Freetime and Shopping
The cliché that Freiburg is the “Tuscany of Germany“ is worn out, we admit, but nevertheless we will repeat that nowhere else in the Federal Republic is blessed with as many sunny days as we are here in the wild south. Such days are especially enjoyable in one of Freiburg’s many open air beer gardens.
You find untouched forests, lakes to swim in, beautiful shorelines. Biking, hiking, skiing or water sports are possible in this region – for all levels of ability.
Freiburg’s favourable location in the corner of Germany bordered by France and Switzerland means that it is both a destination in itself and the starting point for excursions into the Black Forest, the Vosges mountains and the neighbouring towns of Colmar, Basle and Mulhouse. Popular recreation spots such as Lake Schluchsee in the Upper Black Forest, Feldberg and Lake Titisee offer windsurfing, boat trips and, in winter, Alpine snow conditions. Schauinsland, Freiburg’s own mountain, is a paradise for walkers in summer, and winter sports enthusiasts in winter.
The southern Black Forest has one of the best trail systems for hikers and mountain bikers. There are boat rentals and ferry tours on Lake Titisee, a natural glacier lake with very clean water near Feldberg, the highest mountain here (1493 m). On Lake Schluchsee, the largest lake in Black Forest, there is windsurfing available.
Wherever you are, you are never far from one of the many “Gasthäuser” – rustic inns, that cater to the hikers and bikers.
There are many vacation rentals, vacation apartments in farmhouses and bed & breakfast.
The Augustinerplatz is one of the central squares in the old city. Formerly the location of an Augustine monastery which became the Augustinermuseum in 1921, it is now a popular social space for Freiburg’s younger residents. It has a number of restaurants and bars, including the local brewery ‘Feierling’, which has a Biergarten. On warm summer nights, hundreds of students gather here.
The historical town centre is also the hub of modern Freiburg. The extensive traffic-free area has numerous department stores, specialist shops, boutiques, arcades and markets – great for a stroll and a shopper’s paradise. And don’t forget the market, held every weekday on Münsterplatz, the square around the minster. Baden wine, an excellent Black Forest Kirsch schnapps and Black Forest ham can remind you of the pleasures of Freiburg when you’re back at home.
The old quarter
A stroll through Freiburg’s lively old quarter is always a delight. As well as department stores and specialist shops, there are fashion boutiques, perfumeries, jewellers, bookstores, art and antique stores, toy shops and leather goods shops.
The market
Stroll and browse around the market and the stalls on the Rotteckring where North African and Indian goods are sold.
Sports
Freiburg is home to football team SC Freiburg. Their home stadium is Badenova-Stadion. The home of the EHC Freiburg is the Franz-Siegel Halle. Freiburger FC are a club which had early success in the 20th century, but now compete in lower divisions.
Festivals and Fairs
From music festivals to Carnival to wine festivals, Freiburg’s numerous festivals and fairs offer something for every taste – there truly is never a dull moment.
International Tent Music Festival
For three weeks in summer the tent city hosts an unparalleled line up of acts, with rock, pop, jazz, blues, classical, dance and variety shows.
Alemannic Carnival
The fun and games that go on during carnival season in spring are enough to make anyone stop and stare. Witches, devils and carnival fools run through Freiburg’s streets and, on Carnival Monday, don their scary wooden masks and line up with the carnival guilds ready for the grand procession. Watching the weird, sometimes sinister, sometimes grinning masks march past, it’s easy to believe you’re in a different, archaic world.
Freiburg Wine Festival
wine cooperatives and winegrowers host a six-day food and wine festival in autumn on Münsterplatz. This is a fantastic opportunity to sample the famous Baden wines and local specialities.
Being a typical student town, Freiburg has numerous places where you can spend the night. Whatever you prefer, there is certainly something going on for every type of night owl!