Freiburg (Germany) is located in the south-west of the country, namely in the Baden-Wurtenberg region. Also, the village is the capital of the Black Forest. Due to its favorable geographical location, Freiburg is called the jewel of Germany, because it was built on the edge of a picturesque natural area with beautiful landscapes and clean mountain air, but in addition to the beauties of nature, there are also many interesting sights, as well as a huge selection of pubs and restaurants.
general information
First of all, you need to deal with the name of the city. The fact is that on the world map there are several settlements with the same name – in Lower Saxony and in Switzerland. In order to avoid confusion, the German city is usually called Freiburg im Breigssau (there is a settlement in the district of Breigssau).
The city is surrounded by picturesque vineyards, and nearby – at the junction of three countries – is the Black Forest.
Interesting fact! Freiburg is recognized as one of the most comfortable settlements in Germany. Locals easily go shopping in France, and on vacation – to the resorts of Switzerland.
By the standards of European cities, Freiburg is a city with a rich history, because it was founded at the beginning of the 12th century, as well as a large number of legends, according to one of them, the inventor of gunpowder Bertold Schwartz lived here, and they also say that it was in Freiburg that the famous Black Forest dessert was invented and Cuckoo-clock.
Features of the city of Freiburg in Germany:
- half an hour from Basel in Switzerland and from Mulhouse in France;
- Freiburg received the status of a student city, because there are reputable educational institutions all over the world, which annually take thousands of students to study;
- the old city center has a special charm and atmosphere, it is nice to walk here;
- the city borders on beautiful nature – you can spend hours walking in the forest;
- You can come to Freiburg throughout the year, since it is the warmest city in Germany – the average annual air temperature is +11 degrees (in winter, the thermometer does not drop below +4 degrees);
- in spite of the fact that the official language in the city is German and they speak it in public places, the original dialect is widespread among the local population, which is difficult to understand.
Interesting fact! Freiburg is considered one of the safest cities in Germany.
Historical reference
The official foundation year of Freiburg is 1120, but the first settlements appeared on this territory a century earlier. The area attracted people, primarily silver mines. Very quickly, the settlement became a wealthy city, and in the 14th century became part of the Habsburg possessions. At the end of the 15th century, Maximilian I spent in the village of the Reichstag.
During the Thirty Years’ War, the city was occupied by the Swedes, after which the French claimed Freiburg, only after the Vienna Congress did it become part of Baden. Since the second half of the 19th century, Freiburg has acquired the status of the main city in the south-west of Germany.
Interesting fact! During the Second World War, the northern part of Freiburg suffered the most.
Today, walking through a successful, prosperous city in Germany, you are unlikely to think that its history is full of bloody facts, during which its population was reduced to 2 thousand people. The city was restored by the efforts of residents and today more than 3 million tourists come here annually who are attracted by: mild climate, thermal springs, coniferous forests, beautiful nature and, of course, attractions. Perhaps travelers are attracted by the spirit of freedom, because for a long time the city was considered the focus of liberalism, because Erasmus of Rotterdam, a famous humanist, lived here for a long time. The influence of this man was so strong that it was in Freiburg for the first time that a university student became a woman.
Freiburg landmarks in Germany
The main attraction of Freiburg is the cathedral dating from the 12th century, decorated in the Romano-Germanic style. It is noteworthy that the construction survived during the war years. Traditionally, most of the sights have been preserved in the central part of the city – this part of Freiburg most fully reflects the history of Christianity, filled with unique sculptures, paintings and other objects of art. Another integral object of the city’s appearance is the university, and Martinstor and the Town Hall are also a symbol of Freiburg.
Interesting fact! In 2002, an observation deck was opened for tourists on Mount Schlossberg, with a view of the whole city.
You can walk for hours in the central square of Freiburg, enjoying the ancient architecture. The name of the central part of the city is associated with the Münster Cathedral – the tallest temple in Germany. By the way, admission to the cathedral is free.
For many centuries, there has been a market on the square, and retail shops have been established. Trade is conducted from Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday, nothing prevents you from admiring the architecture of Munsterplatz.
The attention of tourists is attracted by the red building – Historic Trading House. The facade of the building is decorated with sculptures, four arches, bay windows. The building dates from the 16th century. Earlier, customs, financial and administrative organizations were located here. Today, the building hosts official receptions, conferences, and concerts. At customs, the first department store was opened. The trading house is considered the most beautiful building in Freiburg.
Practical information! For walks, choose shoes with massive soles, because it’s quite difficult to walk over the area paved with stones.
Freiburg Cathedral in Freiburg im Breisgau is a vibrant landmark that is impossible to miss. It is included in the list of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. Everything is original and unusual in this cathedral – style, confession, the highest level of preservation in Germany. Construction work began in the 13th century, immediately after Freiburg gained city status, and lasted three centuries. Accordingly, the appearance of the cathedral reflected all the changes that took place in architecture during this time.
It is noteworthy that in a large German city, the Catholic church became the main religious building, this is due to the close location of France, where most of the population were Catholics.
Interesting fact! The attraction survived all the wars that took place in the region.
The building looks beautiful from the outside, but inside it is no less amazing. The decoration was preserved during the period of the 15-16 centuries – altar paintings, unique paintings, tapestries, carvings, stained glass. Another amazing detail of the cathedral is the bells, there are 19 of them in the temple, the oldest ones date from the 13th century. The main bell of the cathedral has been ringing for 8 centuries. Also in the cathedral, concerts of organ music are regularly held.
Practical information:
- Address: Munsterplatz, Freiburger Munster (accessible only on foot, since the cathedral is surrounded only by pedestrian streets;
- work schedule: from Monday to Saturday – from 10-00 to 17-00, Sunday – from 13-00 to 19-30 (it is prohibited to visit the church during the hours of the services);
- ticket price depends on the places chosen for visiting, detailed information on the cathedral website;
- official website: freiburgermuenster.info .
The attraction in Freiburg im Breisgau is located a few kilometers from Freiburg and occupies 38 hectares. This is not just a park, but a natural area where animals from all over the world freely live, relict trees are also collected, paths convenient for walking are equipped. The zoo is contact, with some animals, visitors can chat closer – pet, feed, take pictures.
Next to each aviary is detailed information about each animal. In addition to aviaries, an aquarium and recreation areas, there is also a restaurant.
Good to know! Entrance to the park-zoo is free, you will have to pay 5 € for a parking space and, if you wish, leave a charity contribution.
It is this mountain that dominates the city and it is not surprising that an observation deck was equipped here. There is a mountain in the forest and is part of the Black Forest. Here locals like to spend time and walk, organize picnics, go for jogging and ride bicycles.
Climb to the observation deck (located at an altitude of 455.9 m) can be on the stairs, serpentine road or bridge. You will meet restaurants and cafes along the way. A bridge connects the mountain with the city center.
Good to know! The southern part of the mountain is steeper, vineyards that existed before the foundation of the city are still preserved here.
Visiting the observation deck is free, in narrow sections of the stairs it can be difficult to miss each other with tourists who go down. There are benches along the way, there are several equipped platforms made of ropes.
Freiburg Brooks or Behle – another attraction and symbol of the city. Water drains have existed in Freiburg since the Middle Ages. Such streams can be found on most streets and squares of the city, their total length is 15.5 km, of which almost 6.5 km are underground.
Interesting fact! The first mention of Bahle dates back to 1220, but many historians and archaeologists have come to the conclusion that they existed a hundred years earlier.
Previously, streams were used as drains and for household needs, but today they maintain a pleasant climate in the city. According to one legend, if someone accidentally wash their feet in a stream, they will be obliged to marry or marry a local resident.
The old market, located in the city center (do not confuse with the area where trade is actively conducted). Today, the market has been converted into an open-air restaurant. Of course, if you prefer absolute comfort with serving dishes, helpful waiters, then you might not like it here. But if you like socializing, you can eat while standing and take away the dishes, be sure to visit this attraction in Freiburg.
Here you can try dishes of Italian, French, Thai, Brazilian, Oriental, Mexican, Brazilian, Indian cuisine. There are also bars and fruit shops in the food court.
Good to know! In fish shops, tourists choose oysters or shrimp on their own and they are immediately cooked in front of the client.
Both the locals and tourists who have already visited Freiburg are advised to visit the Augustinian monastery. The building was built more than 700 years ago and to this day the ancient parts of the structure have been preserved. Today in the monastery is a museum dedicated to the order, the history of the region and religious art.
Interesting fact! The attraction was built on a salt road; salt was transported along it.
During its existence, the monastery was reconstructed several times, repaired, and its appearance changed.
The museum’s collection is mainly represented by religious exhibits – an altar, paintings, carved objects, sculptures, a collection of books, silver and gold objects. The exhibits cover the period from the 8th to the 18th century. The museum is considered one of the most interesting and vibrant in the region.
Practical information:
- Address: Freiburg, Augustinerplatz, Augustinermuseum;
- You can get there by tram number 1 (stop Oberlinden);
- work schedule: Monday – day off, from Tuesday to Sunday – from 10-00 to 17-00;
- ticket price – 7 €;
- official website: freiburg.de .
Food in the city
If you can’t imagine a trip without going to a restaurant, you will definitely enjoy Freiburg. A huge number of bars, pubs, restaurants are open here, where both authentic and international cuisine is presented. You can visit the restaurant of Italian, Japanese, French cuisine. There are institutions specializing in healthy eating – they are prepared from fresh vegetables and fruits, they use only environmentally friendly products.
Separately, it is worth highlighting the numerous pubs that serve delicious beer prepared according to traditional or original recipes.
German restaurants traditionally serve meat dishes, potato treats, hearty first courses. Of course, not without sausages and sausages. In Freiburg, bakeries and pastry shops are common.
Food prices in Freiburg:
- lunch in an inexpensive cafe – 9.50 €;
- dinner for two in a mid-level restaurant – 45 €;
- a meal in a series of fast food restaurants costs an average of 7 €.
Where to stay in Freiburg
If you come to the capital of the Black Forest, dozens of hotels, private hotels and apartments hospitably open before you. It offers travelers, both small establishments and large chain hotels, everywhere you will find professionalism, hospitality of the staff.
Prices for accommodation in Freiburg:
- rent a room in a hostel per day costs from 45 €;
- a night in a three-star hotel costs from 75 €;
- for one-bedroom apartments 5 km from the center you will have to pay from 70 €;
- about the same cost as an apartment in a four-star hotel;
- a room in an elite five-star hotel costs from 115 €.
All prices on the page are for July 2019.
How to get to Freiburg
The nearest airport is in Basel, but the airports in Zurich, as well as Frankfurt, take much more flights. It takes just a few hours to get to Freiburg by rail. To travel by car, choose the A5 highway, and the most economical way to travel is by bus. In addition, it is easy to travel directly from Freiburg by train to Zurich, Paris, Milan and Berlin. In total, direct communication Freiburg is connected with 37 settlements both in Germany and outside the country.
The most convenient way to get to Freiburg is from Stuttgart and Frankfurt.
The distance between settlements 200 km, it can be overcome in several ways: by train, bus, taxi.
- By train
- By bus
- Taxi
- By train
- By bus
- Taxi
From the airport terminal in Stuttgart to the railway station, it is easy to get by electric trains S2, S3, the first flight at 5-00 daily. Then you need to buy a ticket to Freiburg, there are no direct flights, so you will have to make a transfer to Karlsruhe. The first train leaves at 2-30 daily. The road with a change takes from 2 to 3 hours.
Between the cities there are high-speed trains. For information on flights and departure times, check out on the official Raileurope railway website. Buy tickets online or at the box office.
Flight routes depart from Stuttgart daily from 5-00 from the airport terminal, bus station or train station. Services are provided by several carrier companies: Flixbus and DeinBus. The journey takes three hours. Compared to traveling by train, the bus has an obvious advantage – a direct flight.
The way to travel is expensive, but comfortable and around the clock. If you decide to use the shuttle, the journey will take 2 hours 15 minutes.
You can order a car directly at the airport upon arrival or in advance on the online service.
The distance is about 270 km, it can also be overcome by train, bus, taxi.
Flights depart from the main railway station, the journey takes 2 hours 45 minutes (the duration of the trip depends on the type of train). Frequency of flights – 1 hour. If during the trip you want to visit other cities, choose a route with a change in Mannheim.
If you do not want to get to the central train station, use the station, which is located directly in the airport building. Direct flights depart from here to Freiburg with a frequency of 1 hour.
Regular buses depart from the airport, train station or bus station, so be sure to check the departure station when buying a ticket. The first flight is at 4-30, tickets are sold online or at the box office. The road takes 4 hours.
Traveling by taxi takes 2 hours 45 minutes. The method is quite expensive, but if you fly to Frankfurt at night or have a lot of luggage, this is the best choice.
Freiburg (Germany) is a busy campus with a rich history and interesting sights. A special atmosphere of youth and the Middle Ages reigns here.
Slow motion on the streets of Freiburg:
