Summary
Surrounded by vineyards in Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg is a historic university city located on the periphery of the Black Forest. The Freiburg Minster should be your initial point of interest, as its Gothic architecture and impressive tower warrant appreciation from various perspectives.
This city is recognized as one of the most habitable in Germany, having pioneered the green movement during the 1970s. Today, Freiburg stands as a bastion for the Green party and is among the globe’s most sustainable cities. Additionally, it serves as a gateway to the Black Forest, where visitors can access a cable car from the southern part of the city to ascend Schauinsland Mountain, which rises to 1,284 metres above sea level.
Let us explore the notable attractions in Freiburg:
1. Freiburg Minster
Originating as a Romanesque church in the 13th century, Freiburg’s magnificent minster took another 300 years to reach completion.
Despite the extensive devastation inflicted on Münsterplatz during 1944, the minster emerged with little damage.
Describing the 116-metre tower as the most stunning in the world, Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt articulated an opinion in 1869 that remains widely accepted.
For three years following its completion in 1330, the tower held the title of the tallest in the world, characterized by its hollow structure adorned with intricate tracery and pinnacles.
The artistry exhibited on the façade is remarkable; the tympanum and archivolts adorning the portal feature 418 stone figures sculpted at the end of the 1200s.
Within, visitors can admire Hans Baldung Grien’s Renaissance altarpiece and ascend the tower to reach the viewing platform at a height of 70 metres.
2. Münsterplatz
Encircling the minster is a cobbled pedestrian square, flanked by historic monuments and hosting a daily market with the exception of Sundays.
The square suffered significant destruction from bombings in 1944; however, the Wentzingerhaus, situated at the square’s southern edge, survived with its integrity intact.
This late Baroque mansion, constructed in 1761 by painter, sculptor, and architect Johann Christian Wentzinger, now features a small city museum.
Moreover, the market presents 96 regional produce stalls on the northern side and 65 on the southern side, offering a variety of goods from exotic spices to handcrafted items.
At the foot of the minster, one can find snack bars providing freshly prepared fare, including the long, Freiburg-style wurst served in a toasted bun.
3. Historical Merchants’ Hall
On the southern side of Münsterplatz stands a stunning Renaissance structure originally designed as a market storehouse.
Its striking crimson facade and the decorative glazed tiles on its bay windows make it an unmistakable landmark.
This building, with crow-stepped gables and an arcade on the ground floor, dates back to the early 1530s.
The four statues located above the entrance balcony represent illustrious figures: the Holy Roman Emperors Maximilian I, Charles V, and Ferdinand I, alongside Philip I of Castile, the son of Maximilian I, who died before ascending to the throne.
Additionally, below the bay windows, the coats of arms of five dominions controlled by the House of Habsburg are prominently displayed. These, along with the statues, were masterfully carved by the Renaissance artist Hans Sixt von Staufen.
4. Freiburg Bächle
No visit to Freiburg would be complete without encountering the quaint waterways that traverse the routes of the Old Town.
These channels, known as Bächle, originate from the Dreisam River.
First documented in the 1200s, these waterways served multiple purposes in medieval times, such as fire control, supplying water to local trades like tanning, but also functioned as open sewers.
The total length of this channel system reaches 15.5 kilometres, with 6.4 kilometres concealed underground.
Today, they serve as charming elements of the urban landscape and provide welcome cooling effects during summer months.
Legend has it that stepping inadvertently into one of these waterways may result in marrying a Freiburg local.
5. Augustiner Museum
Located on Augustinerplatz, a former Augustinian monastery has been repurposed into a sophisticated gallery showcasing art from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period.
The upstairs gallery features masterpieces by German Renaissance luminaries, including Matthias Grünewald, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Hans Baldung Grien, along with paintings from the Speyer Altarpiece by the Master of the Housebook.
The museum also exhibits original medieval stained glass from Freiburg Minster across two levels, in addition to an impressive collection of wooden medieval sculptures showcased on the upper floor.
Downstairs, the chancel of the abbey church is dedicated to Baroque sculptures, statuettes, paintings, and altars, showcasing meticulously carved figures aligned along the pillars.
6. Schwabentor
The more recent of Freiburg’s two medieval gates was constructed during the mid-13th century, strategically positioned near the oldest crossing on the Dreisam River.
This three-storey tower, built from red sandstone, is significant in the city’s architectural history.
Later additions, such as the staircase tower and half-timbered extensions, date from the 16th century.
On the town side, a captivating Baroque painting from 1672 depicts a merchant.
A legend ties this artwork to a tale of a merchant who attempted to purchase Freiburg using bags he believed contained gold, which his wife had replaced with sand and pebbles.
Above the keystone, on the city side of the arch, is a Romanesque carving depicting a Boy with Thorn, a motif accessible via Ancient Greek influences.
7. Schlossberg
Guarding Freiburg from the east is a 456-metre hill in the Black Forest.
This hill, Schlossberg, has been fortified since as early as the 1000s; however, remnants of these ancient structures still capture intrigue.
Today, one of the main attractions is the funicular railway, Schlossbergbahn, established in 2008, which transports visitors from the base of the hill to the summit in a swift three minutes.
At the summit, visitors can ascend the Schlossbergturm, inaugurated in 2002, to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
If you follow the defensive lines to the southwest, there lies a scenic terrace at Kanonenplatz, providing vistas of a vineyard leading to the minster.
8. Rathäuser
The New Town Hall and Old Town Hall of Freiburg are located within the same compound on the charming Rathausplatz.
The Old Town Hall rests to the north, displaying Renaissance architectural features dating back to the late 1550s.
Above the clock, visitors can identify the double eagle emblem of the Holy Roman Empire, alongside coats of arms representing various ruling families throughout Freiburg’s history, adorning the gable’s outline.
Currently, the Old Town Hall houses the city’s tourist office, welcoming visitors for exploration.
Next door lies the New Town Hall, a space that amalgamates two Renaissance burgher houses interconnected by an arcade rather than forming a completely new structure.
At noon, visitors can enjoy the melodious chime of the glockenspiel located within the arcade.
9. Martinstor
The older of the city’s two gates, Martinstor, is located on the southwest side of the Old Town and has existed in various forms since 1202, with the first formal record documented in 1238. However, timber analysis indicates its origins are slightly earlier.
Initially serving as a key point in the Medieval fortification system, the gate became obsolete following the 17th-century redesign of the city’s ramparts by French military engineer Vauban.
The lower third of the gate’s tower remains original, while the upper levels were reconstructed in the early 20th century, culminating in a Late Gothic style roof.
A commemorative plaque on the city side of the entrance serves as a somber reminder of justice in the past, marking the execution of three women accused of witchcraft in 1599.
10. Haus zum Walfisch (Whale House)
This refined early Renaissance residence was commissioned by Jakob Villinger von schönenberg, who held the esteemed title of Grand Treasurer to the Holy Roman Emperor.
Dating back to the 1510s, this house hosted a number of distinguished individuals over the ensuing century.
Notably, the Dutch humanist Erasmus frequented the house between 1529 and 1531, while Emperor Ferdinand I utilized it around 1562-63. Furthermore, for fans of cinema, the Whale House is recognized as the filming location for the dance school featured in Dario Argento’s horror film Suspiria from 1977.
11. Mundenhof
Occupying over 38 hectares, Baden-Württemberg’s largest animal park offers a serene escape on an estate tracing its origins back to the 9th century.
Previously designated agricultural land, the Mundenhof has transitioned under city ownership over the last century into a recreational area that retains an aura of rural tranquility.
The zoo, inaugurated in 1968, distinguishes itself as a non-profit entity, granting free admission and relying on voluntary contributions.
It primarily houses native, domestic, and working animal species in open paddocks, but also features exotic inhabitants such as gibbons, macaques, brown bears, alpacas, llamas, yaks, emus, and ostriches.
A former stable has been repurposed into an aquarium and terrarium, while during the summer months, the park serves as a nesting site for storks.
12. Markthalle
Located a short distance from Martinstor, this vibrant culinary hub is best described as an international food court.
Over 20 stalls feature specialties from around the globe, enabling visitors to sample cuisines from Italy, China, Argentina, Japan, India, Brazil, and the Middle East.
Alternatively, one may opt for local flavors, such as Frikadellen (pan-fried meatballs) or Freiburg-style wurst while experiencing German hospitality.
The champagne bar contributes to a lively atmosphere on weekends, and the hall regularly hosts live music and DJ performances in the evening.
13. Alter Friedhof (Old Cemetery)
Upon the passing of Johann Christian Wentzinger in 1797, he bequeathed property to the city under the stipulation that his grave would receive eternal care within Freiburg’s Alter Friedhof.
This cemetery, active from 1683 to 1872, remains relatively undisturbed due to Wentzinger’s wishes.
Visiting this site provides both a cultural and natural experience amidst the peaceful surroundings on the northern edge of the Old Town.
Here lie numerous affluent and noble individuals from that era, with their tombs and gravestones epitomizing Baroque and Neoclassical artistry.
In addition to Wentzinger, historical figures such as Mirabeau’s brother, the father of 19th-century painter Anselm Feuerbach, and the daughter-in-law of Felix Mendelssohn can be found resting here.
14. Seepark
Covering 35 hectares in western Freiburg, the Seepark now stands as a thriving urban oasis, though it was once a gravel quarry less than 35 years ago.
The park developed incrementally from the early 1980s, serving as a central feature of Freiburg’s hosting for the 1986 Landesgartenschau (Federal Garden Show). Notably, one-third of the park consists of a scenic lake, complete with a jetty from which pedal boats can be rented during the summer months.
In 1990, a 3,600-square-metre Japanese garden was established to mark Freiburg’s partnership with Matsuyama.
The Seepark is also equipped with a viewing tower, a mini-golf course, and an eco-station for visitors’ enjoyment.
15. Schauinsland
Dominating Freiburg’s southern skyline is a mountain in the Black Forest, rising to 1,284 metres.
Located a mere ten kilometres from the Old Town, Schauinsland is a popular excursion destination, famed for its cable car.
The Schauinslandbahn, which is the longest cable car in Germany at 3.6 kilometres, features a vertical ascent of over 700 metres.
Typically, visitors will experience minimal wait times for a cabin, as the journey to the summit takes approximately 15 minutes.
This cable car operates year-round; however, it may be suspended in inclement weather.
From the peak, one can enjoy breathtaking views, facing west towards the rounded Vosges and south towards the rugged northern peaks of the Alps.
