The gateway to the Black Forest, Freiburg im Breisgau — simply called ‘Freiburg’ — is famously beautiful. Perched on the banks of the Dreisam River, this red-roofed city has a long history as an intellectual, religious and commercial centre for the Upper Rhine region. The iconic Freiburg Minster, parts of which date back 800 years, has drawn visitors to the city for centuries. It’s within sight of many of the best places to stay in Freiburg, and continues to delight the culture buffs and outdoor enthusiasts who flock to the area throughout the year.
Freiburg’s marvellous old town is appealingly walkable, and guided tours come highly recommended. Begin with the Gothic masterpiece that is the Freiburg Minster, and wind your way through narrow lanes lined with boutiques, cafés, taverns and houses. The Augustinermuseum, the Museum Natur und Mensch and the Planetarium Freiburg all house fascinating exhibits, whilst the charming Munsterplatz is ideal for a coffee and some people-watching in the sunshine.
This is reputedly Germany’s sunniest city, so there should be plenty of opportunity for riverside strolls, boat trips and cycle rides, as well as long, lazy lunches with Baden wines and craft beers. Many travellers see Freiburg as a springboard for adventures in the Black Forest, with hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching and climbing excursions within easy reach. The best places to stay in Freiburg are clustered around the old town, so we’d suggest returning to spend your evenings in the buzzy bars and eateries of its characterful streets — there’s superb regional fare to savour!
