Top Things to Do in Freiburg: Exploring Germany’s Sunniest City
With the enviable claim to fame of being Germany’s sunniest city, Freiburg is also one of its most eco-friendly destinations.
Ever since a protest by residents in 1975 halted the construction of a nuclear generator on nearby farmland, the city has been a beacon of sustainability and citizen-led action. From cycle paths to communal gardens, and from a town hall clad entirely in solar panels to a tangible enthusiasm for local produce and outdoor pursuits, everything in this youthful university town is done with a conscience.
Moreover, Freiburg showcases everything there is to love about Germany’s smaller cities, from brightly painted half-timbered houses lining a cobblestone square to rowdy breweries serving up full beer mugs and huge schnitzels, alongside ornate medieval gates guarding the walled city.
If you’re looking for a German getaway where it’s easy to manage your carbon footprint, look no further. Here are the top things to do in Freiburg.
1. Pedal Along the Dreisam
Freiburg is a paradise for cyclists, with more than 400km (250 miles) of dedicated bike paths that crisscross the town and its flanking forests and villages. In fact, with twice as many bikes as cars, you’ll feel like the odd one out if you don’t follow the lead of locals and saddle up. Rent a city bike using the convenient Frelo bike-share scheme, and drop it off at any of dozens of parking stations scattered throughout the Freiburg area (rates start from €1 for 30 minutes).
Look out for the blue bicycle logo that marks the route of the FR1, a dedicated bike highway that straddles the Dreisam River. Starting in the old town, the route sails past community gardens, the old football stadium, sculpture parks, the Mundenhof animal sanctuary, and plenty of street art. Take a pit stop at Cafe Extrablatt and enjoy their popular weekend buffet breakfasts or grab a coffee before continuing on your way.
2. Cheer on the Local Soccer Team at SC Stadium
Freiburg doesn’t take itself too seriously, until the local football (soccer) team runs onto the pitch. If you happen to be in town when SC Freiburg is playing, try to snag tickets to a game. It’s quite an experience – not only for the supercharged atmosphere, but also to check out the team’s admirable commitment to sustainability.
Germany’s first completely solar-powered football ground, Europa Park Stadium was completed in late 2021 after the Bundesliga club outgrew their old home ground. The 37,000 seat stadium is fitted out with charging spots for electric vehicles, e-bikes, and e-scooters, boasting almost 4,000 bicycle parking spots, with plans to become climate neutral.
If you can’t score tickets, don a red scarf and join supporters at local pubs like Heimliche Kneipe (Secret Pub) and O’Kelly’s Irish pub that attract a sporting crowd.
3. Fly High in the Schauinslandbahn Cable Car
Climb aboard the Schauinslandbahn, Germany’s longest loop cable car, and glide to the top of 1,220m (4212ft) Schauinsland – the name translates, appropriately, to “look into the country.” The 10-minute ride is breathtaking, but the views are even better from the top. Admire the panorama, visit the mining museum, or walk amongst the pines and soak up the fresh mountain air.
Adventure lovers can cruise downhill on the 8km (5 mile) off-road scooter track, one of Europe’s longest. When it’s time to warm up, there’s nothing better than cozying up near the crackling fire at Die Bergstation restaurant while savoring the superb snowy views of the Rhine Valley – fondue comes highly recommended.
4. Dip Your Toes in the Bächle
While wandering through the medieval old town, keep your feet dry to avoid marrying a local, according to local folklore. The watercourses to avoid are Freiburg’s “Bächle” – long, open runnels flowing with clean water along many of the town’s streets.
Originally serving as drainage in medieval times, these channels were preserved to reflect Freiburg’s long history. Most importantly, the flow of clean water from the Dreisam helps cool the urban microclimate, so don’t hesitate to slip off your shoes and dip your toes in the cool water. Who knows, it might lead to new connections!
5. Shop Sustainably in the Sedan District
You won’t find any of the big brands in this charming shopping district just south of the old town. Instead, the focus is on small-scale sustainable shopping. Order a coffee at Elephant Beans, where direct-sourced beans are roasted on-site, or grab a bite at social enterprise Strandcafe, where traditional recipes are prepared by refugees using organic regional produce.
For shopping, visit Glaskiste, a wholesome supermarket with a strict no-plastic policy for local produce. Nearby, beautiful organic clothing can be found at Zündstoff’s boutique.
6. Make Four-Legged Friends at Mundenhof
Animal lovers and families with kids will enjoy the Mundenhof animal sanctuary, set on 38 hectares of open greenery. Get close to over 30 species of free-roaming domestic animals, including camels, horses, goats, and cattle from around the world. The sanctuary also cares for endangered animals such as bison, long-tailed macaques, and gibbons.
Visitors can accompany keepers on daily feeding rounds from 2:30 PM from March to October, and kids will love the educational on-site petting zoo known as KonTiKi. All hay and grain for the animals are grown locally. Best of all, entry is free, though donations are welcome.
7. Sip Black Forest Wine in a Pop-Up Wine Tavern
Freiburg offers rich experiences for wine lovers. Local vintners produce wines in small batches that are hard to sell commercially, so they set up pop-up wine taverns in garages, cellars, and lounge rooms, serving their wine alongside simple German fare. However, these straussenwirtschaften (seasonal wine taverns) are only allowed to open for 16 weeks a year, with a big broom out front signifying their open status.
Join locals around April as they celebrate the start of spargelsaison (white asparagus season) – there’s no better place to try this delicacy than at Griestal-Strausse, a local winery just outside Freiburg. Outside of asparagus season, enjoy the kürbiscremesuppe (pumpkin cream soup) or the flammkuchen, a crispy, cheese-topped bread typical of the region.
8. Explore Vauban’s Utopian Society
Wandering through the progressive suburb of Vauban reveals a model of environmental consciousness. Notably absent are cars, replaced by communal green spaces. Houses in this area are low-energy, utilizing solar cells or woodchip-fuelled generators.
Additionally, you’ll find co-op supermarkets, organic cafés, charming playgrounds, and a community petting zoo. Look for rooftop gardens, food-sharing pantries, organic waste digesters, conflict-resolution workshops, and extensive bike paths. Decide if this is a glimpse into Europe’s sustainable future or a unique utopian dream!
9. Visit Freiburg’s Bustling Produce Market
At the heart of the city, Münsterplatz (Cathedral Square) is dominated by a 13th-century Gothic tower and the 11th-century Freiburger Münster, filled with a daily farmers market, except for Sunday. Exclusively featuring regional produce, the market proudly displays fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, cold meats, crafts, and flowers.
Don’t leave without trying the legendary lange rote (Long Red) – a crispy, 35cm (14in) pork sausage doused in mustard. Arrive early for a piece of the famous käsekuchen (cheesecake) from Stefans; just look for the bright yellow van.
10. Take in the Views from Schlossberg
No matter where you are in Freiburg, the mountains and forests rise majestically outside town, but the best view is from the top of the tree-covered hill known as Schlossberg (“Castle Hill”). Rest your legs and hop on the cable car for a three-minute ride to a cozy beer garden or hike to the summit, stopping for a refreshing German ale along the way.
At the summit, continue climbing an extra 400 steps to reach the observation tower, which offers panoramic views of the Black Forest, the Rhine plain, and the old town below. In winter, the trees are dusted with snow, whereas summer promises stunning sunsets. Each July, Schlossberg transforms into a grand stage with live bands and DJs during the annual Schlossberg Festival.
11. Get Wet to Cool Down or Warm Up in Freiburg
Regardless of whether you visit Freiburg in summer or winter, pack your swimsuit. When temperatures rise, join locals cooling off in the Dreisam river in the town center or dipping in the Opfinger or Dietenbachsee lakes, a short tram ride away.
When it’s too cold for outdoor pursuits, warm up in the therapeutic waters of Keidel Mineral Thermal Spa. The mineral-rich thermal water from a local spring rejuvenates while back and neck jets soothe tight muscles. Note, however, that the sauna is communal and nudity is customary, as is tradition in Germany. To avoid crowds, visit mid-week.
12. Raise a Glass to Freiburg’s Beer Brewing History
German beer is celebrated for its purity and flavor, thanks to the Reinheitsgebot, a historic beer law limiting brewers to four ingredients: malted grains, hops, water, and yeast. Experience the results at Ganter Brewery and Feierling Brewery, both operational since the 18th century.
Both breweries continue to be family-run, and a tour at Ganter offers insights into the balance of tradition and modern technology, concluding with a beer tasting and snacks in the beer garden. You’ll either be intrigued or bemused by the unique local brew, Weir – a half beer and half wine concoction. Prost!
