Freiburg im Breisgau

Understand

Founded in 1120, Freiburg's historic centre (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 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.

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. (updated Mar 2026)

Getting there

By plane

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 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

The 1 Freiburg Hauptbahnhof (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:

Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof and Airport (Flughafen), 2 hours Zurich, 2 hours

Getting around

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.

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.

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 passenger tickets are really inspected, 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, where passenger tickets are insp

See

1 Freiburg Minster (Münster Unserer Lieben Frau), Münsterplatz 1, ☏ +49 761 208 59 63, [email protected]. 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. (updated Nov 2024) 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. 2 Schwabentor. One of two remaining old city gates. The gate is beautifully decorated, including with a large picture painted by Matthias Schwäri in 1572.

3 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. 4 Historical Merchants' Hall (Historisches Kaufhaus). Located on the square surrounding the Muenster. 5 Altes Rathaus. It has the tourist information desk. 6 Neues Rathaus. 7 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. 8 Botanic garden (Botanischer Garten). Daily 08:00-18:00; greenhouse: M-Th 12:00-16:00, Su and holidays 14:00-16:00. 9 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. (updated Aug 2024)

Museums 10 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 Ho

Do

2 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 1 "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. (updated Sep 2018) 3 Schlossbergbahn, Am Schlossberg 1. Another way to get to the top of Schlossberg is to ride this mountain funicular. €5 return, €3 one way. (updated Sep 2018) 4 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. (updated Sep 2016) 5 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. 6 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. (updated Sep 2016) Football: 7 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. (updated Jun 2024)

Spa and massage 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. (updated Sep 202

Buy

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 1 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. (updated Aug 2022) 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 2 Kartoffelmarkt (potato market) (close to the 'Stadttheater' (city theatre)). A couple of stalls selling alternative hippie-style clothing, jewellery and accessories every weekday morning. (updated Aug 2022) There is a Christmas market from late November-December, with stalls selling Christmas decorations, mulled wine, etc

Eat

Food markets 1 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. (updated May 2022)

Budget All these are in the city centre:

2 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). (updated May 2022) 3 Brennessel, Eschholzstraße 17, ☏ +49 761 281187, [email protected]. 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. (updated Sep 2023) 4 Firenze, Kaiser-Joseph-Straße 282. An Italian restaurant. (updated May 2022) 5 Bella Italia, Kaiser-Joseph-Straße 282. Italian cuisine (updated May 2022) 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. 6 Afghan-Eck, Habsburgerstraße 133A. A very popular place with locals in Freiburg, located at Siegesdenkmal. (updated May 2022) 7 Euphrat, Niemensstraße 13. located near the university has good Turkish Döner, and an excellent vegetarian selection. (updated May 2022) 8 Uni Café (UC Café), Niemenstraße 7. Flammkuchen (tarte flambée) and currywurst (updated May 2022)

Mid-range 9 Adelhaus, Adelhauserstraße 29-31a, ☏ +49 761 38388191, [email protected]. 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. (updated Mar 2019) 10 Kartoffelhaus, Basler Straße 10, ☏ +49 761 72001, [email protected]. 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. (updated Sep 2016) 11 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 va

Drink & nightlife

1 Kastaniengarten, ☏ +49 761 32728, [email protected]. 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. (updated Jul 2017) 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. ". From Tuesday till Thursday its open from 11:00 till 21:00. It's in the "Grether"-Area [1], 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

Sleep

Budget 1 Camping Hirzberg, Kartäuserstraße 99, ☏ +49 761 35 054. The owners are extremely friendly and helpful. They have a good knowledge of things to see in the city and local walks in the Black Forest. 2 Camping Moeslepark, Waldseestr. 77, ☏ +49 761 76 79 333. Very friendly young couple running the campground in the Black Forest and close to the city. 3 Black Forest Youth Hostel, Kartäuserstraße 33, ☏ +49 761 8817870, [email protected]. You can cook in their kitchen, however they don't provide breakfast. You should also be prepared to pay in cash. Dorm €17-28, double €30, single €35 (prices per person). 4 ibis budget Freiburg Süd, Bötzinger Straße 76, ☏ +49 761 4795320. Reasonable prices, but really far away from the city center. Double €50. 5 B&B Hotel Freiburg-Nord, Tullastraße 87c, ☏ +49 761 557 730, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. From €52. 6 B&B Hotel Freiburg-Süd, Munzinger Straße 1b, ☏ +49 761 557 710, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. €56.

7 Jugendherberge Freiburg, Kartäuserstraße 151 (Tram No. 1 to Römerhof or a scenic walk along the Dreisam river), ☏ +49 761 67656, [email protected]. 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. (updated Oct 2016)

Mid-range 8 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. 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. 9 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. 10 Novotel Freiburg am Konzerthaus. 11 InterCityHotel Freiburg. 12 Mercure Hotel Freiburg am Münster. Mercure Hotel Panorama Freiburg. 13 Green City Hotel Vauban.

Splurge 14 The Colombi Hotel, Rotteckring 16 (opposite Co

Go next

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).