Vibrant and cheerful, the sunny city of Freiburg is full of romantic charm. Rich in both history and beauty, this city is like a fairy-tale – pastel houses line the cobblestone streets, with colourful flower boxes adorning the windows. Make sure you tick off the following iconic attractions before you head back home.
Admire Freiburg Minster
Located in the heart of the old town, Freiburg Minster is an iconic Gothic Cathedral. Built from the years 1200 to 1330, this beautiful piece of architecture features an elaborate spire reaching an incredible 380 feet. The intricate detail is unbelievable – set aside time to admire the Gothic tracery and ornate spires of the exterior, then head inside to see the vibrant stained glass windows and elaborate interior.
Ascend the tower and you’ll pass its 19 bells – some of which date back to the 13th century. Visit on a Sunday and you’ll get to hear them ringing out across the city in the morning.
Hike the Black Forest
Immerse yourself in nature at the nearby Black Forest – just a six-minute drive from the city centre. Known as Schlossberg, the edge of the forest is easy to find and the footpaths leading inside are clearly marked. Load your car with hiking gear before parking up and exploring the sights within.
Enjoy this breath-taking, peaceful forest without getting your shoes muddy by hopping on the Schlossbergbahn funicular. Take a relaxing ride up the hill, weaving through fir trees until you reach the top of Schlossberg hill. Here you’ll find a lookout tower with fantastic views of both the sun-soaked forest, glorious city and famous spire of Münster.
Münsterplatz
A trip to Freiburg wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the city square of Münsterplatz. It’s the heart of the city, surrounded by Medieval-era buildings and the grand Archbishop’s Palace. It suffered bombings in 1944, meaning the fish fountain at the square’s centre is a replica of the 15th-century original, but it’s still a wonderful piece of art.
Pick up a souvenir from the charming stalls that line the street when the market is in town – you’ll find handmade crafts, toys, fresh food and spices. As well as markets, grab a traditional German treat such as wurst in a toasted bun from a food stall. Or, visit one of the many cafes which line the square selling cakes, coffee and delicious local cuisine.
Markthalle
If you’re a self-confessed foodie, you can’t miss out on Markthalle – a varied food court serving a huge range of delicious international dishes. Browse over 20 stalls, including Chinese, Italian, Brazilian and Japanese cuisine when you fancy a break from bratwurst and pretzels. Although if you’re keen to try more traditional local dishes, there are still plenty of authentic German food options here too.
Hire a car with Hertz and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Freiburg and the Black Forest.