Freiburg im Breisgau

Written by Celine Fournier, Elsa Holm, Felix Schmidt, Finn Weber, Sandrine Simon
16/09/2025
Afternoon view of the historic clock tower in Freiburg, Germany, showcasing medieval architecture.
Horst Dreisbach, Pexels

Freiburg im Breisgau is a charming university city nestled at the edge of the Black Forest, offering a delightful mix of medieval history, a vibrant green ethos, and abundant outdoor activities. It enjoys a reputation as one of Germany's sunniest cities, providing a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.

The historic Old Town, with its car-free cobbled streets and inviting cafe-lined squares like Münsterplatz and Augustinerplatz, provides excellent opportunities to socialize. You will find a lively atmosphere in local beer gardens, traditional pubs, and breweries, which are popular spots for both locals and visitors.

Top 5 Things to do in Freiburg im Breisgau

One can explore historical landmarks, discover unique urban features, ascend hills for panoramic vistas, delve into art and culture, and experience local markets.

1. Freiburg Minster and Münsterplatz Market

At the heart of Freiburg's Old Town stands the magnificent Gothic Minster, a testament to centuries of architectural evolution. Visitors can appreciate the intricate stonework and stained-glass windows, and for those seeking expansive views, climbing the tower offers a sweeping panorama across the city and the Black Forest. Surrounding the Minster, the bustling Münsterplatz hosts a daily market, except on Sundays, where local vendors offer fresh produce, flowers, and regional specialties. Trying a 'Lange Rote' (a local long red sausage) from one of the market stalls provides an authentic taste of Freiburg's culinary scene.

Cost: Admission to the Minster is free. Climbing the Minster tower costs approximately €5. The market is free to browse, with costs varying for purchases.

Transport: Located centrally in the Old Town, this activity is easily accessible on foot from most city accommodations.

2. Explore the Bächle and Gässle

Wandering through the Old Town, one discovers the charming 'Bächle' – a network of narrow, water-filled channels that run alongside many of the cobbled streets, known as 'Gässle'. These unique waterways, dating back to the Middle Ages, were originally used for water supply and fire fighting. Today, they add a distinctive character to the city, with children often seen sailing toy boats in them. A local legend suggests that accidentally stepping into a Bächle means you will marry a Freiburger. Exploring these streams offers a relaxed way to experience Freiburg's historic charm.

Cost: Free.

Transport: Entirely within the pedestrianized Old Town, this activity is best explored on foot.

3. Ascend Schlossberg (Castle Hill)

Rising just east of the Old Town, Schlossberg offers a natural escape and stunning vantage points over Freiburg and the surrounding Black Forest. Visitors can choose to hike along various trails through the wooded slopes or take the Schlossbergbahn funicular for a quick ascent. At the summit, remnants of the old castle and an observation tower (Schlossbergturm) provide historical context and even more extensive views. A beer garden at the top offers a pleasant spot to relax and take in the scenery.

Cost: Access to the Schlossberg park and tower is free. The Schlossbergbahn funicular costs approximately €3.30 for a one-way adult ticket and €5.50 for a round trip. Children aged 6-14 pay around €2.20 one-way or €3.50 for a round trip.

Transport: The Schlossbergbahn valley station is located in the Stadtgarten, which is within walking distance of the Old Town. Alternatively, hiking paths can be accessed directly from near the Schwabentor gate.

4. Ride the Schauinslandbahn Cable Car

For an expansive Black Forest experience, one can take the Schauinslandbahn, Germany's longest gondola lift, up to the summit of Schauinsland mountain. The approximately 10-minute ride itself is an adventure, providing spectacular views of the Rhine Valley, the Vosges Mountains in France, and the vast Black Forest landscape. At the 1,284-meter summit, opportunities for hiking trails, exploring a mining museum, or simply soaking in the fresh mountain air abound.

Cost: A standard adult return ticket costs approximately €13.00, and a single trip is around €11.00. For children aged 6-14, a return ticket is about €9.50, and a one-way ticket is €7.50. Holders of a WelcomeKarte can enjoy free travel.

Transport: From Freiburg city center, take tram line 2 to Günterstal, then connect to bus route 21 which takes you directly to the Schauinslandbahn valley station. The journey typically takes around 40 minutes by public transport. A taxi ride would be approximately 11 minutes and cost between €29-€35.

5. Visit the Augustinermuseum

Housed within a beautifully converted former Augustinian monastery and church, the Augustinermuseum is a significant cultural institution in Freiburg. It showcases an impressive collection of German art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, with a particular emphasis on religious art and regional history. Exploring its galleries offers a deeper understanding of the area's artistic heritage and local cultural development.

Cost: General admission for adults is €8, with a reduced fare of €6. This ticket is also valid for same-day entry to all other municipal museums in Freiburg. Entry is free for individuals under 27 years old.

Transport: Situated on Augustinerplatz, the museum is conveniently located within the Old Town and is easily reachable on foot from various central points.

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