a motif that goes back to Ancient Greece.

7. Schlossberg

Protecting Freiburg from the east is a 456-metre hill in the Black Forest.

As a handy strategic position Schlossberg was fortified from as early as the 1000s, and though these structures are now in ruins efforts have been made to bring them to life.

One of the main draws now is the Schlossbergbahn, a funicular railway that opened in 2008 and lifts you from the foot of the hill to the top in three minutes flat.

At the summit is the Schlossbergturm, which was erected in 2002 and grants a panoramic view of the city.

And if you follow the line of defences to the southwest side there’s a scenic terrace at Kanonenplatz where you can gaze across a vineyard to the minster.

8. Rathäuser

Freiburg’s New Town Hall and Old Town Hall are in the same compound on the picturesque Rathausplatz.

The Old Town Hall is on the north side and is in the Renaissance style, dating to the end of the 1550s.

On the curved cable above the clock you can make out the double eagle of the Holy Roman Empire, while Freiburg’s various ruling families down the years are honoured with coats of arms tracing the outline of the gable.

The Old Town Hall now houses Freiburg’s tourist office, so you can go inside.

The New Town Hall, is next door, and rather than being a whole new building, it’s actually two Renaissance burgher houses joined together by an arcade.

Stop by at 12:00 when the glockenspiel chimes in the connecting section.

9. Martinstor

The older of the two city gates is on the southwest side of the Old Town and has stood here in some form since 1202. The first record of the Martinstor is from 1238, but analysis of the timbers has shown they’re a little older.

The gate was an anchor for the Medieval fortifications, but when the French military engineer Vauban redesigned the city’s ramparts in the 1600s it became obsolete.

The lower third of the gate’s tower is all original, while the upper floors date to the turn of the 20th century and were capped with a Late Gothic style roof.

On the city side of the passageway there’s a grim reminder of justice in days gone by, as a plaque commemorates three women burned as witches in the city in 1599.

10. Haus zum Walfisch (Whale House)

This elegant early Renaissance house was ordered by Jakob Villinger von Schönenberg who was the Grand Treasurer to the Holy Roman Emperor.

The house goes back to the 1510s and over the next hundred years accommodated some important personalities.

The Dutch humanist Erasmus visited between 1529 and 1531, while Emperor Ferdinand I used the house around 1562-63. And if you happen to be a fan of art horror director Dario Argento you’ll know the Whale House as the setting for the dance school in Suspiria from 1977.

11. Mundenhof

Baden-Württemberg’s largest animal park is in over 38 hectares on an estate dating back to the 9th century.

In the past the Mundenhof was agricultural land, but over the last 100 years has been bought by the city and turned into a recreation area, and there’s still a peaceful rural ambience in the park.

The zoo opened in 1968, and differs from most as it is a non-profit enterprise that is free to enter and relies on donations.

Most of the animals are native, domestic and working species, kept in open paddocks.

But there are also gibbons, macaques, brown bears, alpacas, llamas, yaks, emus and ostriches.

A former stables has become an aquarium and terrarium, while during the summer the park is nesting ground for storks.

12. Markthalle

Just around the corner from Martinstor is a culinary attraction best described as an international food court.

There are over 20 stalls preparing specialities from all over the world, so you can try Italian, Chinese, Argentine, Japanese, Indian, Brazilian or Middle Eastern cuisine.

Or since you’re in Germany you can go for something a little more local like Frikadellen (pan-fried meatballs) or Freiburg-style wurst.

The champagne bar adds a festive atmosphere on weekend afternoons, and in the evenings the hall books live music and DJ sets.

13. Alter Friedhof (Old Cemetery)

When Johann Christian Wentzinger passed away in 1797 he left estate to the city on the one condition that his grave would be looked after forever in Freiburg’s Alter Friedhof.

And for that reason the cemetery, which was in use from 1683 to 1872 has been more or less untouched.

Coming here is as much a cultural activity as it is a walk in peaceful nature on the north fringe of the Old Town.

All of Freiburg’s wealthy and noble citizens form the period are buried here, and their tombs and gravestones are works of Baroque and Neoclassical art.

Apart from Wentzinger, you’ll come across historical personalities like Mirabeau’s brother, the father of 19th-century painter Anselm Feuerbach and Felix Mendelssohn’s daughter-in-law.

14. Seepark

At this 35-hectare park in the west of Freiburg you’d never guess that until just 35 years ago you’d be standing in the middle of a gravel quarry.

The Seepark grew in stages from the early 1980s and was at the heart of Freiburg’s plans for the 1986 Landesgartenschau (Federal Garden Show). One third of the park’s area is taken up by a lake, which has a jetty where you can rent pedal boats in summer.

In 1990 a 3,600-square-metre Japanese garden was created to symbolise Freiburg’s partnership with the city of Matsuyama.

The Seepark is also equipped with a viewing tower, mini golf course and eco-station.

15. Schauinsland

On Freiburg’s southern horizon is a Black Forest mountain 1,284 metres tall.

Schauinsland is only ten kilometres from the Old Town and is go-to day out for its cable car.

The Schauinslandbahn is the longest cable car in Germany, running for 3.6 kilometres and with a vertical ascent of more than 700 metres.

Normally you won’t have to wait more than a minute for a cabin to arrive, and the journey to the top takes 15 minutes.

The Schauinslandbahn runs in winter and summer, but does close down in adverse weather conditions.

At the mountain summit you can look west to the rounded Vosges and south to the jagged northern peaks of the Alps.

15 Best Things to Do in Freiburg (Germany):

• Freiburg Minster
• Münsterplatz
• Historical Merchants' Hall
• Freiburg Bächle
• Augustiner Museum
• Schwabentor
• Schlossberg
• Haus zum Walfisch (Whale House)
• Alter Friedhof (Old Cemetery)
• Schauinsland

Privacy settings

Here you will find an overview of the types of cookies used on the website. You can set your consent for each category individually. Further information can be found in the privacy policy .

• Essential Cookies For the use of the website with all functions (e.g. user settings, watch lists, etc.)
• Statistics Statistics Cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us to understand how our visitors use our website.
• Marketing In order to provide you with the best possible offer in cooperation with our partners, we use marketing tools. For example, in order to use our chatbot, you must activate this setting.
• External contents Required for viewing external media and third-party content. The provider may set cookies for its part. The respective data protection regulations of the provider apply.
• Inspiring Germany

Cities & Culture

• Nature & Outdoor Activities
• Royal Palaces & Castles
• Experience & Enjoy
• Current highlights
• Sustainable travel
• Barrier-free travel
• Easy language
• Federal states

Freiburg: a city with a sunny disposition

Are the people of Freiburg so cheerful because their city gets more sun than anywhere else in Germany? It's hard to say. But what is certain is that life is good in Germany's southernmost major city.

And yet Freiburg has more to offer than good spirit alone. It boasts one of Germany's prettiest Old Towns, with its characteristic bächle – the narrow channels of water that run alongside the pavements. Not to mention a wealth of culture and history, many cafés and cosy bars, delicious local cuisine and scenic surroundings, with an atmosphere that is more laid-back than most – but that's southern Germany for you.

Experience this vibe for yourself with a stroll through the Old Town, which is overlooked by the 116-metre-tall spire of the striking Freiburg Minster, one of Germany's most beautiful religious buildings.

Freiburg Minster

Schlossberg hill.

The Münsterplatz square is the largest in the city centre. It hosts weekly markets almost every day. Its main sights include the Historical Merchants' Hall built in 1532 with its deep-red facade and colourful turrets as well as the 'Haus Zum Schönen Eck' built in 1761, which is now the Museum of Municipal History.

Freiburg's multitude of glorious squares also provides an ideal backdrop for the dozens of celebrations and festivals held every year in the Old Town. And when you're feeling all partied out, now is the perfect time to unwind in the many parks and green spaces, at one of the nearby lakes or on the 1,284 metre Schauinsland mountain just outside of Freiburg. It's no wonder that Freiburg has been named a Green City, as it is seen as a global pioneer in eco-friendliness.

Discover more

Classical art museums: genuine masterpieces, top tips for special holiday experiences, geological time travel: land of volcanoes, unique places to swim with a wow effect, psst... germany’s (almost) undiscovered travel destinations, national parks - protected nature, explore the surroundings.

Germany Footsteps

Top 19 Things To Do In Freiburg Im Breisgau [Don’t Miss Them!]

Going on a trip to Freiburg im Breisgau and want to know all the best things to do in Freiburg im Breisgau? We have you covered! Below you will find our guide to all the best Freiburg tourist attractions to plan your ultimate trip.

Located at the foot of the Black Forest, Freiburg im Breisgau is the perfect place to head to both start your exploration of this area and enjoy the delights of this pretty city. With a long history, a charming Old Town and the Black Forest right there, there is a lot to enjoy about Freiburg.

We loved exploring this city and found it very charming.

Freiburg is also the perfect place to base yourself for a few days (or more) while you explore the surrounding region but make sure you don’t miss out of exploring this city as well. This is where this guide can help!

Below, you will find our full Freiburg travel guide with everything you need to know about the best places to visit in Freiburg im Breisgau as well as the best places to stay for your ultimate vacation in Freiburg. There is also a handy map of all the things to do Freiburg Germany offers.

You’ll also find special sections on things to do in Freiburg Germany in winter and a full itinerary for a Freiburg day trip as well as what works if you are travelling with kids.

Traveling to Germany?  Click here to download your free Germany Trip Planning checklist .  We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Table of Contents

A Brief History Of Freiburg Im Breisgau

With a population of around 230,000 people, Freiburg Im Breisgau is located in the southwest of Germany in the state of Baden-Württemberg by the famous Black Forest and the Dreisam River. Known as Germany’s sunniest city, this is a beautiful place to visit.

It also has a long history having been founded just over 900 years ago in 1120 by the Dukes of Zähringen as a free market town. Its name, Freiburg, comes from this with “Freie Burg” meaning Free Castle.

However, the first reference of people living in this location is found in a document in 1008, and trade routes used to pass near here.

In 1091, Berthold II of Zähringen built a castle on what is today Schlossberg to control the trade routes. This resulted in a settlement growing at the foot of the castle in the Old Town area which became Freiburg.

In 1218, the Zähringer’s died out and the Counts of Urach came into power changing their name to the Counts of Freiburg. This was not a popular move and a new council constitution formalised the rights they had under the Zähringen which lead to councillors from 24 of the old ruling houses ruling Freiburg and yearly council changes, although the Counts were still in power.

There were many feuds between the Counts and the councillors. In fact in 1299, there was a brief battle between the citizens of Freiburg and Count Egino II and his brother-in-law, Conrad of Lichtenberg, the Bishop of Strasbourg after the citizens didn’t like the new demands from the Count.

The citizens won, but the Bishop was killed and the citizens had to pay a yearly reparation for this.

Eventually, the citizens of Freiburg were able to free themselves in 1368 by paying the Counts and choosing to move under the House of Habsburg for protection.

There were ups and downs of this decision. Freiburg had to support the Habsburgers in the wars again the Swiss Confederacy. In 1386 at the Battle of Sempach, their side lost and most the Freiburg nobility were killed. This lead to the guilds taking over the city council.

In 1520, Freiburg became an important Catholic centre after it did not take part in the Reformation.

The German Peasants War came to Freiburg in 1525 when 18,000 peasants captured Freiburg for a short time.

The first witch hunts took place in 1536 and unfortunately continued whenever the city needed scapegoats, like in 1564 when about a quarter of the city’s population died from the Black Death. It reached its peak in 1599 and there is a plaque today on the old city wall where the burnings took place.

There were many changes in the coming years after conflicts and war found Freiburg under the control of many different people including the Austrians, Swedes, Spanish, French and various closer neighbours as well. The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) was particularly devastating for Freiburg. At the start, there were around 10,000 – 14,000 citizens in Freiburg. By the end, there were only 2,000.

From this time until 1805, Freiburg was either occupied by the French or the administrative centre of Further Austria which was a Habsburg territory. At the end of this time, it became part of the ruling house of Baden.

During World War II, Freiburg was badly damaged with the majority of the Old Town destroyed by Allied bombing. A few buildings did survive like the Münster. The Old Town was rebuilt to its Medieval plan.

Today, Freiburg is a popular tourist and conference destination. It’s also a regional business and shopping hub. Technology production also plays a part in the local economy.

Top 16 Things To Do In Freiburg Im Breisgau Germany

Here are the best things to see in Freiburg Germany. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe. If you only have one day to visit Freiburg tourist attractions, find our one day Freiburg places to visit itinerary below.

Note that I sort these top things to do in Freiburg Germany based on geographical location starting with the central Old Town and Freiburger Münster and then listing the closest Freiburg things to do while working our way further away. The order isn’t based on what I think are the most important attractions.

Many museums are closed on Mondays.

Altstadt (Old Town)

Freiburg’s Old Town is a charming place to wander and explore. Make sure you have some time on your list of the best things to do in Freiburg Germany to just wander and enjoy.

The Old Town dates back to before Freiburg’s founding in 1120, although it was largely rebuilt after World War II.

It’s an interesting mix of old and new and architecture styles which somehow works very well together. It didn’t feel as “museum-like” as some other Old Towns we have visited while still having some gorgeous areas and buildings which added to its charm.

The best way to explore the Old Town is on foot. It’s much better for pedestrians than many Old Towns in Germany and I didn’t feel we had to keep dodging vehicles.

You’ll find many of the Freiburg visiting places coming up are in the Old Town, and you can see a lot of worthwhile attractions here.

It’s in a pretty spot as well, bordered on one side by the Dreisam River and another by Schlossberg Mountain. The main train station is also located by the Old Town.

Freiburger Münster (Cathedral)

Located in the central Münsterplatz, you won’t want to miss Freiburg’s 13th century Münster. Even set against the gorgeous Old Town, it has an impressive presence.

It took 300 years to build this Romanesque church which withstood even the battering Freiburg took in World War II. At the time of its completion in 1330, it had the highest tower in the world.

It makes for quite a sight both inside and outside with beautiful stained glass windows once paid for by the Medieval guilds and an amazing Renaissance altarpiece by Hans Baldung Grien.

The outside is elaborate with many carvings, gargoyles and spires. You won’t want to miss the tower which starts off square and becomes octagonal with a 116 metre high spire. It’s possible to see to France from here on clear days.

The church is free with a small fee to climb the tower to the 70 metre viewing platform. The tower has limited opening hours.

The area around the cathedral is a market daily except Sundays.

Museum Für Stadtgeschichte (City History Museum)

Located on Münsterplatz, if you want to learn more about Freiburg’s past, you’ll want your next stop to be at the Museum Für Stadtgeschichte (City History Museum).

Its home was built by the sculptor, Christian Wentzinger, in 1761. There is a great staircase and ceiling fresco so be sure to look up. I also enjoyed the models of the city from around 1600 and 1700.

There’s also some photos of the city pre World War II that you can compare to after the bombing raid and today. Such a change!

On level 1 are some activities as well as exhibits which were great for keeping the kids interested. They could do a puzzle, stamp a coin and get an idea of how hard it would have been to get all the materials up high to build the church via lifting stone with a pulley. These activities are also good for keeping adults interested 🙂

The museum is mostly in German apart from some random parts that have been translated. Unfortunately, I didn’t have phone reception on the lower levels that made translating via the Google translate hard.

However, there is enough of interest and the entry price is low enough that I feel this museum is worth the admission even if you don’t speak German. It’s a smaller museum, but it has a good collection to help you understand more about Freiburg’s past.

I recommend you visit this one of the Freiburg im Breisgau things to do at the beginning of your journey to give a great appreciation to everything else as you walk around.

This museum is shut Mondays and has a small fee.

As you walk around the Old Town, you won’t be able to miss Bächle, the little waterways that flow through the streets.

These were created in 1170 from the Dreisam River to provide industrial and cleaning water to the town as well as a way to stop fires, although they were also used as open sewers.

These days, there are still 15.5 kilometres of these channels, some of which are underground. They help keep things cool and add to the Medieval atmosphere. Note that if the weather has been dry, they may not contain water though.

Be careful not to step into one unless you want to marry someone from Freiburg! The legend goes that this is what will happen if you do. My six year old did so watch this page to see if it comes true 😀

Augustinermuseum

Art lovers will not want to miss the Augustiner Museum particularly if you are looking for things to do in Freiburg on a rainy day as this is a great option.

This museum showcases work from the Middle Ages to the 19th century in a former Augustinian monastery. The building itself has been well renovated making a great home for this collection.

The collections include a great Sculpture Hall with masterpieces by Renaissance artists Hans Baldung Grien and Lucas Cranach the Elder as well as paintings by masters like Matthias Grünewald and the Master of the Housebook.

You can also find original stained glass from Freiburger Münster here.

Entry is by admission and the Augustiner is shut on Mondays.

Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square)

One of the most charming areas to visit in Freiburg is Rathausplatz or Town Hall Square. It’s a great spot to take a time out from exploring, have a drink and soak in the atmosphere.

Don’t miss the Old Town Hall which dates back to the 16th century and is built in the Renaissance style in red. It’s now home to the tourist office so you can take a look inside. Look for the double eagle of the Holy Roman Empire above the clock as well as the coats of arms along the gable which belong to Freiburg’s ruling families.

The New Town Hall is a pretty step-gabled design dating back to the 19th century. It is actually two Renaissance burgher houses that were joined together.

You can also take a look at the medieval Martinskirche church.

Markthalle (Market Hall)

When you start feeling hungry, consider heading to Freiburg’s historic market hall. Here, you can find what amounts to an international food court.

There are over 20 stalls to chose from that pump out some great food from sushi to Argentine to Indian or Middle Eastern. Of course, since you have come all the to Germany, you could also eat something more local with their local wurst (sausage).

Whatever you pick, you can have a great meal here in an historic place. On Friday and Saturday evenings, there can be live music or a DJ as well as a champagne bar, and it opens until late.

It is quite cramped inside with a lot of action.

It’s closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Martinstor (City Gate)

There are two city gates you can still visit in Freiburg. This is the older of the two and can be found on the southwest side of the Old Town. A gate was first positioned here in 1202.

This gate was once part of Medieval fortifications but when the fortifications changed in the 1600s, it was no longer required.

The lower third of the gate is original with the upper part added at the start of the 20th century. Look out for the plaque on the Old Town side of the tower. This plaque is in memory of the victims of the witch trials. This site is where three convicted women were burnt in 1599.

However, mostly this gate was used as a prison for debtors.

Schwabentor (City Gate)

The other remaining gate, Schwabentor, dates back to the 13th century. You can see a mural of Freiburg’s patron saint, St George, slaying a dragon on its front.

It’s three storeys high and there are several other pictures as well. You can see a 1672 Baroque painting of a merchant and a painting of the “Boy of Thorn”.

This boy is drawn with a big head, an unhappy expression and no neck. He’s pulling a thorn from his foot and it’s thought that this is a reminder to residents to not stray from the right path.

Today, a tram runs under this tower.

Museum Für Neue Kunst (Museum Of Contemporary Art)

Once art lovers have finished at the Augustinermuseum, they’ll want to head three minutes walk south to the other art option .

It takes off where the Augustiner finishes and highlights 20th century expressionist and abstract art with work by painters and sculptors.

It calls a Neo-Baroque building home which was built in 1902. Initially, it was an extension to the Female Educational and Etiquette Institute of the Adelhauser Neukloster.

Today, this museum has a regional focus with many works from artists in the region including Julius Bissier who was born in Freiburg.

This museum has an entry fee and is closed on Mondays.

Colombischlössle/Archäologisches Museum (Archaeological Museum)

Inside a beautiful 19th century mansion, Colombischlössle, this museum has quite a grand marble entrance and cast-iron staircase. Built for the Countess Maria Antonia Gertrudis von Zea Bermudez y Colombi around 1860, it has a playful Gothic Tudor style. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains and sculptures. Even without the museum, it’s worth a visit.

However once you go inside, you’ll be glad you did. You’ll find treasures from the Stone Ages to the Celtics to the Romans and on to the Middle Ages.

This is a great way to learn more about this region of Germany.

Closed on Mondays, there is a small fee to enter.

Schlossberg (Castle Hill)

Schlossberg is right behind the Old Town and the forested peak can’t be missed as you are exploring the city.

At 456 metres high, you can walk up Schlossberg from a path opposite the Schwabentor or take a ride up on the Schlossbergbahn (funicular railway). The railway is a fun way to go and gets you to part way up the peak in three minutes.

There are longer trails from here for serious hikers with some great options, as well as short walks for sightseers who want some great views.

At the top of Schlossberg is the Schlossbergturm (Schlossberg Tower). There are fantastic views from here across the city including of the Münster and the Black Forest.

A strategic position, Schlossberg was fortified by at least the 1000s. These structures are in ruins today.

We had a great couple of hours wandering round here, checking out the views and enjoying nature. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic lunch while you look over the city.

The park area and tower are free. The cable car has a fee.

Click here to read our full guide to visiting Schlossberg.

Alter Friedhof (Old Cemetery)

For a different type of attraction, head to Alter Friedhof, just a short walk from the Old Town.

This cemetery was the final resting home for Freiburg’s citizens from 1683 to 1872. Today, it is considered a natural monument.

This cemetery has been left untouched thanks to Johann Christian Wentzinger. When he passed away in 1797, he left his estate to the city on the condition that his grave would be looked after forever. And so it has!

It’s a surprisingly nice place for a stroll. The wealthy citizens have gravestones that are works of Baroque and neoclassic art.

In the middle of the cemetery is St. Michael’s Chapel which was built in 1720. The cemetery itself is enclosed in high walls which help give it a secluded feel well away from the city.

The cemetery is open daily and entry is free.

Seepark (Lake Park)

When it comes to things to do near Freiburg Germany, this option is just a few kilometres northwest of the Old Town. It’s one of the most popular green areas in Freiburg and the perfect place to head to feel like you’ve escaped the city without going far.

In addition to the park itself, there is a swimming lake, pool, pedal boats, mini golf, playgrounds and restaurants. It’s a great place to give the kids a run around.

This 35 hectare park was once used for agriculture although the gravel soil did not work well for growing grain. In the 1920s, a gravel company moved in to mine sand and gravel. This was shut in the 1970s.

In 1986, the area was converted to host the State Horticultural Show. Since then, parts have been added to build the great park it is today.

Seepark is open daily and entry is free.

Black Forest

If you are looking for day trips from Freiburg, this is sure to be your top pick! Germany’s Black Forest surrounds Freiburg so it’s easy to visit and should be on your must-do list.

The best way to explore the Black Forest is by foot on a hiking trail so I suggest you pick one and get hiking. Some choices near Freiburg are:

• Schauinsland – This is an easy place to explore from Freiburg being just ten kilometres from the centre of Freiburg. It’s on public transport and you can even take Germany’s longest cable car to the top. It’s covered below for its winter sports but you can also come here in the warmer months and there are many hiking trails. Click here for more details about visiting this destination.
• Titisee Lake – Not just a fun name, this lake is home to a great trail around the lake which is about 7 kilometres. It’s a beautiful spot. There are also water sports, lake-front pool, kayaks, a wellness centre and more. It’s easy to get to via train or car. Read more here.
• Oberkirch wine hike – This trail is for people who would like to combine wine tasting with hiking and seeing more of this area. This seven kilometre walk starts and finishes in the Old Town of Oberkirch and takes you through local vineyards. Find more information here.

Europa Park

For the ultimate answer to which places to visit near Freiburg Germany, consider a day of fun at Europa Park. Just 35 kilometres from Freiburg, this park is like a mini version of Europe all in one huge theme park.

There are rides, shows and great theming with the different areas of the theme park being modelled after different European countries.

It’s quite an experience and a great way to mix up what you are doing on your Germany trip particularly if you have kids.

Read our full review of Europa Park here including lots of tips for a super fun visit.

Fun Things To Do In Freiburg In Winter

While most of the Freiburg Germany things to do listed above are possible in winter time, there are also some fun things to do in Freiburg which are especially for the winter months.

Freiburg Christmas Market

If you are visiting Freiburg at Christmas time, you won’t want to miss the Christmas market.

Taking place at both Münsterplatz and Rathausplatz, make sure you get to both markets. There are over 120 stands with art and crafts, gifts, local food and, of course, mulled wine.

There’s also an antique wooden ferris wheel and activities such as cookie making for kids and candle making.

The market runs for about a month in the lead up to Christmas.

Winter Sports

Freiburg can be used as a great jumping off point for winter sports. An easy place to go to fit in some skiing or other winter sports is 1274 metre high Schauinsland, just ten kilometres from the centre of Freiburg.

On weekends and holidays, there is a dedicated sledding run with a lift that is lots of fun. There is also cross country skiing or you can ski or snowboard. Find more information here .

There are also many other ski areas nearby.

What To Do In Freiburg In One Day 

Only have one day in Freiburg? What a shame! But it’s ok, it’s still worth going to Freiburg if you only have one day. In fact, you can see most of the things to do around Freiburg Germany in a day.

I recommend you:

• Start the day at the Old Town at Münsterplatz
• Explore Freiburger Münster (Cathedral), both inside and out. It generally opens early
• Learn more about the city’s past at the Museum Für Stadtgeschichte (City History Museum) which opens at 10am
• Head to Augustiner Museum to enjoy the art collection
• Have lunch at Markthalle
• Take some photos at insta-worthy Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square)
• Walk through the city gates at Martinstor and Schwabentor
• Take the Schlossbergbahn (funicular railway) up Schlossberg and climb the Schlossbergturm (Schlossberg Tower) for great views over Freiburg
• Visit the Colombischlössle/Archäologisches Museum (Archaeological Museum)
• If you have the time and inclination, you can also visit the Museum Für Neue Kunst (Museum Of Contemporary Art) or walk through Alter Friedhof (Old Cemetery)

Note that none of the museums open on Mondays. If you visit on a Monday, still walk around the Old Town past these museums so you see more of this great area. You can also visit Seepark or do part of a hike from Schlossberg.

Freiburg Attractions Map

Best Place To Stay In Freiburg Im Breisgau

When it comes to where to stay in Freiburg, there is a great range of hotels and other accommodation options. You won’t have any problem finding somewhere to stay.

Below, I’ve listed a few different places to consider depending on what type of accommodation you are looking for.

If you want more options, you can use this map to help you find hotels and home rental accommodation around Freiburg.

BEST – Colombi Hotel Review

Located in Freiburg’s Old Town, the Colombi Hotel is just moments from Rathausplatz and close to many of the best Freiburg attractions. It’s opposite Colombi Park and Castle, home to the Archaeological Museum.

There are a range of a room types from singles to doubles and suite options. All are elegant, well furnished, have air conditioning, flat-screen TV and free internet. Toiletries, bathrobes and slippers are provided. Suite options also have living areas in the rooms for extra comfort and class.

There are a range of facilities at the Colombi Hotel including a fine dining restaurant, Zirbelstube, and multiple other dining options. There is also an on-site bar, a great indoor pool, gym, sauna and spa. Parking is available on-site for an extra fee.

This is the best pick in Freiburg for elegance and luxury.

Click here to see the latest prices now.

VALUE –  Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria Review

If good value is what you want in your Freiburg accommodation, consider the Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria. Also located opposite Colombi Park, you can explore Freiburg’s Old Town attractions easily from here.

This 4 star hotel has a range of room types which are soundproofed and include flat-screen TV, mini bar and seating area. They range from single size to family options with suite rooms that have a living area with sofa bed for up to two kids. All rooms are modern and comfortable.

Free welcome drinks are also provided with tea and coffee complimentary in the lounge. There is a sauna and massage and beauty treatments are offered at an extra charge. There is an exercise room, and breakfast is available for a fee.

You’ll also find the Hemingway Cocktail Bar on site and a rooftop garden you can enjoy. Parking is available nearby for an extra fee.

You don’t have to feel guilty with a stay at the Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria thanks to it being environmentally friendly with solar panels and sole use of green energy.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT – Hotel Zum Schiff Review

For something a little different, you could stay away from the centre of Freiburg at this hotel with its own winery and distillery. You’re a few kilometres from the Old Town but there are bus stops nearby to get you there.

There are single, double and triple rooms on offer here which come with air conditioning, wifi, flat-screen TV, minibar and toiletries. They also have seating and desk areas and have a good amount of space. They are a bit dated, however.

Where this hotel shines is their outdoor space. There is a great garden area. There is also a restaurant on-site and you can dine inside or out. You’ll want to stop by the bar to try the wine and spirits produced here. Breakfast is available as well as a sauna and solarium.

Click here to see all our recommendations for the best hotel in Freiburg.

If you have kids and would prefer to day trip to Freiburg from the Black Forest, read our review here of Feldberger Hof. Or if you are just interested in Europa Park, read our full review of the Europa Park hotel, Castillo Alcazar, here.

How To Get To Freiburg Im Breisgau

We travelled to Freiburg by hire car which made it very easy to get here. It’s simple to find and navigate.

You can hire a car to get you there by clicking here.

There are regular trains and buses here. You can find timetables and all your options here.

Or you can find all the train timetables here and discount train passes here.

The closest international airport to Freiburg is Basel Mulhouse in France near the Swiss border. It’s about an hour by bus away or faster in a taxi ( which you can book here ). You can find flight prices and options here.

Once in Freiburg, we explored most of the time on foot. Most places listed above are in walking distance of each other. For attractions further away, we used our car but public transport options exist.

Freiburg With Kids

Freiburg is a great place to visit with kids. It’s in a beautiful part of the country with plenty of outdoor activity nearby with the Black Forest.

We visited here with our three kids aged 6 – 12 and they enjoyed running round the Old Town (and following the Bächle), taking the funicular railway up Schlossberg and, of course, visiting Europa Park.

I also have an extra thing to do in Freiburg for families here which my kids enjoyed.

Located just a ten minute drive from the Old Town, Mundenhof is the perfect Old Town timeout for families. This large animal park is located on a 38 hectare estate which dates back to the 9th century. It’s the largest zoo in Baden-Württemberg.

There is a good range of animals from water buffalos to llamas to farm animals. It is more of a big farm than the traditional lion-tiger-elephant zoo.

There are activities like wagon rides and camel rides especially in the school holiday period. We found it a relaxing afternoon with our kids.

A really cool thing about Mundenhof is that entry is free. There is a 5 euro parking fee which helps support the zoo. It’s always open.

Final Words

I hope you have found this guide to Freiburg things to see useful and that you have as good a time exploring Freiburg im Breisgau as we did.

It’s a very charming city with some nice attractions and a great Old Town, and I’m sure you will love it too.

Read more guides to visiting Southern Germany here . You can also find our full guide to accommodation in Freiburg here or read this guide to nearby Heidelberg here , Titisee here or Baden-Baden here.

Related Articles:

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon first fell in love with Germany back in 2000 on her first visit. She loves the long history, the picturesque Old Towns, the castles, the food, everything really! Since then, she has visited many times and loves writing about Germany here so you can enjoy it too. In fact, Sharon loves German culture so much that she sent her kids to a German primary school in Australia. She especially loves Berlin and towns with charming Old Towns like Celle and Quedlinburg. Sharon also has a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and understands the nitty gritty of travel planning. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to Germany whether it's your first or tenth time!

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3 Get around
• 9.1 Food markets
• 9.3 Mid-range
• 9.4 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe
• 12.1 Budget
• 12.2 Mid-range
• 12.3 Splurge

Freiburg im Breisgau is a major city in a secluded wine-rich corner of Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany , on the edge of the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) . Picturesquely located on the river Dreisam, in between green mountainsides, it enjoys one of the sunniest and warmest climates among German cities. Freiburg is a laid-back, beautiful university city of 230,000 people (2019).

Understand [ edit ]

Freiburg was founded in 1120 and has been a city of importance ever since, which is reflected in the rich medieval and renaissance architectural heritage of its Altstadt . Having been a university town for centuries, it also has a very forward-looking outlook, and is a centre of sustainable development. There are many solar-energy-related businesses headquartered there, and much of the city, especially the newer quarters, is arranged using cutting-edge sustainable development ideas.

Freiburg is close to a corner where the borders of Germany meet those of France and Switzerland . This is reflected by the city sharing its airport with Basel in Switzerland and Mulhouse in France - the unique EuroAirport whose grounds straddle national borders. While this is the Freiburg most probably referred to when the name is invoked, it is actually one of many places sharing that name. When ordering train tickets and similar items online, be careful not to confuse Freiburg (im Breisgau) with Freiburg (an der Elbe) in Lower Saxony or Fribourg in Switzerland or Freiberg in Saxony .

Known throughout Germany for Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, good weather, and vineyards, Freiburg is considered by Germans to be a desirable place to live.

Due to its secluded location in the "Dreiländereck" (Three-country corner) and being fairly removed from any other larger German cities, locals will frequently go shopping in France and Switzerland for their respective native products and go to museums and theaters in Basel or Zürich . One can find a strong local patriotism, which shows itself in the anthem of Baden (the former independent state), which can be heard more often than the national anthem.

Although Freiburg is not itself a major tourist destination or a large city, it can serve as a relatively inexpensive base from which to explore much of central Europe.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

You will most likely arrive in Freiburg by traveling via Frankfurt Airport ( FRA  IATA ) or Zurich Airport ( ZRH  IATA ), both about a 2-hour train ride away from the city. Frankfurt Airport has frequent direct rail connections to Freiburg almost every hour from the Fernbahnhof. Follow the signs once you arrive and buy your ticket at the Deutsche Bahn Reisezentrum (DB Travel Center). Most trains travel directly through Freiburg, although a few require a train change. Booking ahead online can shave the train ticket from Frankfurt Airport considerably, although it requires use of the selected train. If your plane is late, you will have to buy a new ticket. A standard ticket from the DB office at the Fernbahnhof to Freiburg is €62. Most airlines serving Frankfurt will also offer rail&fly which gives you a highly flexible train ticket at rates usually not much higher than the cheapest discount tickets, but the airlines set the prices, so you might pay more or even get it for free.

The closest airport with a good selection of international destinations, though much less frequent than the major airports is the Euroairport Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg [dead link] ( EAP  IATA , BSL  IATA and MLH  IATA ). Buses run frequently from the airport to Freiburg; see the schedule here .

Baden Airpark , situated between Karlsruhe and Baden-Baden , is another airport close to Freiburg, and it has some international flights from various cities operated mainly by Ryanair and Eurowings. It is a 40-minute train ride to the north of the city, but you will have to connect by bus at the train station, which will add extra time to your journey. You will need to plan ahead to make the trip easier, and Deutsche Bahn's website [dead link] can give you approximate connection times with bus services. Another possible airport is Stuttgart (STR), which has less convenient train connections but is much closer than Frankfurt.

By train [ edit ]

• Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and Airport (Flughafen), 2 hours
• Zurich , 2 hours ( Switzerland )
• Basel , 40 minutes (express) 1 hr (local), ( Switzerland )
• Mannheim (close to Heidelberg ), 1.5 hours
• Berlin , 6.5 hours
• Cologne , 3 hours 10 minutes
• Hamburg , 5 hours 45 minutes
• Munich , 4½ hours
• Amsterdam , ( The Netherlands ), 6 hours
• Paris , ( France ), 3 hours
• Milan , ( Italy ), 5½ hours

A single change can bring you to:

• Strasbourg , (France), 1½ hours (via Offenburg )
• Vienna , ( Austria ), 9½ hours

Local and regional trains can be good for day trips or for traveling to nearby cities. In the main station ask for the Ländertickets or the Regio-tickets. Such tickets can be used by a group of up to 5 persons in the RB, RE an S-Bahn trains as well as for local transport. They are a much cheaper alternative for a group of travelers going to cities nearby or going for a day trip.

By car [ edit ]

Freiburg is connected to the German highway system via the A5, running along the Rhine Valley from south to north, starting at the Swiss border. It also is accessible through the Black Forest via the B31 (Ost). To France it takes about 30 minutes by car. To Switzerland it is about 40 minutes. Heidelberg is a 1½-hour car ride to the north, using the A5. Lake Constance is reachable in two hours via the B31.

By bus [ edit ]

47.995688 7.840469 2 Freiburg central bus station

47.980432 7.824288 3 Freiburg Lörracher Straße

Freiburg is served by Flixbus . You will find direct international connections from Italy ( Milan ), Switzerland ( Zurich , Berne , Geneva , Basel ), France ( Paris , Lyon , Strasbourg ), Belgium ( Brussels ), Croatia ( Zagreb ), Slovenia ( Ljubljana , Hungary ( Budapest ) and Austria ( Vienna ).

Get around [ edit ]

The best way to get around Freiburg is by public transit and walking. Freiburg has an excellent, but slightly expensive, bus and tram (Straßenbahn) system. The tram system works all night on weekends and national holidays. There is also a suburban rail system that connects certain suburbs to the black forest.

The public transportation network is operated by several companies, but ticketing is unified among the local RVF transportation association. Tickets can be used on all buses, trams & local trains in the area. The RVF area is divided into three zones on which the ticket price depends. A single ride is €2.50 for Zone A (Freiburg city area), €4.20 for Zone A/B and €5.90 for Zones A, B, and C. You can buy a pack of 8 tickets for €18 valid within Zone A from the VAG Pluspunkt shop, located near the Martinstor downtown. In the shop you can also pick up tickets using a point system; 20 points costs €16 and in each direction you will use 3 points in Zone A, 5 points if you cross into Zone B, and 7 points if you cross into Zone C. You will most likely only use the tram and bus systems in Zone A for the majority of your stay. If you come for a short stay or a weekend, buy a Regio 24 which will give you 24-hour unlimited travel within Zone A for one person for €7 and up to five people for €14. The Regio 24 is also available for 2 or 3 zones. These cards will allow you to use all of the public transport within Freiburg, and also take the DB Regio trains that service the greater region free charge. Timetables and tickets can be found on the VAG Freiburg website [dead link] .

Biking is another convenient way of getting around, and Freiburg's sidewalks and streets have dedicated bike lanes. Many of Freiburg's citizens use their bikes and you can easily get a real feel for the city this way. Bikes can be rented at various shops, the most convenient for tourists being the Mobile at the main railway station (Hauptbahnhof). In May 2019 the public bike-sharing scheme "Frelo" started with 400 bikes at around 50 stations. There are 3-day passes for €3 available which allows you to ride the first 30 min for free.

Most of Freiburg's important sights are situated close to each other in the inner city. You can cross the inner city by walking in about 10–15 minutes or by riding the tram. Although passengers are rarely controlled, riding without a valid ticket (Schwarzfahren or "Black riding") incurs a €60 fine! Passengers without tickets have been witnessed being forcibly restrained and removed from the train. The same applies for regional trains, which are controlled about 25% of the time. Those repeatedly caught without a valid ticket can face court orders, as it is considered a criminal offence.

If you have rented a car or drive to Freiburg, you will be able to quickly access most areas with your car. Be aware that parking is relatively expensive but there are many garages available where you can park and then walk to nearby destinations. The city of Freiburg is a Low emission zone (Umweltzone). This means all cars - and yes that includes electric cars - driving in the city need a badge (Feinstaubplakette) indicating their pollution category. In the pedestrian zone bike riders must walk their bikes during daytime on weekdays.

See [ edit ]

Museum [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

• 47.99715 7.85742 3 Schlossbergbahn , Am Schlossberg 1 . Another way to get to the top of Schlossberg is to ride this mountain funicular. €5 return, €3 one way . ( updated Sep 2018 )
• 48.010202 7.902544 6 Borderline Trail (mountain bike downhill trail) . Amongst mountain bikers, Freiburg is famous for being close to the Schwarzwald, but also for its own trails which have been installed and are maintained by an association. The first one starts very near the Rosskopf peak. Further information on the association's website. ( updated Sep 2016 )

Learn [ edit ]

The University of Freiburg is one of the most famous German universities. Founded in 1457, it attracts 22,000 students to Freiburg, giving it the flair of a student town. This is a good destination to study in Germany as an exchange student or for language classes. Additionally there are several other schools which contribute to the student image of the city. The biggest of these is the Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg, located in Littenweiler to the east of the city.

There is also a Goethe-Institut in Freiburg, where foreigners can learn German.

Work [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ]

• As in most other German cities, the inner city is the place to go shopping. There you will find everything from H&M to shops selling Armani.
• Two department stores and several other stores are located on Kaiser-Joseph Straße, with smaller independent shops in the many back-streets and alleyways. Outside of the city centre one can find several large supermarkets, such as Real, E-Center and Kaufland.
• The large Farmer's market in the 47.9958 7.8526 1 Münsterplatz ( Minster square ). At the foot of the 'Münster' (Minster cathedral) is where Freiburgers buy their locally produced flowers, fruit and vegetables as well as enjoy a traditional 'wurst' (German sausage) as a snack. Every weekday (until early afternoon) and Saturday morning, the Münsterplatz is a bustling market of commerce. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Grocery stores: Rewe is located at Fahnenbergplatz and in the basement of Karstadt at the north end of Kaiser-Josef-Straße. Aldi, in the basement of Schwarzwald City, is among the cheapest. Kaufland to the north of the city on Waldkircher Straße has an impressive range. Netto or Norma or Penny discount supermarkets are also excellent for the budget-conscious.
• Due to the large city centre-based university, many large bookstores can also be found in the heart of Freiburg, selling both new books and second-hand.
• The 47.9969 7.8509 2 Kartoffelmarkt ( potato market ) ( close to the 'Stadttheater' (city theatre) ). A couple of stalls selling alternative hippie-style clothing, jewellery and accessories every weekday morning. ( updated Aug 2022 )

Eat [ edit ]

Food markets [ edit ].

• 47.994509 7.850426 1 Markthalle , Grünwälderstraße 4 ( Close to Bertoldsbrunnen ). M-Th 08:00-20:00; F Sa 08:00-24:00; Su holidays closed . A very interesting and cheap place to eat. During the day, various small stores from all around the world offer cheap but good dishes. Check out the Indian place. It has good curries. ( updated May 2022 )

Budget [ edit ]

All these are in the city centre:

• 47.991615 7.85454 2 Atlantik , Schwabentorring 7 , ☏ +49 761 33033 . Su-Th 11:00-02:00, F Sa 11:00-03:00 . This pub/restaurant has seen generations of students drink, eat, dance and flirt. A real institution in the city. Super cheap and delicious German cuisine. €5 for "dish of the day" (Sep 2016) . ( updated May 2022 )
• 48.000355 7.837811 3 Brennessel , Eschholzstraße 17 , ☏ +49 761 281187 , [email protected] . M-Sa 18:00-01:00, Su 17:00-01:00 . Restaurant/bar famous among students due to its very reasonable prices. It features a daily spaghetti bolognese special between 18:00-19:30: €3.50 for a plate. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 47.998307 7.852156 4 Firenze , Kaiser-Joseph-Straße 282 . An Italian restaurant ( updated May 2022 )
• 47.990872 7.848128 5 Bella Italia , Kaiser-Joseph-Straße 282 . Italian cuisine ( updated May 2022 )
• For fast food , check out the area around the Martinstor (sometimes known as McDonald's-Tor because of the McDonald's sign defacing the historic landmark). In that area, you will also find many other fast food places, ranging from Chinese to Turkish, as well as some cafés.
• 47.998621 7.853145 6 Afghan-Eck , Habsburgerstraße 133A . A very popular place with locals in Freiburg, located at Siegesdenkmal. ( updated May 2022 )
• 47.994819 7.847854 7 Euphrat , Niemensstraße 13 . located near the university has good Turkish Döner , and an excellent vegetarian selection. ( updated May 2022 )
• 47.994528 7.848248 8 Uni Café ( UC Café ), Niemenstraße 7 . Flammkuchen (tarte flambée) and currywurst ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 47.993 7.85117 9 Adelhaus , Adelhauserstraße 29-31a , ☏ +49 761 38388191 , [email protected] . Su closed; M-Th 11:00-23:00, F Sa 11:00-24:00 . This restaurant servers organic and vegetarian dishes in a nice location. In the summer you can sit on a calm hidden square next to the ancient monastery Adelhausen. ( updated Mar 2019 )
• 47.988084 7.846351 10 Kartoffelhaus , Basler Straße 10 , ☏ +49 761 72001 , [email protected] . M 17:00-00:00; Tu-Su 11:30-00:00 . A charming, cosy restaurant whose specialty is the potato... imagine it in many wholesome yet creative forms; they are all good. There's a particularly wonderful ambience in winter when it's freezing outside. Prices are fair and service is excellent. ( updated Sep 2016 )
• 47.994135 7.850957 11 Tacheles , Grünwälderstraße 17 , ☏ +49 761 3196669 . Su 11:30-24:00; M-Th 11:30-01:00, F Sa 11:30-05:00 . Claims to have 300 varieties of schnitzels, which each come with a small salad and choice of side dishes. ( updated Sep 2016 )
• 47.99315 7.84806 12 [dead link] Mehlwaage Freiburg , Metzgerau 4 ( Nearby Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (KG I) ), ☏ +49 761 290 821 43 , [email protected] . Tu-Th 17:00-00:00, F 17:00-02:00, Sa 12:00-02:00, Su 12:00-22:30 . Restaurant, café and bar with regional cuisine specializing in "Flammkuchen". The location is a listed building with a spacious terrace on the square of the university. As a sports bar with big screen, the Mehlwaage is a meeting place for soccer-fans (home team: SC Freiburg). In the evening the well-stocked bar impresses with a variety of different gins, cocktails and beers, which are also available pitchers. ( updated Nov 2019 )

Splurge [ edit ]

Other expensive restaurants include the Greifenegg Schlössle , situated next to the Kastaniengarten and offering an excellent view over the city to accompany dinner, as well as Hotel Zum Bären on Salzstraße and Enoteca near Schwabentor.

Drink [ edit ]

• 47.99275 7.85588 1 Kastaniengarten , ☏ +49 761 32728 , [email protected] . A beer garden, which lies perched on the slope of the Schlossberg , overlooking both the city and the valley leading into the Black Forest. On nice summer days, this is the best location to relax over a cool beer, and enjoying the views of the Munster, the old city gates and the inner city. Additionally, in good weather conditions you can see as far as the Vosges , a mountain range in France. To get there, head to the Schwabentor , one of the old city gates, then cross the bridge on its left and head up the mountain a bit. ( updated Jul 2017 )
• Grace is a stylish bar in the city center, also serving lunch and dinner. Maria is serving for a student clientele nearby.
• The Feierling brewery in the heart of the Altstadt close to the Augustiner Kloster has excellent selfmade, organic beer and is famous for it among the locals. In summer it also has an enjoyable beer garden outside. However, for the experience of the beer garden, go to the Kastaniengarten . For good beer, Feierling is the best option.
• Drifters is a nice location for House music. It is situated in the same building as the club Cräsh , a hang out for alternative people, which turned from a more punk into a metal place.
• Waldsee is a nice location a bit out of the way. It features "Rootdown" once a month and "Montage", both nice clubs for electronic music. It is excellent during the summer months, as the location offers open space next to a lake. Wonderful menu for warm snacks too.
• Jazzhaus . Is one of Freiburg's most popular spots, featuring the best in live music, both international and local. There is something to suit everyone, from classical to reggae to cabaret. The regular theme nights are also a hit: "Funky Dance Night" and "Sister Zone" (women only) are favorites, not to mention the 1960s, 80s and 90s nights.  
• The Strandcafe is a cafe run by the on-profit association " Zusammen Leben e.V. [dead link] ". From Tuesday till Thursday its open from 11:00 till 21:00. It's in the "Grether"-Area [1] [dead link] , an alternative living-and working project close to the inner city. Its much cheaper then other bars in Freiburg and there is no obligation to consume. Very calm.
• The StuSie is the bar of the student village at tram stop "Am Bischofskreuz". Cheap and good Beer, Cocktails... Shot-night every Wednesday and decent breakfast on Sundays. Many international students. They have started checking IDs at the door, you must be a student with a valid student ID card (ISIC or Albert-Ludwigs Universitaet) to enter.
• In the summer check out the Sternwaldwiese , an area in the Wiehre, where many people make campfires and party all night. Bring your own beer and watch your backpack. Another good place to meet local folk is the Augustinerplatz next to the Feierling -brewery. Bring your own beer or buy it from the pubs around.
• The Atlantik is a bar everybody should see when visiting Freiburg for the food, beer, rock music and people that hang out in this place. It's behind the Schwabentor.
• The Mu-dom Bar is a student-run bar in the neighbourhood of Stühlinger in the basement of a former hospital, the space once served as a morgue. Cheap prices and international folk. They have started checking IDs at the door, you must be a student with a valid student ID card (ISIC or Albert-Ludwigs Universitaet) to enter.
• O'Kelly's , Milchstraße 1 ( behind the Theater Freiburg and the University Library (UB1) ). A good Irish pub that was the first Irish pub to open in Freiburg in 1990. O'Kelly's is a cozy, typically Irish pub with low ceilings, a warm atmosphere, and fresh, homemade Irish and German food. Live music can be enjoyed F-Sa evenings and all major sporting events are shown on the big screens, from Irish TV and German TV. Every M night at 21:00 there is the O'Kelly's Pub Quiz, run by Moe, that includes a multimedia round on the big screens. Teams come back week after week and fight hard to win free booze. They also show NFL and NCAA games on Saturdays and Sundays.  
• El Bolero and Cafehaus both have a lovely and secluded outdoor seating area which is popular in the summer, located just off of Martinstor at the Holzmarkt.
• Cohibar , located next to the University Library (Stadttheater stop) has the best cocktails in town, with (limited) outdoor seating in the summer.

Stay safe [ edit ]

There is not much to worry about in Freiburg. However, always take the same precautions as you do travelling anywhere else. No need to provoke a pickpocket. However, one should avoid the banks of the Dreisam at night. One should also avoid at night the area near the tram stop Runzmattenweg which is between the main street train station and the Bissierstraße tram stop. It is locally known to be a common spot for muggings of international students.

Sleep [ edit ]

• 47.99235 7.87339 1 Camping Hirzberg , Kartäuserstraße 99 , ☏ +49 761 35 054 . The owners are extremely friendly and helpful. They have a good knowledge of things to see in the city and local walks in the Black Forest.  
• 47.98122 7.88205 2 Camping Moeslepark , Waldseestr. 77 , ☏ +49 761 76 79 333 . Very friendly young couple running the campground in the Black Forest and close to the city.  
• 47.992056 7.858129 3 Black Forest Youth Hostel , Kartäuserstraße 33 , ☏ +49 761 8817870 , [email protected] . You can cook in their kitchen, however they don't provide breakfast. You should also be prepared to pay in cash. Dorm €17-28, double €30, single €35 (prices per person) .  
• 47.986067 7.782685 4 ibis budget Freiburg Süd , Bötzinger Straße 76 , ☏ +49 761 4795320 . Reasonable prices, but really far away from the city center. Double €50 .  
• 48.0322 7.844 5 B&B Hotel Freiburg-Nord , Tullastraße 87c , ☏ +49 761 557 730 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . From €52 .  
• 47.987458 7.795658 6 B&B Hotel Freiburg-Süd , Munzinger Straße 1b , ☏ +49 761 557 710 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . €56 .  

• 47.990911 7.894492 7 Jugendherberge Freiburg , Kartäuserstraße 151 ( Tram No. 1 to Römerhof or a scenic walk along the Dreisam river ), ☏ +49 761 67656 , [email protected] . This hostel is at the foot of the black forest close to the stadium of the local soccer club SC Freiburg. Quite far away from the city and a youth hostel membership card is compulsory. €26-42 . ( updated Oct 2016 )
• 47.99643 7.83487 8 Hotel Schemmer . A few blocks away from the train station is a clean and very affordable stay. Breakfast included in every room. About an 8-minute walk from the city center.  
• Hofgarten Hotel B&B Freiburg . 10 minutes by car from the old town and Muenster Cathedral, the city centre, the main station and the pictorial Glottertal. The nearest bus stop is only 50m from the guesthouse. The rooms are tastefully and individually furnished and all of them are equipped with shower/WC, cable-television, wireless-lan and telephone. Some rooms also have a balcony. They offer a delicious breakfast buffet with regional ingredients. You get a nice doubleroom for €45/person/night incl. breakfast.  
• 47.99662 7.84565 9 Hotel Best Western Premier Victoria . Classified as the most ecological hotel in the world. Their electricity is generated from solar panels and from wind turbines, while their heat is from sustainable woodchips furnace. It is a pleasant family-run hotel a stone throw away from the train station. About €115 a night .  
• 47.99533 7.84177 10 Novotel Freiburg am Konzerthaus .  
• 47.99721 7.84162 11 InterCityHotel Freiburg .  
• 47.99756 7.8544 12 Mercure Hotel Freiburg am Münster .  
• Mercure Hotel Panorama Freiburg .  
• 47.97424 7.82806 13 Green City Hotel Vauban .  

• 47.98422 7.76902 15 Dorint An den Thermen Freiburg , An den Heilquellen 8, 79111 Freiburg , ☏ +49 761 4908-0 , [email protected] . The hotel offers 98 rooms & suites, a mineral thermal bath on 6,000 m², medical beauty & wellness, a fitness centre on 1,200 m². from €109 per room/night .  
• 48.04979 7.8018 16 Clarion Hotel Hirschen Freiburg .  

Connect [ edit ]

Cope [ edit ].

Religious services

Holy Mass takes place in various Catholic churches in the city center:

• Münster Unserer Lieben Frau , Münsterplatz (800 m from central station). [2] [dead link] Su 07:00, 08:30, 10:00, 11:45, 20:00; M-Sa 07:00, 08:00, 18:30; W Sa also 09:00
• St. Martin , Rathausplatz (600 m from central station). [3] [dead link] Sat: 18:00; Su 07:30, 09:30, 11:15; Tu-Sa 07:00; M Tu F Sa 09:00
• Herz Jesu , Stühlinger Kirchplatz (back-side of the Omnibusbahnhof). [4] [dead link] Sa 19:00; Su 09:30 (Croat.), 11:00; Tu 09:45; F 18:30

Tourist information

Freiburg's Tourist Information Office can provide maps and hotel booking information. Opening hours for the Tourist Information office are:

• June - September: Monday-Friday 10:00-20:00, Saturday 10:00-17:30, Sunday and holidays 10:00-12:00
• October - May: Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00, Saturday 10:00-14:30, Sunday and holidays 10:00-12:00

Go next [ edit ]

• Staufen : With its castle ruin and nice old city, Staufen is a pretty, small German town. The devil took the real-life Faust (known from Goethe's Faust) in one of the local hotels. So watch out for any weird guys with horns. Staufen lies about 20 minutes by car or ~25 minutes by train south of Freiburg.
• Vogtsbauernhof : By car (B33 trunk road from Offenburg in the direction of Villingen-Schwenningen or vice versa) or by rail (the Black-Forest route from Offenburg in the direction of Konstanz or vice versa to Hausach station, then 30 minutes on foot) a beautiful outdoor farm life museum, demonstrating 400 years of Black Forest domestic life.
• Hike in the Kaiserstuhl , it's lovely. Go and check a so-called Straußenwirtschaft (a bar where the wine growers offer their wine & food).
• Take a boat-tour in the Taubergießen a floodplain wetland close to the Rhine .
• Colmar : Situated across the border in France , Colmar is a beautiful small city. Many locals from Freiburg like to take visitors there for a quick taste of France, as it is only about 1 hour by car. Information about public transport connections into the Alsace is available here . In the summer, take the back roads for glorious views of sunflower fields.
• Alsatian villages : gorgeous, unspoilt villages in the Alsatian wine region: Riquewihr, Ribeauville, Haut Königsberg.
• The Black Forest : Go hiking or skiing or biking. Just go.
• Titisee , a touristy Black-Forest town, lying in the margins of the lake Titisee.
• Schluchsee , a bigger and less-known lake in the Black Forest. To get there take a Regional Bahn Train from Freiburg Main Station (Hbf) towards Seebrugg. This train travels normally once an hour, and the trip takes around one hour.
• Take one of the wonderful Black-Forest tracks like Feldberg or Schauinsland . The nearest train station to Feldberg is Hinterzarten. Schauinsland can be reached by local buses traveling from Freiburg in the direction of Günterstal.
• Take the Aerial tramway of Schauinsland, which travels for 3.6 km over the Black Forest, reaching a place with a very nice panorama.
• During the summer months there are 'Weinfeste' in many towns celebrating their wine.
• Cross the Black Forest and head to Lake Constance . Ride a bike around it.
• Head to Basel , Berne or Lucerne in Switzerland . From Berne, head on to Interlaken and Brienz . Instead of the train, take the boat across Lake Thun . Same ticket, twice the scenery. Thanks to the new fast train connection between Strasbourg and Paris a trip takes less than 3½ hours from Freiburg.
• Go to Emmendingen .
• Go to Heidelberg .
• Go to Strasbourg .
• Visit Europa Park. Europes biggest amusement park

• Has custom banner
• Articles with dead external links
• Has map markers
• Airport listing
• Has mapframe
• Maps with non-default size
• See listing with no coordinates
• Articles with formerly dead external links
• Listing with Wikipedia link but not Wikidata link
• Drink listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Black Forest
• All destination articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Must-see attractions in Freiburg

Freiburger Münster

With its lacy spires, cheeky gargoyles and intricate entrance portal, Freiburg’s 11th-century minster cuts an impressive figure above the central market…

Augustinermuseum

Dip into the past as represented by artists working from the Middle Ages to the 19th century at this superb museum in a sensitively modernised monastery…

Schlossberg

The forested Schlossberg dominates Freiburg. Take the footpath opposite the Schwabentor, leading up through sun-dappled woods, or hitch a ride on the…

Rathausplatz

Join locals relaxing in a cafe by the fountain in chestnut-shaded Rathausplatz, Freiburg's prettiest square. Pull out your camera to snap pictures of the…

Museum für Stadtgeschichte

The sculptor Christian Wentzinger’s baroque townhouse, east of the Historisches Kaufhaus, now shelters this museum, spelling out in artefacts Freiburg’s…

Archäologisches Museum

This archaeology-focused museum is inside the neo-Gothic Colombischlössle. From the skylit marble entrance, a cast-iron staircase ascends to a stash of…

Colombischlössle

In a sculpture-dotted park sits the neo-Gothic Colombischlössle. Built for the Countess of Colombi in 1859, the whimsical red-sandstone villa now houses…

Schwabentor

The 13th-century Schwabentor, on the Schwabenring, is a massive city gate with a mural of St George slaying the dragon, and tram tracks running under its…

Museum für Neue Kunst

Across the Gewerbekanal from the Altstadt, this gallery highlights 20th-century Expressionist and abstract art, including emotive works by Oskar Kokoschka…

Historisches Kaufhaus

Facing the Münster’s south side and embellished with polychrome tiled turrets is the arcaded brick-red Historisches Kaufhaus, an early 16th-century…

Haus zum Walfisch

The marvellously extravagant Haus zum Walfisch sports a late-Gothic oriel garnished with two impish gargoyles.

One of Freiburg's two surviving medieval town gates.

More destinations you need to see

• Work With Me

• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• United States
• New Zealand
• Falkland Islands
• Netherlands
• Accommodation
• Electrical Gear
• Essential Gear
• Working Abroad
• Blogging Resources

Europe , GERMANY , Western Europe

Top 15 things to do in freiburg, germany.

I’ve got to be honest, at this point, 1 year ago, I had not even heard of Freiburg.

In fact, it was only when I mentioned to a close friend (who studied German at University and knows the country like the back of her hand) that I was planning to travel in the Black Forest area of the country, that the name Freiburg first even entered my lexicon.

But enter it did and, assured by her how brilliant, green and charming this small university city (official known as Freiburg im Breisgau and located in the Baden-Württemberg region) was, Freiburg quickly worked its way into my plans… and boy / girls am I glad it did!

For Freiburg, quite simply, proved to be an absolute treat.

With just about everything you want from a lovely German city, this history-filled, forest-surrounded, beer hall-loaded destination quickly shot its way into my heart and up my top German destinations list.

In fact, I’ve recently named Freiburg as one of the 50 best places to visit in Western Europe – yes it’s that good!

So if you’re planning a trip to this Black Forest beauty, then read on to discover my list of the 15 best things do in Freiburg as well as my top travel tips for the city.

Related Posts

• Ultimate Travel Guide to Heidelberg, Germany
• How to Travel from Frankfurt to Strasbourg
• Complete Guide to Visiting Berlin on a Budget

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

#1 See the City Gates

First up on this list of the top things to do in Freiburg is to check out this historic city’s gates.

Yes like many old cities in this part of Germany, Freiburg was once a walled city and large gateways helped protect the population, as well as make clear the entrances, exits and boundaries of the city.

Seeing the City Gates is a good introduction to the historic nature of this town, and strolling the cobbled streets between them is another delightful walk back through time, as some parts date as far back as 1202!

The most famous, and probably impressive gate in my opinion is Martinstor (Martin’s Gate in English), which is clearly marked on Google maps if you’re looking to find it.

#2 Enjoy a Beer Hall or 2!

And as you wander along those cobbled streets of Freiburg, there’s no question one of the top things to do is to stop off and enjoy a stein or 2 (that’s a huge German beer for the initiated) in once of the city’s many beer halls.

Not that I like to perpetuate any stereotypes, but this is a student city after all!

My favourite had to be Biergarten Brauerei Feierling for the record – this is the genuine, authentic, local real deal!

#3 Marvel at the Cathedral

The Freiburg Munster , which is the Cathedral in the heart of this city, is an absolute masterpiece and stopping to marvel at it in the central square is certainly one of the top things to do in Freiburg.

The Gothic religious icon, with its famous square tower, has beautiful Black Forest views from the top, as well as an impressive chiming show seemingly hourly!

The nearby beautiful and historic Merchants Hall is also worth a snap.

You can also enjoy drinking or eating around both these buildings, especially in the summer months, which is very fun and no way as near as expensive as you’d think!

#4 Climb the Observation Tower

But if you really want the best views of the Black Forest, then forget the church tower, it’s all about climbing the Observation Tower, which lies just beyond the city gates, on top of a hill located right next to the city.

Known as the Aussichtsturm Schlossberg , which means the Castle Tower, this 35m towering giant sits atop of Castle Hill (unsurprisingly) and offers the most epic of views!

Do not miss it!

Either you can climb the hill and the tower, as I did, stopping at the Kanonenplatz viewing area on the way and perhaps the Kastaniengarten for a stein on the way down!

Otherwise, if you’re not up to the walk, the Schlossbergbahn or funicular can carry you up there.

#5 Take a Dip in the River

This is probably one of the summer, but it looked absolutely idyllic!

Seeing so many locals swimming in this River Dreisam , which runs through Freiburg, definitely convinced me it was safe and around the bridge known as Kronenbrucke , seemed to be the most popular place for it.

If you don’t fancy a river dip, them some fountain fun in the city centre may suffice instead!

#6 Relax in the Seepark

Another great outdoors number to enjoy when you’re in this city, and absolutely one of the best things to do in Freiburg, is head to the massive Seepark.

In fact, this is where I spent my first evening after arriving in the city, strolling around, having a pretzel (obvs!) and enjoying a beer with a view of the lake.

Strolling, boating and people watching are the top things to do here as it offers a great slice of local life that you shouldn’t miss, even if it is a little way out of the centre.

That said, Seepark is handily very near the Airbnb I recommend at the end of this article.

#7 Stroll the Japanese Garden

And within the Seepark is also the lovely Japanese Garden.

However this place is so cute, I really thought it warranted its own mention on this list, especially given the story of how it came to be here.

Freiburg is actually twinned with the Japanese town of Matsuyama and this garden was built in the 1990s by the Japanese landscape architect Yoshinori Tokumoto as a gift for Freiburg’s citizens.

How lovely is that!

The park is open from 9am to 5pm, is free to enter and is wonderfully peaceful.

#8 Hike in the Black Forest

And sticking with the nature theme, but perhaps leaning towards a rather more wild version of it, you simply cannot come to the city of Freiburg and fail to take in the mighty Black Forest that sits all around it.

A day’s hiking is the best way to enjoy this landscape in my opinion, with tons of trails within easy reach of the city.

The 2 free hiking apps – AllTrails and Komoot – both list a ton of great walks to choose from.

#9 Join the Crowds at Titisee Lake

If you like your nature served in a rather more leisurely fashion however, then instead of heading for a hike, why not head out of Freiburg for a fun day in the Black Forest town of Titisee.

This place is very popular with locals, especially during holidays and weekends, there’s even a fairground here, but the jewel in the crown is the Titisee Lake – the perfect place to cool down in summer.

#10 Eat Trad German Food

And while you’re out with the locals, you may as well gorge yourself on delicious German food too!

Pretzels are the go-to snack in this part of Germany and, of course, they are big on the bakeries here as well – with all the amazing breads and cakes you can think of.

I tried some sweet bread thing with raisins and almonds when I was here that was particularly delicious… and I’m not even into sweet things!

You also can’t miss trying some yummy sauerkraut either and, if you’re a meat-eater too, it seems fair to say no trip to Germany is a trip to Germany without eating a lot of sausage.

One Bratwurst to-go please (need to find meat-eating travel companion to review this option for me).

#11 Discover the Epic Veggie / Vegan Restaurants

But fear not fellow plant-eating people, the great news is that Freiburg is a really progressive city (it’s one of the most environmentally-savvy in Germany too) and there are tons of fabulous vegetarian and vegan restaurants too.

Can we thank the students for this?

Actually, I was lucky enough to have a few German friends who live in this part of German and who all – knowing I don’t touch the sausage – recommended Adelhaus to me as a great plant-based option.

#12 Take in the View from Schauinsland

We’re back on the day trips now and probably the perfect option for your second day in Freiburg and, the option ALL my German friends recommended to me, was to drive out to Schauinsland and take in the view.

A mountain in the Black Forest, reaching up to 1,284 m above sea level, taking the cable car up to the top is definitely one of the highlight things to do while you are in Freiburg.

#13 See Ravenna Gorge & Bridge

Another option, slightly closer to the city is to head out and see the Ravenna Gorge and Bridge in the Black Forest.

There are several trails in this part of the landscape, which means it’s a great hiking and sightseeing combination that can often be paired with nearby Titisee as well.

It’s most likely you will need your own vehicle, or a friend with one, to enjoy this, but if you have either of those then you’re good to go!

#14 Discover the Hochburg Ruins

Of all the places I discovered around Freiburg, I have to say this was my favourite.

Yes the Hochburg Ruins, which I actually just stumbled across by chance after driving across the French border, were an utterly delightful find.

The sort that can only be so delightful when you have no idea they exist, no expectations and they turn out to be one of the most memorable places you went!

Despite not being in any of the guidebooks, discovering this spot was a real treat, not only for the views and insta-worthy shots, but also for the history and sense of the unknown.

#15 Experience the Freiburg Christmas Markets

And finally on this list of the top things to do in Freiburg, we come to the Freiburg Christmas Markets.

Having visited the city in the summer, I actually can’t claim to have experienced these myself, but time your visit right, or time it for this very reason, and there’s absolutely no reason you should miss one of Germany’s most amazing festive features.

Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple!

Information will be sent to the email provided above

When to Visit Freiburg

There’s no question, in my mind at least, that there’s 2 crucial times to visit Freiburg.

One, as you may be unsurprised to learn, is in December, when the aforementioned Christmas Markets are in their full splendour.

The other time I recommend visiting is when I did – in the summer months.

At this time, the warm long days offer amazing opportunities for hiking and sightseeing in the daytime, followed by balmy evenings in those wonderful beer gardens.

Because Freiburg is not a hugely popular destination for international tourists, the summer months also shouldn’t be too crowded.

Given Freiburg’s location in the Black Forest area, I also imagine Spring and Autumn here (with the changing of the season in full force) is also pretty spectacular.

How Long to Spend There

As a small city, a couple of days is plenty of time to explore Freiburg.

In other words, this is a perfect weekend break, or a short stop, enroute to some other bigger destinations like Bavaria or the French Alsace wine region where you’re likely to spend more time.

I spent 3 nights in Freiburg and found it exactly the right amount of time.

Arriving late on day 1, I had enough time left in the day to enjoy a beer in Seepark and get to know the residential area around my cute Airbnb.

Day 2 I spent a full day exploring the city and the Observation Tower.

And then on day 3, I headed out into the forest for some hiking.

Where to Stay in Freiburg

So as I mentioned above, I stayed in a rental apartment in Freiburg, which was ideal for me as a budget traveller and was situated in a residential area with lots of green spaces around.

Quiet and local and near a few good parks, I could also walk into the city from this place, or get the tram on the way home, making it the perfect balance of budget and comfort for me.

For these reasons, I always recommend staying in rental properties when visiting German cities and VRBO is my go-to website for this.

Check out this top-rated apartment , close to the centre of Freiburg as well as a great range of shops, restaurants, cafes and parks if you’re looking to do the same. Sleeping up to 3 people, it’s very well-equipped, has easy access to public transport and is very spacious… an all-round winner!

If you prefer to stay in a hostel however, then the only official hostel in the whole Black Forest area is near Freiburg – how perfect is that!

If you want to spend your time hiking or doing more outdoors stuff in the Black Forest, as opposed to being based in a city, then this hostel could be the option for you.

It gets great reviews and can be booked at an excellent price here .

Finally, if you want to be right in the heart of the action, and experience a bit more comfort and privacy, then I highly recommend The Alex Hotel . I love the modern decor, the fabulous service and the excellent breakfast at this place!

How to Get to Freiburg

If you’re enjoying a European road trip, Freiburg is easy to navigate your way to by car along the excellent German motorways.

I’d say most travellers head here either from the large German cities of Frankfurt or Stuttgart, the Swiss cities of Basel or Zurich, or the French city of Strasbourg , which is just across the border.

From most of those cities you can also get numerous trains to Freiburg if you’re using public transport, or buses if you’re on a tight budget.

As always, I use Trainline to book my trains across Europe, because they make everything so easy and straightforward and offer excellent prices and easy e-tickets.

When it comes to bus travel in Europe, I love Flixbus, who I’ve used many times and can’t recommend enough given their insanely good prices, free wifi, comfort and safety.

Check out Flixbus for all your European bus travel, including to Freiburg, here .

What to Pack

And finally, here my list of the top 4 packing essentials you shouldn’t head to Freiburg without.

#1 A Good Camera – No doubt you’re going to be snapping like crazy with these amazing forest views and need to ensure you have a good camera to do this city justice. I love my Sony A6000 , which is light, compact and great for travel.

#2 Decent Walking Shoes – No point coming to Freiburg and not being able to enjoy this beautiful historic city on 2 feet. Get prepared therefore and ensure you have a decent pair of walking shoes – these cross trainers from New Balance are ideal (and totally stylish) for the job.

#3 Light Waterproof Jacket – Whatever the time of year, you have to remember this is Germany after all, a country in which the heavens can open at any point! Don’t get caught out there and ensure you have a good lightweight and waterproof jacket with you. This North Face one is perfect.

#4 Compact Hiking Day Pack – I never go on any day trips without a sturdy backpack to ensure I’ve got room to carry everything I need and that the weight is equally distributed across my back and shoulders, This super featherweight Kompressor from Marmot is my go-to, because it folds down to nothing and is water-resistant.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there is it, my list of the 15 best things to do in Freiburg.

Have you been to this wonderful German city?

Did you like it as much as me?

What was your favourite thing to do there?

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Hotels.com Rewards is now One Key™

9 Best Things to Do in Freiburg

What is freiburg most famous for.

The best things to do in Freiburg im Breisgau mostly revolve around the medieval town centre that this university city is known for. Located on the southern edge of Germany’s Black Forest, Freiburg's cobblestone squares are lined with late Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic buildings that were carefully reconstructed after World War II. 

It’s one of Europe’s most sustainable cities thanks to its many lush parks and surrounding highlands. The nightlife scene is somewhat laidback compared to most cities in Germany, though you can find plenty of microbreweries that have been around since the 19th century.

What are the best things to do in Freiburg?

Freiburg münster, climb 400 steps to the top of the cathedral tower.

Freiburg Münster, with its towering height and Gothic architecture, is the city’s most distinctive landmark. One of the few structures that has survived the bombings during World War II, the cathedral was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Its most impressive feature is the Gothic bell tower, which stands at 116 meters in height. For a few euros, you may attempt to climb the 400-step stairway to its viewing deck for panoramic views of Freiburg.

Location: Münsterplatz, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 7 pm

Phone: +49 (0)761 202 790

Münsterplatz

Check out displays of medieval and baroque relics at the wentzinger house.

Münsterplatz is a cobblestone square in front of the Freiburg Münster (Cathedral of Freiburg). This quaint churchyard has plenty of colorful buildings, most of which were reconstructed following the end of World War II. Besides the church, the Historical Merchants' Hall and Wentzinger House are some of the many historical buildings within the square. Be sure to watch your step from time to time as the streets of Münsterplatz are lined with bächle , which are open brooks with streaming water. It’s believed that you may end up marrying a local if your feet land into one.

photo by CF-NDB ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Freiburg

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Freiburg

10 Best Natural Sights around The Black Forest

Medieval gates of freiburg, visit zinnfigurenklause museum in schwabentor.

Freiburg is flanked by 2 city gates that that have been preserved since medieval times. Martinstor (Martin's Gate), built in 1202, is located on Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse, a shopping street that runs through the Freiburg's Old Town. As you pass the gate’s passageway, look for the memorial plaque commemorating 3 women who were burned as witches in 1599. The mid-13th century Schwabentor (Swabian Gate) is about 500 meters east of Martinstor. This sandstone gate is home to the Zinnfigurenklause (Municipal Tower) Museum, which displays thousands of handcrafted tin figures and dioramas of notable events such as the Baden Revolution.

Location: Martinsgässle & Oberlinden 25, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Open: Zinnfigurenklaues: Monday–Friday from 2.30 pm to 5 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 12 pm to 2 pm

photo by Smiley.toerist ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

Hausbrauerei Feierling brewery

Try freiburg’s first light lager beer at hausbrauerei feierling.

Founded in 1877, Hausbrauerei Feierling near Augustinerplatz is one of the oldest breweries in Freiburg. Once you step inside the 3-storey pub, you’re immediately greeted with the sight of 2 massive copper brew colanders on the ground floor, while wooden tables are spread out across the 2nd and 3rd floors. During the summer, locals frequent its beer garden to enjoy draught beers and pretzels throughout the day. Hausbrauerei Feierling’s specialty is Inselhopf, a light, unfiltered pilsner.

Location: Gerberau 46, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Open: Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to midnight, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 1 am

Phone: +49 (0)761 243 480

Haus zum Walfisch

Find the sculpture of a monkey biting into an apple.

Haus zum Walfisch (Whale House) is an elegant late Gothic structure in Freiburg’s Old Town. One of the city’s most photographed buildings, it has a striking red façade, stone gargoyles, and a gold portal bay window. Some of its famous inhabitants over the years include Erasmus of Rotterdam and Emperor Ferdinand I. Fans of horror films may recognize this building as it was filmed as the ominous dance school in Dario Argento’s film, Suspiria . There's not a lot to do at Haus zum Walfisch but its makes a nice selfie as you stroll around the town.

Location: Franziskanerstraße 5, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

photo by Robert Cutts ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

Stadtgarten

Enjoy open-air concerts at the music pavilion during summer.

Stadtgarten is a 19th-century state garden located 500 meters north of Freiburg Münster. Spanning almost 3 hectares of green spaces, the best time to visit the park is in the summer as many concerts and festivals take place at its music pavilion. There are about 500 rose gardens containing 250 species surrounding a small hill within Stadtgarten. You can also find a number of art installations and fountains that were added between 1953 and 2000.

Location: Jacob-Burckhardt-Straße 19, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

photo by joergens.mi ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Freiburg Stadttheater

Join public discussions of various topics at the workshop.

Freiburg Stadttheater is a municipal theatre where opera, theatre and dance performances take place all year long. Established in 1866, the music venue is divided into 3 concert halls and a workshop for the city’s Youth Theatre Group. The Freiburg Philharmonic Orchestra resides in Stadttheater, but you can also see them performing at the neighboring Großes Haus and Konzerthaus. Even if you’re not planning to catch a show, it’s worth paying a visit to the Freiburg Stadttheater for its grand concert halls.

Location: Bertoldstraße 46, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Open: Box office: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 4 pm (evening box office closes 30–60 minutes before performance). Performances run until late evenings

Phone: +49 (0)761 201 2853

photo by Michael Schmalenstroer ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Münstermarkt Freiburg

Order a german cheesecake at stefan’s käsekuchen.

Münstermarkt Freiburg is an open-air farmer’s market that takes over most of Münsterplatz. You can find about 65 stalls selling just about everything, from fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, to pastries, wines, and sausages. There are a couple of vendors selling woven baskets if you're exploring the market emptyhanded. It’s also a popular spot to enjoy a variety of street food for about €2, including currywurst (sausage with curry powder) and käsekuchen (German cheesecake).

Open: Monday–Friday from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm, Saturday from 7.30 am to 2 pm (closed on Sundays)

photo by Andreas Schwarzkopf ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Germany’s oldest hotel

Explore the medieval cellar inside this historical hotel.

Zum Roten Bären dates back to 1120, making the oldest guesthouse in Germany. The restaurant is always packed with locals and tourists looking to enjoy traditional German dishes and wines in a traditional setting. Standouts here are the Wiener schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet) and risotto, which cost from €10 per dish. To add to the adventure, you may need to brush up on your German as English translations aren’t printed on the menus.

Location: Oberlinden 12, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Open: Breakfast: Monday–Friday from 7 am to 10 am, Saturday from 8 am to 10.30 am (Sundays until 11 am) Lunch and dinner: Monday–Saturday from 12 pm to 2.30 pm and from 6 pm to 9.30 pm (closed on Sundays)

Phone: +49 (0)761 387 870

photo by Gyula Péter ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

Start planning your trip

Related stories.

10 Great Restaurants in Black Forest

10 Best Waterfalls in the Black Forest

10 Must-Visit Small Towns in The Black Forest

11 Best Things to Do in The Black Forest

10 Best Local Dishes from the Black Forest

Keep exploring.

• Black Forest
• Freiburg im Breisgau
• Rhineland-Palatinate
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Netherlands
• Northern Ireland
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific

Mexico and central america, middle east, north america, south america.

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Solo Location Guides
• Solo Travel Advice
• Solo Inspiration
• Luxury travel

DESTINATIONS , EUROPE , GERMANY

Unmissable things to do in freiburg, germany.

Sunny Freiburg im Breisgau has a lot going for it. Hugging the western edge of the Black Forest, this university city has a compact Old Town (Altstadt), a show-stopping Cathedral and more cafes and restaurants than you can shake a stick at.

I used Freiburg as a base to explore the Black Forest but quickly discovered that it was a lovely destination in its own right.

Make the most of your visit with my guide to the best things to do in Freiburg, Germany. Whether you are spending just a day here or are using the city as a base for visiting the surrounding area, it’s packed with tips, including places to visit, how to get there, where to eat and where to stay.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

How I Visited (and what I thought)

Make no mistake. Freiburg isn’t a fairy-tale town in the mould of Bacharach or Rothenburg ob der Tauber . But what the city lacks in the absence of wonky half-timbered houses it makes up for a superb cathedral, affordable restaurants, excellent microbreweries and its proximity to the Black Forest.

I visited Freiburg im Breisgau as a solo traveller in August. It was hot and sticky with the mercury nudging 30 degrees.

Given the choice again, I would visit in spring or autumn when temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing. I also fancy seeing the fall foliage lighting up the adjacent Black Forest.   Winter in Freiburg can be cold and snowy and the city is home to its famous Christmas market.

I stayed here for four nights in Friedrich Boutique-Apartments . This was enough time to explore the city at a leisurely pace and take a few day trips to the Black Forest, including Schauinsland and the Hell Railway to Titisee.

A Potted History of Freiburg im Breisgau

Freiburg im Breisgau is tucked into the southwest corner of Germany, close to its borders with France and Switzerland. It has a population of around 230,000.

The clue to Freiburg’s origin is in its name. It was founded and chartered as a free market town in 1120 by the dukes of Zähringen.

From the early 13 th Century to the 18 th Century it passed hands between the counts of Urach, the mighty Habsburgs, the Bauernbund (Peasants’ and Farmers’ League), the Swedes, the Bavarians and the French. In 1806, Freiburg was returned to the ruling house of Baden.

Allied bombing raids in 1944 destroyed much of the city’s Old Town. However, a handful of historic buildings survived, including the Münster. The Old Town was rebuilt, sticking faithfully to its medieval plan.

My Favourite Things to Do in Freiburg im Breisgau

Hit the ground running with my pick of the bunch. You should be able to cover all these attractions in one relaxed day, but I have included a few bonus destinations later in this guide if you are lingering longer.

Here’s a map to help you on your way. For an interactive map and to send it to your smartphone, click here or on the image itself.

You can use this as a self-guided walking tour of Freiburg . Without any deviations, the total distance is just around two miles .

1. Admire the two town halls of Rathausplatz

Freiburg im Breisgau has not one but two town halls, both of which face Rathausplatz.

Adorned with a double eagle reminding us of the four centuries of Habsburg rule, the red Old Town Hall is on the right. The two-tone New Town Hall, once the site of Freiburg’s university, is on the left.

Mosaic coats of arms representing Freiburg’s sister cities are embedded in the cobbles in front of the town hall buildings. These include Padua in Italy , Isfahan ( Iran ) and Madison (USA).

Rathausplatz is the former cloister of the neighbouring Franciscan Church of St. Martin. At its centre is a statue of Berthold the Black, a medieval monk falsely credited with inventing gunpowder.

2. Float your boat along one of the city’s bächle

Freiburg is famous for its bächle , the narrow canals that have run down most of the city’s streets since medieval times. 

Over the centuries, these “stream-lets” (as their name translates) have stopped fires from spreading and have been a water source for the city. Today, youngsters – and the young-at-heart – like to sail little boats along the bächle . When I visited during a summer heatwave, they were bone dry.

Local legend says that if you fall into a bächle , you will marry a Freiburger. I did and I haven’t. All I got for it was a busted foot!

3. Take a look at the former house of Desiderius Erasmus (House of the Whale)

Rotterdam-born Desiderius Erasmus (1469 – 1536) was a philosopher and humanist who studied extensively abroad to avoid persecution for his views. He lends his name to the Erasmus Programme, a European exchange initiative designed to enable students to gain experience in another country.

Erasmus once lived in the House of the Whale (Haus zum Walfisch) at Franziskanerstrasse 5. This building is embellished with a gruesome gargoyle with a goitre dangling from her neck, one of the many whimsical statues in Freiburg.

4. Marvel at the grandeur of Münsterplatz

When you reach Münsterplatz, twirl around and do a 360-degree tour.

This is Freiburg’s beating heart, dominated by the majestic Münster . Examine the gargoyles adorning the side of the cathedral and try to spot the “mooning” gargoyle.

With your back to the cathedral’s gargoyles, look at the Historical Merchant House (Historisches Kaufhaus). Dating from 1532, this was Freiburg’s customs and trading centre.

The grey building next to the Historical Merchant House houses the City History Museum.

Further to the left is the Alte Wache , a former police station turned wine bar.

A market is held in Münsterplatz every morning except for Sundays. It is at its most lively on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

5. Gorge on the glory of Freiburg Cathedral (Münster)

The lacy spire of the Münster piercing the sky 380 feet above Münsterplatz is one of Freiburg’s most iconic sights. Whilst it is no match for Cologne Cathedral or Berlin’s Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, visiting the cathedral is unmissable even if you have only a day in Freiburg.

Officially called the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady, work started on this Gothic sandstone cathedral in 1200. It was one of the few buildings in Freiburg to survive the devastation of World War II.

The cathedral’s original stained glass windows date from the 13 th and 14 th centuries, each marked with the seal of the merchant who sponsored it (these were removed and stashed away during WW2). A 12th-century triumphal crucifix dangles over the choir.

Opening hours : These vary from day to day. Check the current opening hours for Freiburg Cathedral here .  

Admission cost: It is free to visit the cathedral. However, a small charge applies to visiting the choir and chapels. In my view, this is €2 well spent and you receive a useful leaflet as part of the deal.

6. Walk along the prettiest streets in Freiburg’s Altstadt

Two of Freiburg’s prettiest streets lie in the heart of the Altstadt. Although the Old Town dates back to the 12 th Century, it was largely rebuilt after World War II bombs levelled 80% of the city centre.

Many of the houses on bächle -lined Schusterstrasse are labelled with mosaic seals, denoting the purpose of the building. Although the houses’ labels date from the Middle Ages, the mosaics are more modern.

Konviktstrasse is another typical Freiburg street. This picture-perfect lane takes its name from a convent and is draped with sweet-smelling wisteria in springtime.

At the end of Konviktstrasse is Salzstrasse where you’ll find the city’s original hotels and pubs.

7. Say “hello” to Freiburg’s crocodile

Formerly the territory of tanners and millers, Freiburg’s industrial quarter has been transformed into a canal-side district. It is home to a few appealing restaurants with beer gardens and the city’s resident crocodile.

8. Stop by Swabian Gate (Schwabentor)

Double back to one of Freiburg’s two surviving gates. Schwabentor is named after the Swabians who were the Freiburgers’ rivals back in the day.

Salt mining was a growth industry in the 13 th Century and the painting on the arch of the gate is of a merchant with his wagon groaning with salt kegs. Below this painting is a small figure pulling a thorn out of his foot, a stern reminder to the city’s residents to steer clear of the “thorns” of sinful living.

9. Take in the views from Castle Hill (Schlossberg)

Once the site of a French 18th-century fort, Schlossberg looms above the eastern end of Freiburg’s Old Town. This hulking fortress, which could garrison 150,000 soldiers, was all but destroyed when the French retreated.

Today, Schlossberg is hugely popular for its unbeatable views of Freiburg and hiking trails of different lengths. If you are short on time, turn right when you exit the funicular and walk five minutes to Kanonenplatz for the best view of the Münster and the forests and vineyards beyond.

Although you can take the path opposite the Schwabentor to hike up to Schlossberg, I recommend riding the Schlossbergbahn (funicular railway). Find out more here .

10. Visit the Old Cemetery (Alter Friedhof)

It may not be everybody’s cup of tea but the Old Cemetery was one of my favourite places in Freiburg.

Alter Friedhof is one of the oldest cemeteries in Germany that have been preserved in their entirety. It was the final resting place for Freiburg’s deceased between 1683 and 1872 and was rededicated as a park after its closure. There are around 1200 tombstones

It is a peaceful and fascinating place for a stroll.  Some of the stone sculptures are wonderfully expressive and some of its gravestones are works of Baroque and Neoclassical art.

Built in 1720, St. Michael’s Chapel (Michaelskapelle) is in the middle of the cemetery. This was badly damaged in World War II but was faithfully reconstructed according to the original plan.   

11. Try the local brew

It’s gotta be done. There’s a very good reason why Germany is very famous for its beer. It is so good.

I’m more of a wine person but you can’t beat a refreshing glass of beer in a biergarten on a hot summer day.

12. Order a slice of Black Forest Gateau

I am certainly a cake person. For one of the best slices of cake in your life, don’t leave Freiburg without trying Black Forest Gateau.

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cherry Cake) is layers of chocolate sponge base sandwiched with kirsch-soaked cherries and whipped cream, topped with more cream, cherries and chocolate flakes. What’s not to like?

11. Visit one (or two) of Freiburg’s museums

If you are looking for a rainy-day activity in Freiburg or want to learn more about the city, make a beeline for one or both of these museums.

City History Museum (Museum Für Stadtgeschichte)

This museum tells the story of Freiburg and has a model of medieval Freiburg circa 1590 and another from the early 1700s. There’s also a wooden model of the cathedral.

Most of the display information is in German only.

The museum is on Münsterplatz and is open from Tuesday to Sunday. There is a modest admission fee.

Augustiner Museum

Housed in a former Augustinian church, this museum displays local fine art and medieval artefacts. Artistic highlights include works by Lucas Cranach the Elder and The Fall of Man , an exquisite Renaissance wooden sculpture.

The museum is on Augustinerplatz and is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission fee applies

Exploring the Black Forest & Beyond

Frieburg im Breisgau is a marvellous base for exploring Germany’s Black Forest and the Alsace region of France. These are my favourite day trips.

12. Ride the Schlauslandbahn Cableway

Freiburg’s own little mountain offers the best view of the Black Forest if you don’t have a car.  Rising to 4,213ft (1,284m) above sea level, Schauinsland is one of the highest peaks in the Black Forest.

The Schauinsland Cableway, Germany’s longest two-way cable car system, whisks you 746 metres to the top station. The journey takes 20 minutes.

Pick up a map with suggested walking routes (Wanderkarte) before you board the cable car. These trails vary in distance between 2.5 km and 8.8 km. Although the information is in German you can scan a QR code for English language information.

How I got to Schauinsland from Freiburg

Schauinsland is 6 miles south-east of Freiburg’s city centre

From Freiburg, I took tram #2 (direction Günterstal) to Dortstrasse and transferred to bus #21 (direction Horben), alighting at Schlauslandbahn. The total journey time was around 30 minutes

The Schlauslandbahn operates year-round. However, it is closed for scheduled maintenance twice a year. You can check for updates here .

13. Take the Hell Valley Railway to Titisee

I’m always on the lookout for a scenic train ride when I am travelling and was delighted to stumble upon the Hell Valley Railway (Höllentalbahn).

Don’t let its name put you off. Linking Freiburg and Donaueschingen, it is one of the best ways of seeing the Black Forest without a car. It is also one of the steepest railway lines in Germany, travelling from an altitude of 278 m to 885 m during its 66-mile route.

Trains leave Freiburg Hauptbahnhof every half hour. Check train times and prices here .

Against my better judgment, I stopped in Titisee , a wildly popular lakeside resort but one that is completely lacking in charm. For the first time in years, I caught someone trying to short-change me.

The lake is Titisee’s one redeeming feature and I recommend a there-and-back walk along its western edge.

Stopping in Hinterzarten on the return journey was a better decision. This pretty and tranquil village is famous for its ski jumping.

The town’s friendly Tourist Information office gave me a free map with a short walking trail.

14. Take a day trip to Colmar, France

Looking for all the world like it has been lifted from the pages of a child’s storybook, Colmar is an easy day trip by train from Freiburg. Thanks to its compact size, it is easy to explore Colmar in one day with time left over to sample delicious Alsace cuisine.

The journey time by train is around two hours.

15. Visit Strasbourg, France

With a change of train at Offenburg, you can be in Strasbourg in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

This is one of the prettiest cities in France. Think candy-coloured, half-timbered buildings and meandering canals and you’ll have the measure of the place. Its historic city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to one of the most magnificent cathedrals in France.

Like Colmar, you can hit the highlights of Strasbourg in a day.

Getting There and Getting Around

Getting there.

High-speed trains from other German cities and beyond stop at Freiburg’s Hauptbahnhof. The train station is 15 minutes on foot from the centre of town. You can check train times and prices here .

• Cologne 3 hours 20 minutes
• Frankfurt 2 hours 10 minutes
• Zürich 1 hour 45 minutes
• Strasbourg 1 hour 20 minutes

Basel (BSL) and Strasbourg (SXB) are the closest major airports to Freiburg im Breisgau.

Flixbus operate bus services to Freiburg.

Freiburg is off the A5 Frankfurt to Basel autobahn that cuts through the Rhine Valley . It is an hour’s drive from Basel or Strasbourg.

Getting around

Freiburg’s city centre is very walkable. You can walk from one end of the Altstadt to the other in under 20 minutes.

The excellent tram and bus system is useful for reaching outlying attractions (e.g. Schauinslandbahn).

Where to Stay in Freiburg

As befits a major city, there is a wide range of accommodation choices in Freiburg. Just check that your hotel or apartment has air conditioning if you visiting during the toasty summer months.

There is something for every traveller but here’s my pick of the bunch:

Mid-range – Friedrich Boutique-Apartments

I stayed in this centrally-located aparthotel. Spacious and comfortable, the apartment’s well-equipped kitchen included an all-important washer-dryer and dishwasher. The staff could not have been more friendly.

>>> CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICES

Here are a few other places that I had my beady eye on that might suit other travellers:

Mid-range hotel – Hotel Rappen am Münsterplatz

Stay right in the thick of things in this 3-star hotel overlooking the cathedral. It has a bar and restaurant with an outside terrace on the square and there are reduced rates for solo travellers .

Splurge – Colombi Hotel

Treat yourself to a stay in Freiburg’s only centrally-located 5-star hotel. It has all the bells and whistles that you would expect from a luxury hotel including a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre and a classy bar and restaurant.

Its rooms are elegant and spacious and sometimes there are free upgrades to a swanky suite.

Recommended Places to Eat

Thanks to its large student population, Freiburg is a great place to grab a plate of no-nonsense, affordable German grub. Here are a few places that I tried and loved:

Martinsbrau

Address: Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse 237

This is the place to go in the Old Town for schnitzel washed down with a glass of this microbrewery’s excellent beer. Book ahead or expect to queue for 30 minutes or more.

Address: Merianstrasse 8

If you’ve had your fill of sausages and schnitzel, try this cosy Vietnamese restaurant with outside seating. My meal was excellent and the service was friendly. They don’t serve alcohol but the mango iced tea was sublime.

Solo Travel to Freiburg

Freiburg im Breisgau has something for every solo traveller and most places of interest are within walking distance of the city centre and free or cheap. In my view, it’s a good choice for first-time solo travellers . Its lively student population keeps things real, with affordable microbreweries and restaurants that serve some of the best beer on the planet. Accommodation should not break the bank. Freiburg is well-connected by rail, offering quick and easy access to other destinations in the region and beyond. This is considered to be a safe destination for those travelling alone. The city has a low crime rate and is known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere.   However, as with any destination, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. Solo travellers should take standard safety precautions , such as keeping valuables safe and avoiding dark and isolated areas at night.

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

One Day in Freiburg, Germany: Things To Do and See

Resting on the edge of the Black Forest in the south of Germany right between the borders of Switzerland and France is the historic and charming city of Freiburg im Breisgau. Freiburg. This small university town is home to 6 universities and is often referred to as Germany’s sunshine capital because it has more sun hours than anywhere else in Germany.

With all of that sun, Freiburg generates a lot of solar energy and is one of the most sustainable cities in the world. Although Freiburg is small, there is plenty to do in this unique, and green, German city!

Table of Contents

How To Spend One Day in Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg minster.

The centerpiece of Freiburg’s architectural landscape is the 13th-century Romanesque church. The church took nearly 300 years to build, but the architects spared no expense. The 116-meter tower is beautiful and the artistry of the façade is overwhelming. The 418 stone figures carved into the portal in the 1200s alone are breathtaking. You can climb to the 70 meter viewing platform for amazing views of the city below and the Black Forest. 

Münsterplatz

The Freiburg Minister sits in the middle of the city’s main square, the Münsterplatz. This cobbled square is a pedestrian only zone and is steeped in history. The majority of the square was leveled in 1944 by the bombings of WWII. The Minister survived the bombings along with the Wentzingerhaus, a Baroque mansion built by Johann Christian Wentzinger in 1761.

Today the Wentzingerhaus houses a museum dedicated to the history of the city. In the Münsterplatz there is a market every day of the week except Sundays. The market is huge consisting of over 150 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts.

Freiburg Bächle

One of Freiburg’s unique features is its Bächle. These waterways run through Freiburg’s Old Town and are fed by the Dreisam River. They date back to the 1200s and were used in Medieval times to do things like fight fires, and provide local trades shops with water, but they were also used as open sewers.

Luckily, today while the water isn’t drinkable, it’s not running with raw sewage, and the 15.5 kilometers of Bächle help cool the city down in the summer. But, watch your step: It’s a popular folktale that if you step in one of them you will marry a resident of Freiburg

Schwabentor

Freiburg has 2 massive medieval city gates still standing. The Schwabentor is the younger of the 2 gates and is built as part of the city’s defense system. On the gate is a painting of the “Boy with Thorn,” and served simultaneously as a reminder to the city’s populace of the dangers of leaving the safety of the city walls as well as reminders not to stray from the path of righteousness.

On the opposite exterior is St. George slaying a dragon. The inside of the gatehouses a museum where you can visit the Zinnfigurenklause, a museum that has 10,000 handmade, miniature tin figures that depict important events in the city’s history.

Schlossberg

From Freiburg’s Municipal Park, you can take the Schlossberg Railway to the top of a 456-meter-high peak that marks the edge of the Black Forest. The journey on Freiburg’s funicular takes a short 3 minutes. One-way tickets are 3,30 euro and a roundtrip fare is 5,50 euro.

 At the top you can see the ruins of the fortified castle built nearly 1,000 years ago by the dukes of Swabian nobility. The castle was taken over by the counts of Freiburg, the Hapsburgs, and then the French in the 17th century. You can also climb the tower at the top of the Schlossberg for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.   

Rathausplatz

The Rathausplatz is Freiburg’s prettiest square. What you’ve really come to this square to see is not one, but two town halls! Frieburg has an Old Town Hall and a New Town Hall. The Altes Rathaus or Old Town Hall, built in the Renaissance style and bright oxblood-red was constructed in the 16th century.

Above the clock, you can see the double-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire. The coats of arms of Freiburg’s ruling families run down the edges of the gable. You can actually go to the Altes Rathuas because it houses the city’s tourism office. You don’t have to look far for the New Town Hall, in fact, it’s right next door. The step-gabled Neues Rathaus is actually 2 Renaissance burgher houses that are joined together.

The older of the city’s 2 remaining medieval gates is the Martinstor. It can be dated to as early as 1202. A plaque on the innerside of the Martin’s Gate memorializes three widows of city councilors, Anna Wohlffartin, Catharina Stadelmennin and Margaretha Mößmerin. The women were beheaded and burnt as witches in the city in 1599. The gate can only be viewed from the outside.

Haus zum Walfisch (Whale House)

This red, late Gothic house was built in the early 16th century by the Grand Treasure to the Holy Roman Emperor. It’s most notable resident was Dutch humanist Erasmus between 1529-1531. But, the house became internationally famous for it’s role in Dario Argento’s 1977 horror film, Suspiria . Today, the Whale House is home to a Sparkasse Bank branch. 

Freiburg’s Markhalle is a perfect stop for lunch and home to 20 food stalls that serve up specialties from around the world. You can try Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian, Middle Eastern, South American cuisine and more. Or you can opt for something more German like Freiburg-style wurst or Frikadellen. 

Alter Friedhof (Old Cemetary)

Cemeteries aren’t typically tourist attractions, but Freiburg’s Johann Christian Wentzinger wanted to be remembered forever and made a deal with the city. He would leave Freiburg his estate in return for his grave in the Alter Friedhof being looked after eternally.

The cemetery was in use between 1683 and 1872 but has remained almost exactly as it was and is now a natural and cultural monument. The headstones are amazing works of art ranging from the Baroque style to Neoclassicism. The high cemetery wall gives the park, which is in the middle of the city, a feeling of seclusion.  

Christmas Market

If you are visiting Freiburg during the Christmas season, you’re in for a treat! The market consists of more than 120 stands spread throughout the city. Enjoy a mug of glüwein and try dipping your own candles at the Candle Workshop or letting the kids bake cookies in the Children’s Bakery. Don’t miss the antique, wooden Ferris wheel in the middle of the Kartoffelmarkt!

Freiburg is the perfect combination of great weather, culture, and good food. Easily accessible from larger cities like Baden-Baden and Stuttgart in Germany, Colmar in France , and Basel, Switzerland the gateway to the Black Forest, is a great day trip destination!

You might also like: Things to do in Heidelberg in winter. Best Places to visit in Germany in summer. Best Places to visit in Germany in winter. Best medieval towns in Germany.

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search accommodations

We are here to answer your questions at no extra charge!

Groups welcome!

Our Group service is happy to send you a personalized quote.

• Google Plus

Tourist Information

Today, the Tourist Information office is located within the historic walls of the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall). We are available here to answer any questions, provide you with a city map and brochures or tell you about events taking place in Freiburg during your stay. Please stop by! Just look for the striking red sandstone facade.

Our opening hours

We are available monday to Friday between 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to answer your questions you may have about your stay in Freiburg!

You are also welcome to send us an e-mail to [email protected] - we will do everything we can to offer you the best possible service.

Tel. +49 (0) 761/3881-880 [email protected]

Our offers and services •    Information about the city and the Black Forest •    Brochures, souvenirs •    Hiking and bike maps •    Vouchers for tickets and souvenirs                      

            Tickets •    Reservix and Eventim Events •    Guided city tours •    Theater Freiburg •    SchwarzwaldCard •    Museums-PASS Musées •    WelcomeKarte •    Fernbus       

                    Free Wi-Fi Services we provide at the Tourist Information office: Free Wi-Fi Internet access. Just log in and start surfing! 

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

A Visit To The Fairy-Tale Town Of Freiburg, Germany

Markus Gann / Shutterstock

• Destinations

Nestled in a corner of southwestern Germany that is so close to both France and Switzerland that people regularly cross the border for a bit of shopping, Freiburg im Breisgau (not to be confused with Freiburg an der Elbe in Lower Saxony) is a small city in the famous Black Forest.

Reportedly Germany’s warmest city, with some 2,000 hours of annual sunshine, Freiburg dates to 1120, when it was founded as a free-market town. Along cobbled streets and ancient gates, colorful medieval houses snuggle close together between a river, a canal, and a really tiny stream. The lively historic squares full of cafes and restaurants, beer gardens, and shops and boutiques make Freiburg the perfect place to spend a long-weekend getaway.

And, with the Black Forest just outside the city limits, you can easily combine a wellness or hiking vacation with a bit of a city break.

Here are some of the best things to do in charming Freiburg.

Get Your Bearings At Munsterplatz

Munsterplatz should be your first port of call. It’s right in the center of the old medieval town and is a great place to get your bearings and start exploring.

The beautifully cobbled square is lined with historic buildings, colonnades, and outdoor seating for many restaurants. In the center of the square is the cathedral, which gives the square its name. This 800-year-old church — with its grand spire, 91 gargoyles, and gorgeous old clock — survived the bombings of both World Wars. Make sure to stay for the ringing of the 750-year-old Hosanna bell. You can even climb up the tower, but since there is no lift, you will have to scale the 333 steps.

Pro Tip: Every morning, except on Sundays, the square plays host to a lovely fresh produce market.

Attend An Event At The Historical Merchants’ Hall

Right on the square lies the 16th-century Historical Merchants’ Hall , a fabulous building in burnt orange with turrets, colonnades, and a spectacular roof. This is where the merchants used to spend time while their wares were inspected and taxed and their paperwork was filled out.

Inside are grand rooms, such as the Emperor’s Hall, where concerts, talks, and various public events are held. Catching an event is the only way to explore the inside, but there are many, so you’ll probably be lucky. Check out the hall’s event calendar here .

Pro Tip: Under the colonnades outside, there is usually a secondhand book stall selling a variety of books, from coffee table books to foreign language books.

See Schwabentor And Martinstor

There are two old city gates left, Schwabentor and Martinstor . These were once the bustling entrances to the city center through which merchants came and went. Martinstor is the older of the two, dating to the early 1200s, and it looks like a fancy church steeple with its clockface and little turrets. It barely escaped demolition in the early 1900s when many buildings and the city walls were razed to make space for the ever-growing city. Unfortunately, you cannot see the inside.

Schwabentor, however, holds a small museum of tin figures — some 9,000 of them — and also allows access to its church-like steeple, which dates to the mid-1200s.

On the wall outside Martinstor you will see a plaque with three names: Marghareta Mossmer, Catharina Stadelmann, and Anna Wolffart. These three women were executed for practicing witchcraft in Freiburg in 1599.

Explore Freiburg’s Little Venice

Between the two gates lies Klein Venedig , or Little Venice, a picturesque higgledy-piggledy assortment of colorful medieval houses around the small Gewerbekanal, or Trade Canal. Cafes, beer gardens, and small shops (such as a lovely silver artisan shop) invite you to linger a little longer. Look out for the crocodile in the canal!

Pro Tip: If you are coming from the east, from Schwabentor, turn around for an Instagram-worthy shot of a couple of yellow houses behind the canal.

Stroll Along The Bachle

In keeping with the watery theme, as you stroll along the cobbled lanes you will probably step into or stumble across the tiny Bachle, a mini canal that flows through the pedestrianized streets. Established back in the 1300s, it used to provide water to the town center and was used for fighting fires.

Today it is a veritable open-air art gallery with all sorts of things in it. There are even stands where children can hire a little sailboat and let it go in the stream. You’ll be surprised by all you discover in the Bachle!

Pro Tip: According to local folklore, if you accidentally step into the Bachle, you will marry a Freiburger. (For what it’s worth, I fell right across it and am still happily married to my non-Freiburger.)

Admire The Art At The Augustinermuseum

This modern museum located within a renovated former Augustinian monastery houses an amazing collection of medieval art, including original windows and statues from the cathedral. Sculptures, wood carvings, panel paintings, and an array of religious artifacts from the Middle Ages, plus paintings and graphics from more recent centuries, make for an impressive collection.

Pro Tip: Spend time with the Apostles, the stone sculptures from the cathedral. The display is very photogenic indeed.

Hike Up Castle Mountain

Schlossberg , or Castle Mountain, is a mountain that no longer has a castle. What is does have, however, is parkland and forest, great tracks to walk along, and absolutely stunning 360-degree views across Freiburg all the way to the Vosges Mountains.

Approximately 590 feet above the historic city center, there is a modern tower that offers even better views, plus a beer garden where you can take in the fresh air, the views, and the local brews.

Pro Tip: Take the cute Schlossbergbahn , a funicular railway, up to the top if you wish to conserve some energy. It is wheelchair accessible, too.

Where To Eat

A location between the Black Forest and France’s Alsace region, a mild climate that is perfect for vines, and a lush and fertile countryside that produces mostly organic seasonal produce are the makings of a fine gastronomic city.

Even if you were just to stick to the weekday market on the square, you would sample enough interesting food to last you a week. There are fruits and vegetables, cakes and breads, sausages and meats, wine and beer, and coffee, tea, and cold drinks. Add all the surrounding restaurants, and you’ll hardly have to move from the square at all.

Here are some of my top picks.

Restaurant Oberkirchs Weinstube

Right by the cathedral, this old-fashioned, traditional restaurant offers seasonal and local specialities. Especially during asparagus season, it is well worth sampling the menu and the local wine.

Confiserie Rafael Mutter

For great coffee and something sweet to go with it — be it chocolate, cake (Black Forest gateau!), or biscuits — look no further than Confiserie Rafael Mutter .

Hausbrauerei Feierling

What’s better than to sit outside in a lovely location under the shade of tall trees with a cold beer and a snack? Not a lot, and that’s just what Hausbrauerei Feierling , a lovely beer garden attached to its own brewery, offers.

Markthalle Freiburg

Markthalle Freiburg is an indoor hall filled with food stands offering a culinary trip around the world. It’s easy, not too pricey, and has something for everybody, including plenty of local specialities.

Where To Shop

Shopping is an absolute delight in Freiburg. I must admit that I have traveled here before with a friend just to shop and eat. We ignored all the cultural and historic sights along the way and simply meandered down the cobbled streets, stopped at the countless boutiques, explored the upmarket department store, and enjoyed the cafes and restaurants in between.

Because of its compact size and multicultural influences, Freiburg is a great shopping destination. For the best selections, walk down Konviktstrasse and Schusterstrasse and through Little Venice.

In particular, don’t miss these stores.

Lust Auf Gut Concept Store

This quirky concept store selling clothes and knick-knacks and is just fun to explore.

Breuninger is a lovely fashion department store with good quality clothes. Worth a browse.

Where To Stay

Kreuzblume hotel & restaurant.

Right in the old town, in a traditional building, Kreuzblume is a charming little hotel with a restaurant attached.

Colombi Hotel

The Colombi Hotel is a great luxury choice for a stay in Freiburg, complete with plush suites, a day spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s within easy walking distance of the old town.

For more to see and do in Germany, see this page .

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

Jetsetting Fools

Travel Far. Discover More. Spend Less.

6 Fabulous Things To Do in Freiburg, Germany

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Freiburg, Germany is a fabulous destination – either as a day trip or a home base to discover more of the region. In fact, we were a bit surprised to find so many fun things to do in Freiburg, Germany – and now we are sharing our list to help fellow travelers discover all the sights, too. 

We were lured to Freiburg by the beautiful Black Forest but were equally excited about the historic places to see in Freiburg Old Town. Of course, a trip to Freiburg would not be complete without local fare, so we made room in our Freiburg itinerary to eat classic German food as well. 

Best Things To Do in Freiburg, Germany

The first time we heard of Freiburg, Germany was when we were housesitting in Basel, Switzerland . We were looking for an easy and entertaining day trip from Basel – one where we could enjoy the beautiful spring weather, see a few historic sights and have an affordable and delicious meal in a restaurant ( Basel is so expensive! ). Freiburg emerged as a suggested destination. On a sunny day, we traveled from Basel to Freiburg – and discovered 6 of the most fabulous Things To Do in Freiburg im Breisgau!

Freiburg: What To Do

Freiburg – locally called Freiburg im Breisgau – is a fantastic destination! Our list of things to do includes top Freiburg activities and sights that can be enjoyed in one day. At the end of the post, we include a helpful link to a Freiburg, Germany Map of Sights.

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Freiburg Visitors Guide so that you can access it as you plan your trip to Europe !

#1 Visit the Freiburg Munster

The Freiburg Munster – also Freiburg Minster or simply the Freiburg Cathedral – is officially called the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady and it sits at the center of the Freiburg Old Town. The incredibly detailed Gothic cathedral was built from 1200 to 1330 – and visiting the Cathedral should be at the top of your Freiburg to-do list. 

The spire reaches 380 feet into the sky and hanging inside are 19 bells (the oldest date to the year 1285). Although Freiburg was heavily bombed in 1944, the church suffered little damage. The church is open (and free); taking a look inside is one of the top things to do in Freiburg, Germany.

Freiburg Cathedral Market

The Munstermarkt – or Freiburg Market – takes place in the square surrounding the church, Munsterplatz. One of the free things to do in Freiburg is to peruse the market goods. 

Flowers, produce and hand-crafted toys are sold from stalls on both sides of the Cathedral.

On the north side of the church there a long row of vendors selling tasty German sausages.

While shopping – and eating – don’t miss the blazing red Historical Merchant’s Hall – one of the most beautiful buildings in Freiburg – on the south side of the square. 

The market in Freiburg is open every morning except on Sundays. 

#2 Explore the Freiburg Old Town

The city of Freiburg was established as a ‘Fortified Town of Free Citizens’ (a loose translation of the name Freiburg) in the year 1120. Although various rulers and wars have left their mark on the city, a preserved (and in some cases re-created) Old Town occupies the Freiburg center today. Exploring the ancient cobblestone lanes is one of the top Freiburg things to do.

Old Town Freiburg Sights

The historic Old Town is small and walkable, making Freiburg sightseeing simply enjoyable. During our visit we literally stumbled onto many of the Freiburg attractions, but we are listing the ones you really shouldn’t miss.

Freiburg Schwabentor

The Schwabentor Tower – or the Swabian Gate – has stood in Freiburg since the year 1250 as part of the city’s fortifications. The gate features a striking clock and two interesting paintings.

On the side of the tower that faces in towards town, there is a picture of a traveling merchant – and the image comes complete with a legend. According to the tale, a man came to Freiburg to buy the town with two barrels of gold. However, when he arrived, he found out his wife had taken the gold and filled the barrels with sand, leaving him to be ridiculed. 

On the outside of the tower facing away from the city is a painting of St. George, the Patron Saint of Freiburg.

Inside the Schwabentor Tower is a small museum, Zinnfigurenklause, that features small figurines. It is open in the afternoons, but is closed on Mondays. 

The Martinstor Tower – or Martin’s Gate – is another one of the remaining Freiburg city gates. It officially dates to the year 1238, but research proves that the beams are even older, possibly from the year 1202.

The tower no longer features a painting (it was removed in 1951), but there is a clock, a plaque commemorating the burning of three witches in 1599…and (the unfortunately unmissable) McDonald’s sign.

Freiburg Rathaus

In Freiburg, the Old Town Hall and New Town Hall sit next to each other on a pleasant square, Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square). The New Town Hall was built in the mid-1500s as a duplex house. It was used by the university for 300 years and in 1901 became the New Town Hall.

The bright red Old Town Hall has been owned by the city since the 14th century and features several coats of arms. Part of the famous Freiburg Christmas Market is held on Rathausplatz. (In fact, there are several fantastic European Christmas Markets that take place around the region!)

Augustiner Museum

Visitors looking for things to do in Freiburg on a rainy day can add the Augustiner Museum to their trip itinerary. The small museum is housed in an old monastery and features art works from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. There is a small fee to enter the museum.

Freiburg Bachle

One of the unusual things to do in Freiburg, Germany is to look for the Freiburg Bachle – which are man-made water channels. 

Running along the Old Town lanes, the narrow ditches of steaming water, known as Freiburg Bachle, date to the 13th century. The stream was diverted from the Dreisam River as a source of water to battle fires and provide drink for livestock (but thankfully never for sewage).

When the use for the bachle became obsolete, residents fought to keep the unique system of irrigation. Today, the water is said to keep the town cool in the summer. Kids play with boats in the bachle and, according to legend, anyone who steps in the water is destined to marry a local from Freiburg.

#3 Hike in the Freiburg Black Forest

Freiburg is nestled at the base of Schlossberg (or Castle Hill), a hill on the western edge of the German Black Forest – which means Freiburg hiking is only steps away from the historic Old Town.

The main Black Forest attractions include paved and dirt trails that crisscross through Schlossberg, leading to scenic viewpoints and castle remains. However, one of the best things to do in the Black Forest is hike to (and up) the Schlossbergturm, a 114-foot-tall observation tower that provides 360-degree views of the region.

Freiburg Old Town Hike to Scholossbergturm

We took a break from sightseeing Freiburg and started our Freiburg Black Forest Hike from the southwest corner of Schlossberg (near the Schwabentor Tower). Most of the trails were not marked, but there were picture plaques of the Schlossbergturm with arrows to guide our way.

From Old Town Freiburg, the one-way trek is about 1km and takes about a half hour (longer if you allow time for taking in the views from the two observation decks along the trail). 

I completed the hike in flip flops, which isn’t advised. If I had been wearing better shoes, we would have hiked more trails, as the Black Forest was one of our favorite places to visit in Freiburg!

More Things To Do in Freiburg Black Forest

Visitors who prefer not to hike, but still want to walk in the Black Forest, can take the Schlossbergbahn, a funicular railway that links the Old Town to the forest.

On the other hand, visitors who want a higher Black Forest experience can take the nearby cable car to the top of Schauinsland mountain. From the gondola, there are expansive views across the Rhine Valley. 

Freiburg Attractions for Nature

Other Freiburg places to visit for a dose of nature – without hiking the Black Forest from Freiburg – are Colombipark, Stadtgarten, Seepark and the Freiburg Botanical Garden.

#4 Stroll the Old Freiburg Cemetery

Although some may think visiting a cemetery is spooky, visiting the Alter Friedhof (Old Cemetery) is definitely one of the top Freiburg, Germany things to do. The cemetery was used for local burials from 1683 until 1872.

The gravestones range from simple and modest to detailed sculptures. Both the history and the art are what makes the cemetery one of the Freiburg tourist attractions.

We took our time strolling through the cemetery and looking for dates on the longstanding headstones. We noted how some were crumbling and covered in moss and other graves were in pristine condition.

While we were at Alter Friedhof, we noticed many locals enjoying the cemetery as a park by walking their dogs and having picnic lunches. 

#5 Drink Beer at a Freiburg Brewery

When in Germany, drink beer. When is Freiburg, drink Freiburg beer! It’s even better if you can drink it outdoors in a classic German beer garden. On our quick trip to Freiburg, we managed to sample Freiburg beers from three Freiburg breweries. Someone has to do it, right?

Hausbrauerei Feierling

Feierling Brewery first opened in 1877 near the current location on Augustinerplatz – and the brewmaster is a 4th generation Feierling. The beer is brewed in-house (tours are available), but the main feature of Hausbrauerei Feierling is the spacious and lively Biergarten.  

Ganter Brauereiausschank

The Ganter Brewery is a family-run business that was founded in Freiburg in 1865. The brewery, where they offer tours, is on the outskirts of town (which can be easily seen from the top of the Schlossbergturm) – or there is the Ganter Brewery Bar located on Munsterplatz where guests can get a taste of the classic Freiburg Beer in a wonderful setting.

Martin’s Brau

Martin’s Brew opened in 1989 in the Freiburg Markthalle. In addition to the standard beers produced at Martin’s Brau, they also make small-batch, seasonal specialties.

#6 Eat German Food

What goes best with German beer? German food, of course! And there are many Freiburg, Germany restaurants serving delicious, hearty German meals. Some of the menu items we were searching for while in Freiburg were Brezels (soft pretzels), Spatzle (noodle dish), Flammkuchen (thin pizza) and Sausages with Kraut.

What To Eat in Freiburg

We coordinated our sightseeing in Freiburg, Germany to be at the city center cathedral at lunchtime. We joined both tourists and locals for one of the locally famous ‘Lange Rote’ – a foot-long sausage served in a baguette with sautéed onions – from the food stalls on the north side of the church.

In the early evening, we snacked on brezels while sipping our beers, but were ready for dinner when we sat down at Martin’s Brau. Disappointed to see that Flammkuchen was not on the menu, we opted for the local Spatzle Freiburg-style (with bacon, onions and beer sauerkraut) and farmhouse sausages (because there is no such thing as too many sausages when in Germany) and it was delicious!

Freiburg Markthalle

For visitors who are less enthusiastic about traditional German fare, the Freiburg Markthalle is the place to go to eat international cuisine. With a food court atmosphere, guests can choose from dishes around the world.

Summertime Freiburg visitors can cool down with a sweet treat of ice cream. The best ice cream shop in Freiburg is Eiscafe Portofino, which has been dishing out fresh made scoops of ice cream since 1998. 

Top Tip: Looking for the best restaurants in Freiburg? Check out the reviews for Freiburg restaurants on TripAdvisor .

Freiburg, Germany Map of Sights

Use this link to Google Map to find all of our Top Things To Do In Freiburg, Germany on an online, interactive Freiburg map.

Top Travel Tips for your Trip to Freiburg, Germany

We have shared our top tips for what to see in Freiburg – but we have a few more important details for visiting Freiburg. 

Planning a Trip to Freiburg, Germany

Using our tips of Things To Do Freiburg, it is fairly easy to plan what to see and do in the city. That said, we offer more travel tips – like how to get there and where to stay – below. 

As you make your travel plans, you will need to keep track of all the trip details. We recommend using a travel planner – like our Trip Planning Printables  – to get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Germany. 

Tourist Information Freiburg

If you want more ideas of what to do in Freiburg for a day, make the Freiburg Tourist Information Office your first stop in the city. They offer a free Freiburg Tourist Map – or one that costs 1 euro and includes an outlined walking route along with Freiburg facts.

The Freiburg Tourist Office is located in the Old Town Hall on Rathausplatz. For more Freiburg tourist info, visit the official visitor website .

Freiburg, Germany Shopping

In addition to the things to see in Freiburg, there are also many places to shop. Coming from Switzerland, where prices are exorbitant, we spent some time at the shops in Freiburg where we could pick up a few items at a lower cost. However, since we were taking the Freiburg to Basel train rather than driving, we had to be sure we could carry it all home!

Best Time to Visit Freiburg

There are reasons to visit Freiburg in every season, but we have a few tips about what kind of weather you can expect throughout the year. 

Summer in Freiburg, Germany

Summertime is warm and wonderful! Visitors will be able to enjoy all of the outdoor activities – like strolling the old town, hiking the hill and drinking in outdoor beer gardens. But there is a chance of rain throughout the summer months – so be sure to bring a raincoat and travel umbrella . 

Freiburg in Spring and Autumn

The Freiburg shoulder seasons are spring and autumn – but we think it’s a great time to travel to Freiburg! The weather is cooler, but not cold – which we think is ideal for exploring (especially hiking). 

Wintertime in Freiburg

While it does get cold during the winter months, it can still be a fantastic time to visit Freiburg. In fact, one of the top things to do in Freiburg in winter is go to the fun Christmas markets. 

Top Tip: Use our tips for more of the Best Places for Christmas in Europe .

How to Get to Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. We took the Basel to Freiburg train (regional) and saved money by purchasing a Regional Day Ticket . The train from Basel to Freiburg, Germany took one hour (there is a faster Freiburg ICE train, but it is not included with the Regional Day Ticket). A visit to Freiburg can also be added on to a trip to Colmar or a Strasbourg, France itinerary! 

Freiburg Airport

Looking for an airport near Freiburg, Germany? The EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL) is the closest airport to Freiburg, Germany…and is located 29 miles away in Saint-Louis, France. Read our hints for finding the best fares on airline tickets and then hop on SkyScanner .

Freiburg Train Station

The Freiburg Train Station is located west of the Old Town (but within easy walking distance). Well-connected to other cities, day trips from Freiburg are easy to organize. Search schedules for Freiburg day trips to nearby cities:

• Freiburg to Basel by Train
• Freiburg to Colmar route Options
• Freiburg to Strasbourg travel Planner

Where to Stay in Freiburg, Germany

Visitors staying for longer than one day will find that there are many accommodation options of where to stay in Freiburg in – or close to – the city center. Use our tips for finding the best hotels and great Airbnb apartments at the best price before you book your trip!

Freiburg Hotels

Check to see if there are rooms available at these highly-rated hotels in Freiburg: Motel One Freiburg , Colombi Hotel , Hotel Oberkirch – or start searching for hotels on Booking.com .

What You Will Need for Your Trip to Freiburg, Germany

Whether spending one day in Freiburg or staying for an entire week, there are a few items you will want to have for your trip! We share more packing tips on our Travel Packing blog page. Need a Packing Checklist? Get a FREE checklist here ! 

The Right Shoes

Flip flops are fine for an Old Town Freiburg tour, but if you are planning on hiking the trails in the Black Forest, be sure to bring a good pair of travel shoes . 

Good Travel Camera

Freiburg, Germany is gorgeous! For your trip, upgrade to a real travel camera that takes exceptional photos. We always travel with our trusty Canon Rebel with an everyday 18-135mm lens . 

Travel Day Pack

Whether you travel with a backpack or suitcase , a good day pack is always a good idea. We like to use small backpacks to stow all our everyday travel items –  see this post where we share our top advice for the Best Travel Day Bags .

Start planning your trip to Freiburg, Germany ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page !

Visiting other top cities in Germany? We’re here to help! Read our detailed guides to Germany to easily plan your trip.

• Get our complete Guide to Berlin
• See the absolute Best of Munich
• Find all about What To Do in Frankfurt
• Use our top tips for Things To Do in Dusseldorf
• Don’t miss the historic sights of Dresden

We want to know : What are your tips for what to do in Freiburg, Germany? What sights and activities would you add to our list of things to do in Freiburg? Tell us in the comments!

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

Share This Story!

• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)