Whether you’re a tourist or a local, there are plenty of things to see and do in Freiburg.
A visit to the Old Town is one of the best ways to experience the city. You can enjoy strolling around the beautiful cobblestoned streets and exploring some of the most fascinating buildings in the town.
1. Visit the Old Town
The Old Town of Freiburg is one of the best spots in Germany to relax and unwind. It’s a charming mix of medieval flair and modern life, with picturesque streets lined with half-timbered houses.
You’ll also see ornate medieval gates that surround the town’s walled city. It’s worth taking a guided walking tour of the town to see more, including the gothic minster.
You could take a funicular up the 116-metre high Schlossberg Hill for incredible views over the city and surrounding area. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery and watch the people of Freiburg.
2. Take a Tour of the New Town Hall
Located in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, the New Town Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The whitewashed building, reminiscent of the Renaissance period, is surrounded by large bay windows and balconies.
The gable over the main entrance is decorated with coats of arms that remind visitors of the different monarchs who ruled in Freiburg at various times. The red eagle of the House of Zahringen is pictured in the top right, followed by the lion of the counts of Urach.
The first construction phase of the new city hall with its administration center and day nursery was completed in 2017. It’s the world’s first public building built to the net-surplus-energy standard, which generates more energy than it consumes.
3. Eat at the Market Hall
If you’re hungry, head to the Market Hall for an eclectic and international food court. It’s a great place to find fresh bread, cheese, fruits and vegetables, coffee, deli foods and more.
If you want something more savory, the sausage stands are also a must. Here, you can get a delicious sausage in a roll for about 2Euro.
When it comes to dinner, Freiburg has some amazing restaurants. You can find local specialties at the Wolfshohle, or you can try dishes from a restaurant on the Schlossberg hill.
4. Visit Alter Friedhof Cemetery
While visiting a cemetery may not be the first thing on your mind, it is one of the most unique things to see and do in Freiburg. In the Alter Friedhof, you can see gravestones ranging from simple and modest to detailed works of art.
A walk through the old cemetery is as much a cultural experience as it is a stroll in the countryside on the north fringe of Freiburg’s Old Town. Many of the city’s wealthy citizens from 1683 to 1872 are buried here, and their tombs and gravestones are works of Baroque and Neoclassical art.
A visit to the Alter Friedhof is one of the top attractions in Freiburg and a must-do on any trip to the city. It is a peaceful, fascinating place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and is a wonderful way to learn about the history of Freiburg and its culture.
5. Visit the Dreisam
In Freiburg, you'll find a variety of museums to keep you entertained and informed. The Augustiner Museum is one of the best, combining art from different periods with religious history.
Next, head to the City History Museum and explore the model of Freiburg in the 16th century. There's also some cool ceiling frescos to look out for.
You can also take a walk along the river and see the famous Freiburg Bachle runnels, which are tiny water channels that run down many streets. These are fed by the Dreisam River and were originally used for drinking and fire prevention. They are now clean and children love to play in them.