A Guide to Freiburg, Germany: Vibrant City of the Black Forest

Freiburg, Germany is one of the largest cities in the Black Forest region. It is known as a vibrant university city and often called the “Jewel of the Black Forest”. Freiburg is a great city to base yourself out of when exploring the Black Forest. Old mixes with new in this eclectic city and there are tons of interesting things to see and do. I hope you enjoy my guide to Freiburg, Germany!

**Martin’s Gate (*Martinstor***)

Start your time in Freiburg at Martin’s Gate. At one time, Freiburg’s Old Town was surrounded by five medieval city gates. Martin’s Gate is the oldest of the two gates that remain today. The wooden beams of the tower date back to 1202 but over the centuries it has been reconstructed several times.

Rathausplatz

Make your way to the Rathausplatz, a beautiful square with Freiburg’s Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). Ironically, the New Town Hall (white and brown building) is an older building than the Old Town Hall (red building). Around the corner from the Rathausplatz is the Whale House (Haus zum Walfisch), a beautiful red house where Erasmus, a famous Dutch philosopher, lived in the 1500s.

guide to Freiburg Germany — *Old Town Hall*

**Freiburg Minster Cathedral (*Freiburger Münster***)

Next, head to Freiburg’s most famous square, Münsterplatz. Here you will find the Freiburg Minster cathedral, the city’s landmark. This stunning cathedral was completed in 1330 and some have described the tower as the most beautiful in the world. Miraculously, the cathedral survived the bombings on the city during WWII. Make sure to visit the inside and you can also climb to the top of the tower if you choose to do so/

**Historical Merchants’ Hall (Historisches Kaufhaus)**

Wander around the cobblestoned Münsterplatz and admire the historic buildings. You won’t be able to miss the amazing Historical Merchants’ Hall. This building from 1532 was used as a place for storing goods and issuing custom clearances when trade in Freiburg significantly increased. Today, Münsterplatz holds a market every day except for Sundays.

**Little Venice (*Klein Venedig***)

Next, make your way to my favourite area of Freiburg, “Little Venice”. Freiburg is full of little waterways in the streets of the Old Town that flow from the Dreisam River, called Bächle. Along the streets of Gerberau and Fischerau the streams are deeper and wider, hence this area was given the name “Little Venice”. I think this is the most picturesque area of Freiburg!

Konviktstrasse

Head to Konviktstrasse, an adorable narrow street known for hanging wisteria vines. So beautiful!

Swabian Gate (Schwabentor)

At the south end of Konviktstrasse you will find the Swabian Gate. As previously mentioned, this is the younger of the two surviving medieval city gates.

Kanonenplatz

For a great view of Freiburg, climb up the set of stairs beside the Swabian Gate and cross the bridge. Turn left onto the walking path and follow the signs for Kanonenplatz. Eventually you’ll reach a park with a wonderful view of the city. If you’d like to continue walking further up, there is also an observation tower!