Learn About Freiburg

About Freiburg

Freiburg is located in the southwest corner of Germany where Switzerland and France meet. It is surrounded by the beautiful Black Forest mountains and is reputed to be the warmest city in Germany. Due to its scenic beauty, sunny climate and easy access to the Black Forest, Freiburg is a hub for regional tourism.

The city has many restaurants, bars and beer gardens to cater for its large student population. During the summer the grassy banks of the nearby Dreisam river are a popular location for barbecues and relaxation while the adjacent paved tracks are enjoyed by joggers, cyclists and inline skaters. On warm summer nights hundreds of students gather on Augustinerplatz (a popular square) to socialise and enjoy an open air alternative to bars and clubbing.

The city dates back to the 12th century when it was founded as a free market town, a result of its location as a junction point between important trade routes. At the centre of the old city is the Münsterplatz, the main square, which hosts a farmers’ market every day except Sundays. This is also the site of Freiburg’s Münster, an impressive gothic cathedral, constructed of red sandstone which was built between 1200 and 1530.

In 1992 Freiburg was designated the environmental capital of Europe and Freiburg is now rated number one in solar installations. The Green Party have a stronghold here and newly built neighbourhoods are developed with sustainability given a high priority. The citizens of Freiburg are known in Germany for their love of cycling and recycling.

Freiburg’s cyclists are well catered for with dedicated cycle lanes and an impressive cycle network. The city center also has an extensive pedestrian zone where no automobiles are allowed. The excellent public transit system and tram network is continually expanding.

Freiburg is also a famous center of academics and the city houses one of the oldest and most renowned German universities, The Albert Ludwigs University, which recently celebrated its 550th anniversary.

For further information the following links may be of interest:

The official Freiburg website (German)
Wikipedia: Freiburg
Fudder: Hip online magazine for Freiburgers (German)
Webcams in Freiburg and the Black Forest

Things to do checklist

 Visit the catedral and farmers’ market on Münsterplatz. Grab a Bratwurst with mustard while you're there.

 Follow the path up the Schlossberg and then savour the view with a cold Weizenbier.

 Amble or barbecue along the Dreisam river. Watch out for cyclists and speedy inliners!

 Order Flammkuchen or Schnitzel from a local restaurant.

 Reward yourself with coffee and a local speciality cake after exploring the Blackforest.

 Sample the excellent offering of the local white wines. If you're really lucky you might be around at harvest time for the wine tasting festivals.

 Join the crowds and enjoy locally brewed beer in the Feierling beer garden. A must on a late summer afternoon.

 For the energetic: hire a mountain bike and cycle up to Rosskopf. It's no walk in the park but the view and downhill return trip make it well worth the effort.

 Visit the foreign food market. (Yes, more food!)

 In December drink hot mulled wine in the evening at the Christmas market.

 Laze around the Augustinerplatz with the students and in the evening and keep your eyes peeled for the friendly man who sells booze from his beer bike.

 Go clubbing and suss out the local talent. Check out fudder.de to find out where the action is. My tip: Waldsee on a Monday night (except during school holidays).

 In winter, hire a snowboard, ski’s or sled and carve the Feldberg slopes.