Things to Do in Freiburg: A Guide to the Jewel of the Black Forest

It would be wrong not to write a little guide to the best things to do in Freiburg, the city also nicknamed the jewel of the Black Forest.

Some of the best places I have visited were never the main event. They were the stop in between, the town we rolled into simply because it sat on the route. Freiburg was exactly that. It was a stop on a short road trip of only a few days, on our way to Neuschwanstein castle and then on into Switzerland, and it quietly became one of my favourite parts of the whole journey. If you are looking for the best things to do in Freiburg, this little guide covers what I loved, what is worth your time, and why this sunny corner of southern Germany deserves a spot on your travel list.

Freiburg is a cheerful university town in the south west of Germany. This buzzing place has a lot to offer, from a gentle stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town to a beautiful cathedral, museums and one of my favourite markets in the country.

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What to see and do in Freiburg

Old Town (Altstadt) and Münsterplatz

Freiburg’s Old Town offers a delightful experience, perfect for exploration and slow strolls. While putting together your list of top things to do in Freiburg, don’t miss the chance to wander around this beautiful area.

Freiburg was founded in 1120, and although much of the old town had to be rebuilt after the bombing of the Second World War, it still holds an intriguing blend of the ancient and the contemporary. It has that old world charm without ever feeling like a museum. The historic and the lively sit side by side, and somehow it just works.

The best way to soak it all in is on foot. Unlike many German old towns busy with traffic, Freiburg’s streets are made for walking, which makes the whole place feel relaxed and easy to explore.

Many of the main attractions, such as the Freiburger Münster (Cathedral) and the Museum Für Stadtgeschichte (City History Museum), are tucked into this area. Bordered by the Dreisam River and Schlossberg mountain, and only a short walk from the main train station, the old town has a genuinely scenic setting.

Freiburger Münster (Cathedral)

Standing proudly on Münsterplatz, the Freiburger Münster commands your attention the moment you reach the square. Its scale and detail are remarkable, and so is its history.

Building began around 1200 in the Romanesque style, but the cathedral is predominantly Gothic, and it took more than three centuries to complete, with the choir consecrated in 1513. It survived the bombing raids of the Second World War, which flattened the houses around the market while leaving the church itself standing.

The famous west tower, finished around 1330 and rising 116 metres, was one of the tallest church towers in the world at the time. It is also the only Gothic church tower in what is now Germany to have been completed in the Middle Ages, which is part of what makes it so special.

Both inside and out, the craftsmanship is exquisite. There are stunning stained glass windows, many of them funded by medieval guilds, and a beautiful Renaissance altarpiece by the painter Hans Baldung Grien. Outside, the cathedral is covered in intricate carvings. Entry to the church itself is free, and for a fee you can climb the tower for panoramic views. On a clear day you can even see France.

Museum Für Stadtgeschichte (City History Museum)

The City History Museum is a lovely window into Freiburg’s past, housed in a building created by the sculptor Christian Wentzinger in 1761.

Inside, you are welcomed by a splendid staircase and ceiling frescoes. The exhibits include city models from the 1600s and 1700s, showing how Freiburg evolved before and after the war. There are interactive activities that engage visitors of all ages. Much of the labelling is in German, but the collection is worth a look regardless. Note that it is closed on Mondays.

Bächle

Freiburg’s Old Town is famous for its little water channels known as Bächle, fed by the Dreisam River. First documented in the 13th century, though their origins likely reach back to the city’s early days, they were once used to supply water, to water livestock and to help fight fires.

Running for around 15.5 kilometres through the streets, the Bächle add so much to the town’s medieval atmosphere and help keep things cool on hot days. A word of warning though. As the locals say, if you step into them when they are full of water, you will most likely come back, because legend has it you will end up marrying a Freiburger.

These days they are a playground for children and adults alike. On a warm afternoon you will see plenty of little feet, and a few grown up ones, dangling in the water.

Augustinermuseum

For art lovers, the Augustinermuseum is a treat, showing works from the Middle Ages to the 19th century inside a former Augustinian monastery. It is beautifully renovated, with a captivating Sculpture Hall full of masterpieces, and it makes an ideal stop on a rainy day.

There is an entrance fee, and like the City History Museum it is closed on Mondays.

And plenty more

Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square), Markthalle (Market Hall), Martinstor and Schwabentor (the old city gates), Museum Für Neue Kunst (Museum of Contemporary Art), Colombischlössle and its Archäologisches Museum (Archaeological Museum), Schlossberg (Castle Hill), Alter Friedhof (Old Cemetery), Seepark (Lake Park), the wider Black Forest and Europa Park all offer more to see and do in and around Freiburg. Between them they cover just about every interest, which makes a day here feel wonderfully varied.

Freiburg sits right on the edge of the Black Forest, so there is a huge amount to explore nearby. It is well worth looking into little tours and excursions.

The Market

One of my favourite places in the whole of Freiburg is the market, where you can find the freshest fruit and vegetables from local farmers, stands with freshly cooked bratwurst and lovely handmade bits and pieces. I adore markets with this kind of variety of fresh produce. They are, for me, like candy shops for children.

How to get to Freiburg

The nearest airport to Freiburg is EuroAirport at Basel, just over the border in Switzerland. I use the Skyscanner website for the best routes and price comparison. It is only about an hour by car from Basel to Freiburg, or roughly two hours from Stuttgart airport.

For us, Freiburg was a stop on a road trip rather than a fly in and out city break, and that is where I would gently make my case for renting a car. There are so many beautiful places to see in this part of Germany, and having your own wheels made it easy to carry on from Freiburg towards Neuschwanstein castle, which is around three to four hours further east, and then on into Switzerland. If you fancy the same route, you can read all about that leg in my guide to visiting Neuschwanstein castle.

Why Freiburg makes a perfect city break destination

When you finally sit down on one of the benches or in a cafe, the world around you seems to slow down, and the calmness of the town settles over you. It is hard to spot anyone rushing. It almost feels as though everyone here is on holiday. You are surrounded by smiling faces, couples strolling arm in arm, colourful buildings and happy groups of students. Just being there, you breathe in the calm.

Here are a few reasons why Freiburg is a perfect place for a city break:

Old world charm and modern appeal. The old town, with its historic architecture, quaint streets and lively atmosphere, offers a picturesque glimpse into the past. Yet Freiburg blends that charm effortlessly with a contemporary energy. It has such a young vibe, thanks to being such a popular student city.

Cultural richness. Freiburg’s cultural scene is vibrant, with museums, galleries and historical sites that reveal its rich heritage. The Museum Für Stadtgeschichte, the Freiburger Münster and the Augustinermuseum are just a few places to explore the city’s cultural wealth.

Scenic surroundings. Set against the stunning landscape of the Black Forest, Freiburg is an excellent base for nature lovers. The forest is right on the doorstep, which makes day trips, hikes and outdoor adventures easy, and a refreshing escape from town.

No car? No problem. The Black Forest is still easy to reach on a guided day trip, and you can book your Black Forest tour here.

The food. The city is known for its food, from traditional German cooking to international flavours. Local markets, restaurants and charming cafes invite you to sit down and savour something authentic.

Easy to explore. Freiburg is a walkable city, so it is easy to see the sights on foot. Because it is so compact, you can take in the highlights in a short space of time, which makes it a great option for a quick but satisfying break.

Green initiatives. Freiburg is well known for its commitment to sustainability, from environmentally friendly transport to thoughtful urban planning. You will see so many people getting around by bike, which I think is such a lovely way to travel in Germany. You can rent a bike and blend right in.

Use this bike booking website to find yours. It compares prices across different companies and lets you choose the type of bike you want.

Seasonal charm. Whether you visit during the colourful Christmas market or for outdoor days in summer, Freiburg has something to offer all year round. There really is no bad time to come.

In short, Freiburg’s blend of history, culture, natural beauty, wonderful food and genuine sustainability makes it an appealing city break for anyone after a rich and varied experience. I am very comfortable saying that Freiburg makes an excellent weekend break for the whole family.

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