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Freiburg Voyage Tips and guide

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Freiburg im Breisgau is a city in the southwest of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, at the edge of the Black Forest on the Dreisam river. As of 2024, with a population of approximately 237,000, it is known for its high number of sunshine hours compared to other German cities.


Understand

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Founded in 1120, Freiburg's historic center (Altstadt) contains medieval and Renaissance architecture. It has been a university town since 1457, home to the Albert Ludwig University. The city is a center for solar energy research and sustainable urban development, most notably in the Vauban district, which was developed on a former military site with a focus on low-car traffic and energy-efficient housing.

Freiburg has a charming old town

Freiburg is in the "Dreiländereck" (Three-Country Corner), near the borders of France and Switzerland. It shares the EuroAirport with Basel (Switzerland) and Mulhouse (France). When booking transport, it is important to distinguish Freiburg (im Breisgau) from Freiburg (an der Elbe) in Lower Saxony, Fribourg in Switzerland, or Freiberg in Saxony.

For a taste of future-oriented contemporary Freiburg, visit the district of Vauban famous for its focus on sustainability

Local culture is influenced by its history as part of the historical territory of Baden. The city serves as a regional hub for the southern Black Forest and the nearby Kaiserstuhl wine region.

  • Tourist information office, Rathausplatz 24. M-F 08:00–18:00, Sa 09:30–17:00, Su 10:30–15:30. It provides physical maps, brochures on hiking trails, and information on the KONUS guest card.

Get in

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By plane

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The EuroAirport serves Freiburg

You will most likely arrive in Freiburg by traveling via Frankfurt Airport (FRA IATA) or Zurich Airport (ZRH IATA), both about a 2-hour train ride away from the city. Frankfurt Airport has frequent direct rail connections to Freiburg almost every hour from the Fernbahnhof. Follow the signs once you arrive and buy your ticket at the Deutsche Bahn Reisezentrum (DB Travel Center). Most trains travel directly through Freiburg, although a few require a train change. Booking ahead online can shave the train ticket from Frankfurt Airport considerably, although it requires use of the selected train. If your plane is late, you will have to buy a new ticket. A standard ticket from the DB office at the Fernbahnhof to Freiburg is €62. Most airlines serving Frankfurt will also offer rail&fly which gives you a highly flexible train ticket at rates usually not much higher than the cheapest discount tickets, but the airlines set the prices, so you might pay more or even get it for free.

The closest airport with a good selection of international destinations, though much less frequent than the major airports is the Euroairport Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg(EAP IATA, BSL IATA and MLH IATA). Buses run approx every 90 minutes from the French side of airport to Freiburg; see the schedule here. You can also transit by train through Basel.

Baden Airpark, situated between Karlsruhe and Baden-Baden, is another airport close to Freiburg, and it has some international flights from various cities operated mainly by Ryanair and Eurowings. It is a 40-minute train ride to the north of the city, but you will have to connect by bus at the train station, which will add extra time to your journey. You will need to plan ahead to make the trip easier, and Deutsche Bahn's website[dead link] can give you approximate connection times with bus services. Another possible airport is Stuttgart (STR), which has less convenient train connections but is much closer than Frankfurt.

By train

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Freiburg Hauptbahnhof

The 47.9976027.8422191 Freiburg Hauptbahnhof Freiburg Hauptbahnhof on Wikipedia (QFB  IATA) is close to the inner city. Frequent connections run to the north towards Frankfurt and south to Basel, with fast ICE trains leaving in each direction each hour. Again, planning ahead can get cheap fares of €29 each way. From the Hauptbahnhof, you have direct access to the Tram (Straßenbahn) which runs directly overhead the main station and offers an easy route into the city. The Hauptbahnhof is also within easy walking distance of the inner city and several good hotels. Main direct destinations include:

A single change can bring you to:

Local and regional trains can be good for day trips or for traveling to nearby cities. In the main station ask for the Ländertickets or the Regio-tickets. Such tickets can be used by a group of up to 5 persons in the RB, RE an S-Bahn trains as well as for local transport. They are a much cheaper alternative for a group of travelers going to cities nearby or going for a day trip.

By car

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Freiburg is connected to the German highway system via the A5, running along the Rhine Valley from south to north, starting at the Swiss border. It also is accessible through the Black Forest via the B31 (Ost). To France it takes about 30 minutes by car. To Switzerland it is about 40 minutes. Heidelberg is a 1½-hour car ride to the north, using the A5. Lake Constance is reachable in two hours via the B31.

By bus

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47.9956887.8404692 Freiburg central bus station

47.9804327.8242883 Freiburg Lörracher Straße

Freiburg is served by Flixbus. You will find direct international connections from Italy (Milan), Switzerland (Zurich, Berne, Geneva, Basel), France (Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg), Belgium (Brussels), Croatia (Zagreb), Slovenia (Ljubljana, Hungary (Budapest) and Austria (Vienna).

Get around

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A Combino tram of the VAG running across Freiburg greenery

The best way to get around Freiburg is by public transit and walking. Freiburg has an excellent, but slightly expensive, bus and tram (Straßenbahn) system. The tram system works all night on weekends and national holidays. There is also a suburban rail system that connects certain suburbs to the black forest.

(2026)

The public transportation network is operated by several companies, but ticketing is unified among the local RVF transportation association. Tickets can be used on all buses, trams & local trains in the area. The RVF area is divided into three zones on which the ticket price depends. A single ride is €2.50 for Zone A (Freiburg city area), €4.20 for Zone A/B and €5.90 for Zones A, B, and C. You can buy a pack of 8 tickets for €18 valid within Zone A from the VAG Pluspunkt shop, located near the Martinstor downtown. In the shop you can also pick up tickets using a point system; 20 points costs €16 and in each direction you will use 3 points in Zone A, 5 points if you cross into Zone B, and 7 points if you cross into Zone C. You will most likely only use the tram and bus systems in Zone A for the majority of your stay. If you come for a short stay or a weekend, buy a Regio 24 which will give you 24-hour unlimited travel within Zone A for one person for €7 and up to five people for €14. The Regio 24 is also available for 2 or 3 zones. These cards will allow you to use all of the public transport within Freiburg, and also take the DB Regio trains that service the greater region free charge. Timetables and tickets can be found on the VAG Freiburg website[dead link].

Biking is the mode of transportation of choice in Freiburg

Biking is another convenient way of getting around, and Freiburg's sidewalks and streets have dedicated bike lanes. Many of Freiburg's citizens use their bikes and you can easily get a real feel for the city this way. Bikes can be rented at various shops, the most convenient for tourists being the Mobile at the main railway station (Hauptbahnhof). In May 2019 the public bike-sharing scheme "Frelo" started with 400 bikes at around 50 stations. There are 3-day passes for €3 available which allows you to ride the first 30 min for free.

Most of Freiburg's important sights are situated close to each other in the inner city. You can cross the inner city by walking in about 10–15 minutes or by riding the tram. Although passengers are rarely controlled, riding without a valid ticket (Schwarzfahren or "Black riding") incurs a €60 fine! Passengers without tickets have been witnessed being forcibly restrained and removed from the train. The same applies for regional trains, which are controlled about 25% of the time. Those repeatedly caught without a valid ticket can face court orders, as it is considered a criminal offence.

If you have rented a car or drive to Freiburg, you will be able to quickly access most areas with your car. Be aware that parking is relatively expensive but there are many garages available where you can park and then walk to nearby destinations. The city of Freiburg is a Low emission zone (Umweltzone). This means all cars - and yes that includes electric cars - driving in the city need a badge (Feinstaubplakette) indicating their pollution category. In the pedestrian zone bike riders must walk their bikes during daytime on weekdays.

Detail of the Muenster

See

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One of the Baechle at sunset
  • 47.995577.85291 Freiburg Minster (Münster Unserer Lieben Frau), Münsterplatz 1, +49 761 208 59 63, . M-Sa 10:00-17:00; public holidays and Su 13:00-19:30. The cathedral is Freiburg's biggest sight in the city, one of the oldest and most beautiful in all of Europe. The gargoyles are not to be missed - be sure to study every corner of the Munster. Make the effort to climb to the top of the tower for the fabulous views (€5) - the entrance is to the side and the cashier is at the top of about 200 stairs. Guided tours are offered, but check the website for more details (also check to see when the cathedral is closed to the public). M-F mornings until 13:00 and Sa until 13:30, there is a market on the square surrounding the church. Visit on Saturday morning, as it then will be the biggest and nicest. Vendors are pleasant and sell local produce and goods. Buy a Bratwurst mit Brötchen (Bratwurst in a bun) or Currywurst for around €3.50. It will be an inexpensive, authentic, and delicious lunch or snack. Freiburg Minster on Wikipedia Freiburg Minster (Q250212) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • Freiburger Bächle. Small canals crisscross the streets of the inner city. These canals were once meant as a way to fight fires in medieval Freiburg. The locals say that if you accidentally fall or step into one, you will marry a Freiburger. Freiburger Bächle on Wikipedia Freiburg Bächle (Q465753) on Wikidata
  • 47.992927.854262 Schwabentor. One of two remaining old city gates. The gate is beautifully decorated, including with a large picture painted by Matthias Schwäri in 1572. Schwabentor (Freiburg im Breisgau) on Wikipedia Schwabentor (Q2252613) on Wikidata OSM directions
The Martinstor, with a small McDonald's sign
  • 47.993697.848933 Martinstor. The other old city gate, which is well known locally for the McDonald's next door which has placed its logo on the gate. Martinstor on Wikipedia Martinstor (Q328965) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 47.9957.852674 Historical Merchants' Hall (Historisches Kaufhaus). Located on the square surrounding the Muenster. Historical Merchants' Hall (Freiburg) on Wikipedia Historical Merchants' Hall (Q1520195) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 47.99647.84925 Altes Rathaus. It has the tourist information desk. de:Rathaus_(Freiburg_im_Breisgau) on Wikipedia Rathaus (Q2132439) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 47.996127.8496 Neues Rathaus. de:Rathaus_(Freiburg_im_Breisgau) on Wikipedia Rathaus (Q2132439) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 48.01067.81897 Seepark Betzenhausen. A man-made lake and a popular escape from the urban housing estate of Betzenhausen. Complete with beer garden and a restaurant, Seepark is popular with families and those planning a walk around the stunning green-belt area. Seepark Betzenhausen on Wikipedia Seepark Betzenhausen (Q2265460) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 48.00937.85738 Botanic garden (Botanischer Garten). Daily 08:00-18:00; greenhouse: M-Th 12:00-16:00, Su and holidays 14:00-16:00. Freiburg Botanical Garden on Wikipedia Freiburg Botanical Garden (Q328848) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 48.0252787.8841679 Zähringen Castle. In the north of Freiburg, in the district of Gundelfingen, the ruins of the old ancestral castle of the Zähringen family (Freiburg was founded by Konrad von Zähringen) can be found in the forest. There is a restaurant in the immediate vicinity. Zähringen Castle on Wikipedia Zähringen castle (Q29125) on Wikidata

Museums

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  • 47.993827.8527810 Augustinermuseum. The visual art and sculpture collection includes works by Lucas Cranach the Elder, Anselm Feuerbach, Hans Baldung Grien, Matthias Grünewald, the Master of the Housebook, Hans Thoma, and Franz Xaver Winterhalter. There is also a sculpture hall with four-metre-high stone prophets from Freiburg Cathedral, a church organ from Welte & Sons with an exterior from the 1730s, and a library of art and cultural history. Free for students. Augustiner Museum on Wikipedia Augustiner Museum (Q542932) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 47.992787.852311 Museum fuer Neue Kunst (Museum of Modern Art). de:Museum für Neue Kunst (Freiburg im Breisgau) on Wikipedia Museum of Modern Art (Q1954668) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 47.997757.8461312 Colombischlössle Archaeological Museum. Tu 10:00–17:00; W 10:00–19:00; Th–Su 10:00–17:00.. The palace that hosts this museum was built in 1861. It displays archaeological finds from the region. Colombischlössle Archeological Museum on Wikipedia Colombischlössle Archeological Museum (Q329255) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 47.994937.8531313 Museum fuer Stadtgeschichte (Museum of City History). de:Museum für Stadtgeschichte (Freiburg im Breisgau) on Wikipedia Museum of City History (Freiburg-im-Breisgau) (Q1954675) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 47.993337.8516114 Naturmuseum (Museum of Natural History). de:Museum Natur und Mensch Freiburg on Wikipedia Museum Natur und Mensch (Freiburg im Breisgau) (Q1970389) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 47.9929677.8540615 Zinnfigurenklause (Tin Figure Museum), Schwabentor, 79098. A small museum inside the Scwabentor Gate showing off impressive historical tin figure dioramas. €2. OSM directions

Do

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Schlossbergturm observation tower
  • 47.997497.867552 Hike up the Schlossberg (The footway starts close to Schwabentor). On the way up there is a beautiful square called "Kanonenplatz". The view there is nice, but it is still recommended to struggle a bit more uphill to reach the observation tower called the 47.995077.861951 "Schloßbergturm". It takes about 15 minutes from the old city and offers you an amazing view of the Black Forest, Freiburg, the Kaiserstuhl and the Vosges mountain range in France. Aussichtsturm Schlossberg on Wikipedia Schlossberg Tower (Q317922) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 47.997157.857423 Schlossbergbahn, Am Schlossberg 1. Another way to get to the top of Schlossberg is to ride this mountain funicular. €5 return, €3 one way. OSM directions
  • 47.911987.898594 Schauinsland. Take the Tram 2 then bus 21 to the Schauinsland cable car. At the top great views as far as the Swiss Alps await you. It doesn't run in bad weather. It's also possible to hike up Schauinsland from the start of the Schauinslandbahn Station. But make sure that the weather is forecasted to be good, and allow 3 to 5 hours for the uphill climb, and around 1 to 2 hours for climbing down. Schauinsland on Wikipedia Schauinsland (Q650549) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 47.9933197.8527615 [formerly dead link] Have a beer at Feierling, Gerberau 46 (just off Augustinerplatz), +49 761 243480. M-Th 11:00-00:00; F Sa 11:00-01:00. Try the organic house beer at Feierling, an amazing fresh Inselhopf only available there. It's €2.90 for a small glass (0.3 L), and one can also purchase a 2L bottle for €10, which is €5 to fill at any time; you can take it home and bring it back as often as you want. The beer garden is nice in summer, and when the weather is good hundreds of people gather in nearby Augustinerplatz (many with the 2L bottles) to drink and socialize. €2.60-15. de:Hausbrauerei Feierling on Wikipedia (Q22671673) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 48.0102027.9025446 Borderline Trail (mountain bike downhill trail). Amongst mountain bikers, Freiburg is famous for being close to the Schwarzwald, but also for its own trails which have been installed and are maintained by an association. The first one starts very near the Rosskopf peak. Further information on the association's website. OSM directions
  • Football: 48.02127.82927 SC Freiburg, Achim-Stocker-Straße, +49 761 385510. They play soccer in Bundesliga, the top tier. Their home ground Europa Park Stadium (capacity 34,700) is 5 km south of city centre. The women's team play in their top tier at Dreisamstadion. SC Freiburg on Wikipedia OSM directions

Spa and massage

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  • Amakido Berührungskunst, Wöhler Str. 1, +49 761 59329841. Daily 09:00-22:00. Tantra massages, coaching and workshops for women, men and couples. Amakido's bodywork is based on the acceptance of all human aspects, as well as the affirmation of sensuality and sexuality as a life force. The Amakido team does not offer sexual services.

Learn

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The University of Freiburg is one of the most famous German universities. Founded in 1457, it attracts 22,000 students to Freiburg, giving it the flair of a student town. This is a good destination to study in Germany as an exchange student or for language classes. Additionally there are several other schools which contribute to the student image of the city. The biggest of these is the Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg, located in Littenweiler to the east of the city.

There is also a Goethe-Institut in Freiburg, where foreigners can learn German.

Farmer's market in Münsterplatz

Buy

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With both Kaufhof, Karstadt and a number of other stores, the Kaiser-Josef-Straße (KaJo) is the place to go shopping in Freiburg
  • As in most other German cities, the inner city is the place to go shopping. There you will find everything from H&M to shops selling Armani.
  • Two department stores and several other stores are located on Kaiser-Joseph Straße, with smaller independent shops in the many back-streets and alleyways. Outside of the city centre one can find several large supermarkets, such as Real, E-Center and Kaufland.
  • The large Farmer's market in the 47.99587.85261 Münsterplatz (Minster square). At the foot of the 'Münster' (Minster cathedral) is where Freiburgers buy their locally produced flowers, fruit and vegetables as well as enjoy a traditional 'wurst' (German sausage) as a snack. Every weekday (until early afternoon) and Saturday morning, the Münsterplatz is a bustling market of commerce. OSM directions
  • Grocery stores: Rewe is located at Fahnenbergplatz and in the basement of Karstadt at the north end of Kaiser-Josef-Straße. Aldi, in the basement of Schwarzwald City, is among the cheapest. Kaufland to the north of the city on Waldkircher Straße has an impressive range. Netto or Norma or Penny discount supermarkets are also excellent for the budget-conscious.
  • Due to the large city centre-based university, many large bookstores can also be found in the heart of Freiburg, selling both new books and second-hand.
  • The 47.99697.85092 Kartoffelmarkt (potato market) (close to the 'Stadttheater' (city theatre)). A couple of stalls selling alternative hippie-style clothing, jewellery and accessories every weekday morning. OSM directions
  • There is a Christmas market from late November-December, with stalls selling Christmas decorations, mulled wine, etc

Eat

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Food markets

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  • 47.9945097.8504261 Markthalle, Grünwälderstraße 4 (Close to Bertoldsbrunnen). M-Th 08:00-20:00; F Sa 08:00-24:00; Su holidays closed. A very interesting and cheap place to eat. During the day, various small stores from all around the world offer cheap but good dishes. Check out the Indian place. It has good curries. OSM directions

Budget

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All these are in the city centre:

  • 47.9916157.854542 Atlantik, Schwabentorring 7, +49 761 33033. Su-Th 11:00-02:00, F Sa 11:00-03:00. This pub/restaurant has seen generations of students drink, eat, dance and flirt. A real institution in the city. Super cheap and delicious German cuisine. €5 for "dish of the day" (Sep 2016). OSM directions
  • 48.0003557.8378113 Brennessel, Eschholzstraße 17, +49 761 281187, . M-Sa 18:00-01:00, Su 17:00-01:00. Restaurant/bar famous among students due to its very reasonable prices. It features a daily spaghetti bolognese special between 18:00-19:30: €3.50 for a plate. OSM directions
  • 47.9983077.8521564 Firenze, Kaiser-Joseph-Straße 282. An Italian restaurant. OSM directions
  • 47.9908727.8481285 Bella Italia, Kaiser-Joseph-Straße 282. Italian cuisine OSM directions
  • For fast food, check out the area around the Martinstor (sometimes known as McDonald's-Tor because of the McDonald's sign defacing the historic landmark). In that area, you will also find many other fast food places, ranging from Chinese to Turkish, as well as some cafés.
  • 47.9986217.8531456 Afghan-Eck, Habsburgerstraße 133A. A very popular place with locals in Freiburg, located at Siegesdenkmal. OSM directions
  • 47.9948197.8478547 Euphrat, Niemensstraße 13. located near the university has good Turkish Döner, and an excellent vegetarian selection. OSM directions
  • 47.9945287.8482488 Uni Café (UC Café), Niemenstraße 7. Flammkuchen (tarte flambée) and currywurst OSM directions

Mid-range

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  • 47.9937.851179 Adelhaus, Adelhauserstraße 29-31a, +49 761 38388191, . Su closed; M-Th 11:00-23:00, F Sa 11:00-24:00. This restaurant servers organic and vegetarian dishes in a nice location. In the summer you can sit on a calm hidden square next to the ancient monastery Adelhausen. OSM directions
  • 47.9880847.84635110 Kartoffelhaus, Basler Straße 10, +49 761 72001, . M 17:00-00:00; Tu-Su 11:30-00:00. A charming, cosy restaurant whose specialty is the potato... imagine it in many wholesome yet creative forms; they are all good. There's a particularly wonderful ambience in winter when it's freezing outside. Prices are fair and service is excellent. OSM directions
  • 47.9941357.85095711 Tacheles, Grünwälderstraße 17, +49 761 3196669. Su 11:30-24:00; M-Th 11:30-01:00, F Sa 11:30-05:00. Claims to have 300 varieties of schnitzels, which each come with a small salad and choice of side dishes. OSM directions
  • 47.993157.8480612 [dead link] Mehlwaage Freiburg, Metzgerau 4 (Nearby Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (KG I)), +49 761 290 821 43, . Tu-Th 17:00-00:00, F 17:00-02:00, Sa 12:00-02:00, Su 12:00-22:30. Restaurant, café and bar with regional cuisine specializing in "Flammkuchen". The location is a listed building with a spacious terrace on the square of the university. As a sports bar with big screen, the Mehlwaage is a meeting place for soccer-fans (home team: SC Freiburg). In the evening the well-stocked bar impresses with a variety of different gins, cocktails and beers, which are also available pitchers. OSM directions
  • 47.9950957.84764813 Schwarzer Kater, Bertoldstraße 26, +4976136747. Noon-1:00AM (Mon-Thu), -2:00AM (Fri-Sat), -Midnight (Sun). Bar serving burgers, currywurst, etc with vegan and vegetarian options €15-€20. OSM directions

Splurge

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Other expensive restaurants include the Greifenegg Schlössle, situated next to the Kastaniengarten and offering an excellent view over the city to accompany dinner, as well as Hotel Zum Bären on Salzstraße and Enoteca near Schwabentor.

Drink

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  • 47.992757.855881 Kastaniengarten, +49 761 32728, . A beer garden, which lies perched on the slope of the Schlossberg, overlooking both the city and the valley leading into the Black Forest. On nice summer days, this is the best location to relax over a cool beer, and enjoying the views of the Munster, the old city gates and the inner city. Additionally, in good weather conditions you can see as far as the Vosges, a mountain range in France. To get there, head to the Schwabentor, one of the old city gates, then cross the bridge on its left and head up the mountain a bit. OSM directions
  • Grace is a stylish bar in the city center, also serving lunch and dinner. Maria is serving for a student clientele nearby.
  • The Feierling brewery in the heart of the Altstadt close to the Augustiner Kloster has excellent selfmade, organic beer and is famous for it among the locals. In summer it also has an enjoyable beer garden outside. However, for the experience of the beer garden, go to the Kastaniengarten. For good beer, Feierling is the best option.
  • Drifters is a nice location for House music. It is situated in the same building as the club Cräsh, a hang out for alternative people, which turned from a more punk into a metal place.
  • Waldsee is a nice location a bit out of the way. It features "Rootdown" once a month and "Montage", both nice clubs for electronic music. It is excellent during the summer months, as the location offers open space next to a lake. Wonderful menu for warm snacks too.
  • Jazzhaus. Is one of Freiburg's most popular spots, featuring the best in live music, both international and local. There is something to suit everyone, from classical to reggae to cabaret. The regular theme nights are also a hit: "Funky Dance Night" and "Sister Zone" (women only) are favorites, not to mention the 1960s, 80s and 90s nights.
  • The Strandcafe is a cafe run by the on-profit association "Zusammen Leben e.V. [dead link]". From Tuesday till Thursday its open from 11:00 till 21:00. It's in the "Grether"-Area [1][dead link], an alternative living-and working project close to the inner city. It's much cheaper than other bars in Freiburg and there is no obligation to consume. Very calm.
  • The StuSie is the bar of the student village at tram stop "Am Bischofskreuz". Cheap and good Beer, Cocktails... Shot-night every Wednesday and decent breakfast on Sundays. Many international students. They have started checking IDs at the door, you must be a student with a valid student ID card (ISIC or Albert-Ludwigs Universitaet) to enter.
  • In the summer check out the Sternwaldwiese, an area in the Wiehre, where many people make campfires and party all night. Bring your own beer and watch your backpack. Another good place to meet local folk is the Augustinerplatz next to the Feierling-brewery. Bring your own beer or buy it from the pubs around.
  • The Atlantik is a bar everybody should see when visiting Freiburg for the food, beer, rock music and people that hang out in this place. It's behind the Schwabentor.
  • The Mu-dom Bar is a student-run bar in the neighbourhood of Stühlinger in the basement of a former hospital, the space once served as a morgue. Cheap prices and international folk. They have started checking IDs at the door, you must be a student with a valid student ID card (ISIC or Albert-Ludwigs Universitaet) to enter.
  • O'Kelly's, Milchstraße 1 (behind the Theater Freiburg and the University Library (UB1)). A good Irish pub that was the first Irish pub to open in Freiburg in 1990. O'Kelly's is a cozy, typically Irish pub with low ceilings, a warm atmosphere, and fresh, homemade Irish and German food. Live music can be enjoyed F-Sa evenings and all major sporting events are shown on the big screens, from Irish TV and German TV. Every M night at 21:00 there is the O'Kelly's Pub Quiz, run by Moe, that includes a multimedia round on the big screens. Teams come back week after week and fight hard to win free booze. They also show NFL and NCAA games on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • El Bolero and Cafehaus both have a lovely and secluded outdoor seating area which is popular in the summer, located just off of Martinstor at the Holzmarkt.
  • Cohibar, located next to the University Library (Stadttheater stop) has the best cocktails in town, with (limited) outdoor seating in the summer.

Sleep

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Budget

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Ecologically-oriented tourists may want to check out the Green City Hotel in Vauban
  • 47.9909117.8944927 Jugendherberge Freiburg, Kartäuserstraße 151 (Tram No. 1 to Römerhof or a scenic walk along the Dreisam river), +49 761 67656, . This hostel is at the foot of the black forest close to the stadium of the local soccer club SC Freiburg. Quite far away from the city and a youth hostel membership card is compulsory. €26-42. OSM directions

Mid-range

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  • 47.996437.834878 Hotel Schemmer. A few blocks away from the train station is a clean and very affordable stay. Breakfast included in every room. About an 8-minute walk from the city center. OSM directions
  • Hofgarten Hotel B&B Freiburg. 10 minutes by car from the old town and Muenster Cathedral, the city centre, the main station and the pictorial Glottertal. The nearest bus stop is only 50m from the guesthouse. The rooms are tastefully and individually furnished and all of them are equipped with shower/WC, cable-television, wireless-lan and telephone. Some rooms also have a balcony. They offer a delicious breakfast buffet with regional ingredients. You get a nice doubleroom for €45/person/night incl. breakfast.
  • 47.996627.845659 Hotel Best Western Premier Victoria. Ecological hotel whose electricity is generated from solar panels and wind turbines, while their heat is from sustainable woodchips furnace. It is a pleasant family-run hotel. About €115 a night. OSM directions
  • 47.995337.8417710 Novotel Freiburg am Konzerthaus. OSM directions
  • 47.997217.8416211 InterCityHotel Freiburg. OSM directions
  • 47.997567.854412 Mercure Hotel Freiburg am Münster. OSM directions
  • Mercure Hotel Panorama Freiburg.
  • 47.974247.8280613 Green City Hotel Vauban. OSM directions
Inside the opulent Colombi Hotel you will find a Michelin-starred restaurant

Splurge

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  • 47.9970017.84784314 The Colombi Hotel, Rotteckring 16 (opposite Colombipark), +49 761 21060. The most luxurious hotel and only five-star in Freiburg. It is situated on the edge of the town centre and overlooks Colombi Park. It is a short walk from the main railway station and features a renowned restaurant. Single €200-230, double €260-400. de:Colombi Hotel on Wikipedia Colombi Hotel (Q1110371) on Wikidata OSM directions
  • 47.984227.7690215 Dorint An den Thermen Freiburg, An den Heilquellen 8, +49 761 4908-0, . The hotel offers 98 rooms & suites, a mineral thermal bath on 6,000 m², medical beauty & wellness, a fitness centre on 1,200 m². From €109 per room/night. OSM directions
  • 48.049797.801816 Clarion Hotel Hirschen Freiburg. OSM directions

Stay safe

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There is not much to worry about in Freiburg. However, always take the same precautions as you do travelling anywhere else. No need to provoke a pickpocket. However, one should avoid the banks of the Dreisam at night. One should also avoid at night the area near the tram stop Runzmattenweg which is between the main street train station and the Bissierstraße tram stop. It is locally known to be a common spot for muggings of international students.

Connect

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  • Free Wi-Fi: The city provides a free public Wi-Fi network, accessible in many parts of the Altstadt, including Münsterplatz and Rathausplatz. Most cafes and the public library (Stadtbibliothek) also offer internet access for customers.
  • Post Office: The main post office (Deutsche Post) is located at Eisenbahnstraße 58-62, directly across from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof).

Cope

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Religious services

Holy Mass takes place in various Catholic churches in the city center:

  • Münster Unserer Lieben Frau, Münsterplatz (800 m from central station).[2][dead link] Su 07:00, 08:30, 10:00, 11:45, 20:00; M-Sa 07:00, 08:00, 18:30; W Sa also 09:00
  • St. Martin, Rathausplatz (600 m from central station).[3] [dead link] Sat: 18:00; Su 07:30, 09:30, 11:15; Tu-Sa 07:00; M Tu F Sa 09:00
  • Herz Jesu, Stühlinger Kirchplatz (back-side of the Omnibusbahnhof).[4][dead link] Sa 19:00; Su 09:30 (Croat.), 11:00; Tu 09:45; F 18:30

Tourist information

Freiburg's Tourist Information Office can provide maps and hotel booking information. Opening hours for the Tourist Information office are:

  • June - September: Monday-Friday 10:00-20:00, Saturday 10:00-17:30, Sunday and holidays 10:00-12:00
  • October - May: Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00, Saturday 10:00-14:30, Sunday and holidays 10:00-12:00

Go next

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  • Black Forest (Schwarzwald): The high altitude regions are accessible via the Höllentalbahn train towards Titisee and Schluchsee. Major destinations include the Feldberg (1,493 m), the highest peak in the range, and the Schauinsland (1,284 m), which is connected to the city via a 3.6 km cable car (Schauinslandbahn).
  • Heidelberg: 200 km north. Reachable in approx. 1 hour 45 minutes via the A5 motorway or 1 hour 30 minutes by high-speed train (ICE). It is the site of Germany's oldest university and the ruins of the Renaissance-era Heidelberg Castle.
  • Colmar, France: 50 km west (approx. 1 hour by car or bus). An Alsatian town known for its preserved timber-framed architecture and the Unterlinden Museum.
  • Europa-Park Resort: 35 km north in Rust. One of Europe's largest theme parks, reachable via regional train to Ringsheim and a connecting shuttle bus (approx. 45–60 min total).
  • Titisee & Schluchsee: Two lakes in the southern Black Forest. Titisee is a center for regional tourism, while Schluchsee is the largest lake in the area, used for swimming and sailing. Both are accessible via the Höllentalbahn (approx. 45–60 min).


This city travel guide to Freiburg is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.



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