The lovely old town of Freiburg

Medieval flair combined with modern life are what give the lovely old town of Freiburg its own particular charm. The medieval old town is dotted with historic buildings that tell the story of the city’s 900 years of history. Modern life is buzzing through the little streets with their famous ‘Bächle’ streams. The little shops and boutiques are also perfect for a browse – you could even treat yourself. The numerous cafés and restaurants on idyllic squares and corners are popular meeting points for the people of Freiburg. After all, everything is more enjoyable with company.

The centre and heart of Freiburg

Right in the heart of the old town, the top attraction and most famous landmark is the Freiburg Minster, with its 116-metre west tower. During the week, there is a lively market on Münsterplatz all around the Minster. The most eye-catching sights here are the magnificent façade of the historic 16th century department store and the Alte Wache, a romantic-looking building which is now home to the ‘Haus der badischen Weine’, with more than 200 regional wines to sample.

Medieval city gates

The only two of the five gates that once defended the city and have been left standing after various wars are the Swabian Gate and Martin’s Gate. Both were built as city gates within the fortress complex in the 13th century in order to protect the citizens. Legend has it that the Swabian Gate got its name from a salt merchant from Swabia who wanted to purchase Freiburg. But his offer was met with laughter and mockery when it became apparent that his barrels were full not of money, but of sand and stones put there by his miserly wife.

Martin’s Gate in Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse only gained its current height of 63 metres and its retro 15th century roof structure in the late 19th century. There is a memorial panel inside Martin’s Gate in honour of three ladies of Freiburg who were burned as witches during the first wave of persecution in 1559. They stand for all the victims of the witch hunts in the 16th and 17th centuries. But no witches were ever held in this gate, it was mostly reserved for debtors.

Promenading with treats along the way

Konviktstrasse is among the prettiest of the many little streets in the old town of Freiburg. Lovingly restored medieval houses huddle close together, with fashion, antiques and jewellery presented in their display windows.

The pretty streets between Martin’s Gate and the Swabian Gate are perfect for a wander, and perhaps something to eat or drink. The people of Freiburg call this area of the old town ‘Little Venice’ because of the canals criss-crossing through it. It has become the home of many businesses and hospitality outlets.

The market hall in Grünwälderstrasse is a veritable foodie paradise. The air is full of exotic spices, fresh ingredients and Italian espresso, with numerous chefs offering not only regional specialities but also culinary treats from Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Far East. It’s perfect for trying something new and enjoying multiculturalism in its tastiest form.

Amazing-looking museums with extraordinary exhibits

The stylish combination of a historic building with modern elements makes the Augustiner Museum a real architectural treat. The monastery church of the former 13th century Augustinian hermit monastery was extended in the baroque style following secularisation in 1810. With its extensive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the baroque period, plus 19th century painting, the Augustiner Museum is now one of the most famous museums in the south of Germany. The erstwhile monastery church has been converted into an impressive, modern museum building with balconies, galleries, walkways, niches and windows adding up to a fascinating visit from all sorts of different perspectives.

Built as a dowager residence in the mid-19th century, the Colombischlössle palace in the English neo-Gothic style is now an invitation to travel back through the centuries. The Archaeological Museum in the Colombischlössle is surrounded by the flowerbeds, fountains and sculptures of the sweeping Colombipark gardens, while the interior is full of treasures from the past. The different eras are represented by original findings from the Stone Age, through late antiquity into the Middle Ages.

Old Town Hall in dark red

The Old Town Hall dates back to 1559 and can be found right next to the New Town Hall on the square that takes its name. The two buildings, which now serve as council offices for the City of Freiburg, are linked via a walkway. The Old Town Hall was richly decorated with colourful paintings and burned down to the ground in November 1944, leaving just a few outside walls. Following its reconstruction, the centuries-old tradition of painted town hall façades is evident in the gable depicting the twin eagles of the Holy Roman Empire above the clock. The tourist information office on the ground floor has lots of brochures, information and tips for visitors in a range of different languages.

Bächleputzer city tour – guided tour of the old town in the Alemannic dialect

‘Stocky’ the stream cleaner takes part in an entertaining walking tour every day. The tour, which is in the Alemannic dialect and therefore only suitable for German speakers, is peppered with anecdotes and experiences from his everyday work and with insights into the famous Bächle drainage system in Freiburg.

With some 230,000 inhabitants, Freiburg offers really relaxed city life and a natural balance for ambitious people. The city has all the variety you could ever want: outdoor activities, a rich cultural heritage and lots of popular pubs and restaurants. Freiburg is all about freedom and individuality, whether on the Schlossberg, at the weekly market or on a stroll around the city.

For more information on Freiburg, please visit https://visit.freiburg.de/en.

How to get to Freiburg
Freiburg is the capital of the Black Forest in the south of Germany. Freiburg is 7.5 hours from London via Paris on the Eurostar, TGV and ICE.