Considered the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, Freiburg’s narrow streets are paved in cobblestone and its buildings are a mix of old & new. While visiting Freiburg for the day, make sure that you see some of the most popular sites in this beautiful German city.
It will probably be hard for you to imagine that this city was once mere rubble after the extensive bombing in World War II.
When the Germans decided to rebuild they used old medieval street plans of the city that included all the former landmarks.
Visitors will find Freiburg pedestrian-friendly, so make sure that you wear comfortable shoes that can handle the cobblestones streets.
How to Spend a Day in Freiburg, Germany
The best way to start your day in Freiburg is with a guided tour. Locals dress up in costume and take visitors around the city and explain the history of Freiburg.
Typically, the tour begins in front of Freiburg Minster.
This is the one and only original landmark that remains as it exactly was prior to the war.
The cathedral was built in 1200 in the late-Romanesque style but took nearly three hundred years to fully complete. By the time of the middle ages, it was transformed into a more Gothic-style cathedral that you see today.
The interior of Freiburg Minster is beautiful and is known for its striking high altar by Hans Baldung Grien.
The stained glass inside the church is also worth a closer look. When the church was built, different guilds paid for the windows. When the designs were created, the guild would incorporate a feature to show which guild paid for that window.
The most striking feature of the church is the Minster Tower which is the only Gothic church tower in Germany
The tower can be climbed by visitors and it gives some of the most impressive views of the city.
After you go inside, take time to walk around the cathedral. The details are pretty amazing.
You will find 91 individual gargoyles on the exterior of the cathedral. They served two functions; to keep evil demons away and to protect the cathedral’s walls from rainwater.
Make sure to take your time walking around the different squares in the city so that you can admire all the work done to make it look like it once did.
The Agustinerplatz is one of the central squares of the old town of Freiburg.
Visitors will find cafes, shops and kids playing in the small channels of water (Bächles) that run through town.
Also in this square is the Augustinermuseum, a former Augustinian convent that has some wonderful artifacts to see.
Inside you will find many of the original stained glass pieces and various sculptures from the Freidburg Minster.
Another popular historic site to see in Freiburg is Martin’s Gate, or Martinstor.
This is one of two remaining historic gates to the city that dates back to the 1200’s. While it has been reconstructed several times, it still adds wonderful characters to the city.
Be sure to walk up to it to see it up-close.
There is a plaque inside the gate to memorialize victims of a witch hunt. Three widows of city councilors, Anna Wohlffartin, Catharina Stadelmennin and Margaretha Mößmerin were beheaded and burnt during the first wave of persecutions around 1600.
Don’t leave Freiburg without having an authentic German food experience. Germany is known for its Wienerschnitzel and Spatzel.
Our favorite spot to dine is at Meyerhof which has a small indoor seating area featuring authentic German food and local beer. Be sure to book a reservation because this place fills up quickly!
You also should consider visiting a local beer garden.
Feierling has a great beer & pretzels along with outdoor seating!
Where to Stay in Freiburg
Designhotel am Stadtgarten: 4 Star Hotel with a restaurant on-site and within walking distance to all tourist attractions.
Motel One Freiburg: Great location in the heart of Freiburg
StayInn Freiburg – Hostel: Budget-friendly with a private bath & the building has a rooftop terrace.
Day Trips from Freiburg Germany
Because Freiburg is located in the south-west of Germany, close to the borders of both France and Switzerland, it makes a great place to rest your head while you make day trips to surrounding towns and cities.
