Posted by With over 200,000 inhabitants, Freiburg is by far the largest city near the Black Forest after Karlsruhe. The University of Freiburg, right in the city center, is one of the largest and most important universities in southern Germany. Freiburg im Breisgau is a city with many young people and a left-liberal flair. The city was and is a pioneer in the eco-movement. Freiburg was the first major German city to have a green mayor. Furthermore, Freiburg is one of the warmest cities in Germany. An above-average number of rich and famous people have made Freiburg their adopted home. The biggest problem in Freiburg is the lack of housing and the resulting high rent prices.
Best city tour Freiburg: “Gässle, Bächle und mehr” is a great city tour with a guide. You can see the old town with its famous alleyways and streams, the famous cathedral and much more. Daily 1-2 times. Bookable online at Getyourguide for just 12 euros in 2023: More info and booking
Image: © reises – Fotolia.com
Sights in Freiburg
The most striking and largest building in the city centre is Freiburg Cathedral. The largely Gothic building was completed around 1513 after more than 300 years of construction. The Minster tower can be climbed (opening hours daily 9:30 am to 5 pm, Sun only from 1 pm, 1.50 for adults). From the top you have a great view over Freiburg and parts of the Black Forest. The interior of the cathedral is also worth a visit (free admission). Freiburg Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Germany.There is a large market on Münsterplatz during the week with souvenirs, fruit and vegetables, etc. At many stalls you can also buy the famous Freiburg bratwurst “Lange Rote” (around 3.30 euros in a roll in 203) >>> Our article about the church
Around the cathedral is the centre of the city. A very extensive pedestrian zone stretches over almost the entire city centre. Freiburg is a shopping city, practically all the big chain shops and department stores are represented. Another striking building in the city is the New Town Hall (see picture below). No less interesting is Freiburg’s Old Town Hall, which is not far away. Some of the city gates such as the Schwabentor and the Martinstor are also among the architectural highlights of the metropolis in Breisgau.Freiburg’s main shopping street is Kaiser-Joseph-Straße (often simply called Kajo). The shopping and pedestrian zones are large and there are many small shops. Our tip for international food are the stalls in the great market hall. >>> Our article about the city center
Large parts of the city centre between the main railway station and Münster are dominated by the university. About 20,000 students are enrolled at the Albert Ludwig University. Freiburg is said to be the only major German city where more people travel by bicycle than by car. The second important means of transport is the tram. Several lines run with frequent departures in the city centre. Also, the solar industry is one of the city’s most important employers. All this together makes Freiburg a “Green City”.
Best city tour Freiburg: “Gässle, Bächle und mehr” is a great city tour with a guide. You can see the old town with its famous alleyways and streams, the famous cathedral and much more. Daily 1-2 times. Bookable online at Getyourguide for just 12 euros in 2023: More info and booking
Freiburg also has a lot to offer in terms of culture. The Stadttheater (also often simply called Theater Freiburg) opposite the university is considered one of the best in Baden. The modern concert hall (not far from the main railway station, picture below) is known far beyond the city limits. The huge building can also be used for other large events such as conferences.
Directions to Freiburg
The city lies on the ICE route Mannheim – Basel. Several train and bus routes to the Black Forest also start in Freiburg. For quite a few tourists, Freiburg is the gateway to the Black Forest. The famous Höllentalbahn connects Freiburg through the Black Forest with Donaueschingen. The Dreisseenbahn runs from Freiburg into the Upper Black Forest to Lake Titisee and Lake Schluchsee. Other railway lines connect Freiburg with the northern Black Forest.
Of course, you can also drive to Freiburg by car. Parking in the city centre is easiest in the multi-storey car park. Not badly located is the multi-storey car park under the main railway station (about 1.80 euros per hour).
Of course, you can also rent a bicycle at the station. If you only want to look around the city centre, you can also walk. It is not too big.
Public transport in Freiburg is excellent. There are cheap day tickets for trams and buses).
Best city tour Freiburg: “Gässle, Bächle und mehr” is a great city tour with a guide. You can see the old town with its famous alleyways and streams, the famous cathedral and much more. Daily 1-2 times. Bookable online at Getyourguide for just 12 euros in 2023: More info and booking
The Bächle are well known in Freiburg. Open water pipes from the Middle Ages. To this day they flow in almost all the streets of the old town. In total there are almost 15 km of streams in Freiburg’s city center.