The Black Forest Sunshine City

In Freiburg, you encounter historic sights at every corner. The Münsterplatz (Cathedral Square) is surrounded by impressive buildings, the tallest of which is the steep-roofed Historisches Kaufhaus (Historic Merchants’ Hall) with its colorfully adorned bartizans. Sights worth visiting include the Altes und Neues Rathaus (Old and New City Hall), the Haus zum Walfisch (House of the Whale) with its superb late Gothic portal, the Basler Hof (Basel Court) and the two medieval city gates Martinstor (Martin Gate) and Schwabentor (Swabian Gate) still standing today.

Visitors to Freiburg will quickly note a unique city feature, the socalled Bächle – or little streams – built nearly 600 years ago as a water supply and to fight fires. If you attempt to climb the  Münsterturm (Cathedral Tower), you will be rewarded at the pinnacle of your climb with a breathtaking view. And even at such lofty heights, the enchanting ambiance of this old university town is palpable. The Old Town's numerous historical monuments, museums, theaters, cozy  restaurants and quaint bars all make this city so popular among students and visitors alike.

The unique 381-foot-high square tower of the "Münster" (Cathedral) ranks among the masterworks of Gothic architecture, enhancing Freiburg's incomparable silhouette. Begun in 1200 in Romanesque style and completed in 1513 with a red sandstone exterior, its sculptured figures and stained-glass windows are impressive testimony to the plasticity and expressiveness of medieval art. The rich interior bears witness to the generosity and civic pride of local families, who had to foot the bill for construction after the ruling family died out. The view from the tower extends over the medieval rooftops to the Black Forest and vineyard hills.

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The historic "Kaufhaus" (Merchant's Hall, 1520-30) is a symbol of the importance of trade in medieval Freiburg.

The municipal market, customs and financial administration building is identified as a center of trade by its arcades hall. Its façade is decorated with coats of arms and statues indicating the city's links with the House of Habsburg.

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It was assembled from 1557 - 1559 from many old houses. The façade was originally completely painted. Since 2007 the Tourist Information Center can be found in this building. The new city hall was only created from 1896 to 1901 due to modification of a semi-detached house from the Renaissance. For many years, it served as a "Kollegiengebäude" (university building) and administration building of the university founded in 1457; later it was then an anatomy and polyclinic. A glockenspiel tower bells chimes daily at 12 o'clock from the turrets of the new mid section.

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Freiburg's colorful market takes place at the "Münsterplatz" (Cathedral Square) - just as it has for more than 200 years.

Freiburg's region is a fruit, flower and vegetable garden bordered by vines. Good food is not so much a question of price as of season, as even ordinary consumers are interested in seasonal produce.

Gourmet guides such as Michelin and Varta spread the word about the excellent cuisine of this area throughout the world. The square is surrounded by architectural gems from Romanesque through Baroque.

The villa was built in 1859-1861 for the countess de Zea Bermudez y Colombi.

Since 1983 it has housed the Museum of Early and Pre-History. A small tract south of the villa is all that remains of the "Glacis-Reben" vineyard established on the site after the fortress was blown up in 1745.

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Due to the oldest crossing of the Dreisam River and the Oberlinden road junction, the "Obertor" or the "Schwabentor" (Swabian Gate) gates were of particular importance which was also demonstrated with the weir system.

The "Martinstor" (Martin Gate) is the oldest of both of the surviving gate towers from Freiburg's first fortification, which were built at the beginning of the 13th century.

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The "Bächle" are an integral part of the historical Old Town. Originally they were most likely used for the provision of water for industrial use and as sewers. Today the canals cater for a pleasant climate and are a popular play area for adults and children alike. But watch out. It is said that visitors who come to Freiburg and who step into one of the canals have not visited Freiburg for the last time.

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The "Konviktstrasse" (Konvikt Street) is an excellent example of Old Town restoration, successfully integrating modern and old architecture into a charming living environment. Many modern buildings also retain their old façades.