Guide to Freiburg in Germany: what to see in the city of sun and wine

The Germans will not be offended: but a Freiburg there is something Mediterranean in the air. Maybe it’s because the sun is shining here, much more so than in other German cities, because it is produced and drunk the wine – in the country of beer a not just extravagance – and it will also be for the joyful atmosphere that reigns in the streets. It will be what it will be: but Freiburg in Germany it wins you over easily. Just like a pleasant town on the Mare Nostrum. Although here, of course, the sea is not there.

Freiburg in Germany: the city of wine and canals

But there are many other things to see: first of all Freiburg in Germany boasts one of the most pleasant historical centers in the country made even more curious by the presence of the Bächle – the straits water channels that line the sidewalks. At first glance it looks like a mischievous child has been digging around.

Therefore, the best thing to do is to start walking following the wandering of these bizarre streams without half, enjoying the suggestion of the center dominated by the spire at over 115 meters above sea level. Cathedral, one among most beautiful religious buildings in Germany – someone even called it the most beautiful in Christianity.

A market in the midst of historic buildings

The cathedral square is the largest in the city and hosts a market during the week and sees the facades of some historic buildings such as the Historisches Kaufhaus from 1530 with its deep red facade and the characteristic turrets placed on the corners, the City History Museumhoused in a palace from 1761, which tells the long history of Freiburg in Germany up to the 18th century.

Another important square in the historic center is Augustinerplatz, dominated by an abbey of Augustinian hermit monks which, according to historical documents, dates back to 1278. A long time has passed but the locals still tend to meet in that place today. Starting from 1923 theAugustinermuseum houses a rich collection of works of art including medieval and baroque period paintings including paintings by masters such as Baldung and Cranach.

Even if everyone ends up being kidnapped by the collection of ancient stained glass windows, one of the most important in the country. During our walks in the streets of Freiburg we must not forget two squares perhaps less monumental but no less suggestive, Oberlinden And Unterlindeneven if the inhabitants then claim that the most beautiful square, a little off the beaten path, is the Adelhauser-Platz.

These open spaces often come to life thanks to an intense cultural life that offers throughout the year (from the January Culture Fair to Christmas markets in December) events and manifestations of different nature that always attract a large crowd.

The old and new town hall

Continuing the tour around the city you arrive at the Rathausplatz, particular for the presence of tall chestnut trees, where the Neues And the Altes Rathaus, namely the old and the new Town Hall. The first dates back to the mid 1500s and currently houses the headquarters of the Tourist Board while the second dates back to the late 1800s which merged two Renaissance buildings with a recent palace. Pass by here at noon on the dot: a carillon every day signals that the center of the day has arrived.

For those who want to see a different panorama or just look for an alternative to the charm of the city, Freiburg in Germany offers excellent opportunities for an escape in the countryside: just take the cable car that goes up to 1284 meters of the mount Schauinslandright at the gates of Freiburg to get a taste of the mountains of the Black Forest.

From here start a series of simple and well-marked trails suitable for everyone. Before returning to the center for dinner accompanied by local wines. Because we have said that there is something of the Mediterranean here. And it is a pleasure to go and discover it. And maybe taste.

Freiburg in Germany, the city of wine

Freiburg is home to one of the Germany’s oldest universities and bishopric. But for many it is above all a city of wine. THE vineyards surround it since the thirteenth century in particular along the sunny hill south west of Schoenberg and in the plain of Tuniberg: the result is beyond 65 thousand acres cultivated with vineyards.

The largest area of ​​any German city. Not only quantity, however: in this area various grapes are grown and a lot of attention is paid to the biological fight against weeds in order to protect the environment and reduce the use of chemical products. But what matters most is what arrives in the glass: and to find out the best time is the great one Wine festival which takes place for four days in early July around the cathedral in the Muensterplatz.

In the many stands set up at the foot of the emblem of the city, winegrowers and restaurateurs offer traditional and regional specialties and over three hundred different local labels are served.

Freiburg, besides the wine, also the water around the sidewalks

They are called Bächle and are one of the hallmarks of the center of Freiburg in Germany. In practice it is small channels that line the sidewalks where the water flows continuously. The first mention of this system of water distribution dates back to 1220 since then they have never stopped bubbling. Or rather: in the 60s and 70s with the spread of traffic it began to think that they could be dangerous for traffic and many of these were covered or closed with grates.

But luckily the center was then progressively pedestrianized and the risk was reduced: the result is that many sections have been reopened and now keep company with those who walk even if obviously today they are no longer of any use. THE Bächlewhich in the local dialect means precisely small streamthey were used to supply houses with water and as a supply always available in case of fire.

The source of the water is the river Dreisam and the distribution of the liquid occurs in the simplest way: thanks to the force of gravity. The city is slightly downhill and this is enough to make the streams flow. A curiosity: those who put a foot in one of the small canals not only prepare to dry themselves. Tradition has it that this means that he will marry a person who lives right in Freiburg.

Freiburg in Germany: the cathedral

Built between 1200 and 1500, and dedicated to the Virgin, the Freiburg Cathedral it is an architectural masterpiece of the Gothic period and a cultural monument of great importance also because it was one of the few great ones gothic churches German whose construction was still completed in medieval times.

There 116 meter tower of this imposing red sandstone construction is clearly visible from afar and is often referred to as “the most beautiful spire in Christianity”. The decision to undertake the construction was taken by the dynasty of dukes of the city at the foot of the fortress where their castle was located. It was always they who established the market in 1120 which since then brought wealth to the city.

This cathedral also has the distinction of still possessing a good part of the original patrimony of medieval stained glass windows colored. The construction of these glass masterpieces was possible thanks to the contribution of the citizens of Freiburg but above all of the guilds of the time.

Medieval masterpieces and images of saints

Inside there are many works of ancient art, including medieval sculptures and paintings depicting the Virgin such as Grien’s main altarpiece but also other works by great artists such as Lucas Cranach the Elder who painted a splendid Pietà. Other works also depict the patron saints Giorgio, Alessandro and Lamberto.

Freiburg in Germany: the Augustinermuseum

The Augustinian convent of Freiburg is almost as old as the city itself and preserves a priceless heritage of works of art as one of the most important museums of the Baden-Württemberg. The collection of his masterpieces ranges from Middle Ages to the nineteenth century passing through the Renaissance and the Baroque and also preserves some of the statues that were originally found in the cathedral.

The monastery lost its religious function in 1810 and since 1910 it has been transformed into a museum. The exhibition features painted tables and wooden statues that come from many of the churches of the Black Forest and you can admire works, among others, by Grunewald, Cranach and Grien. In addition to painting, the visit also offers emotions to those who love music. In what used to be the church of the convent there is a gigantic organ from the 17th century which, quite rare, can also be visited inside. A concert is held every Saturday morning for museum visitors.

The museums of the past and present of Freiburg

In the Museum of Modern Art of Freiburg are preserved masterpieces that represent the history of the evolution of art in the last century. Here are represented all the ferments that originate fromExpressionism to arrive at the most modern expressions.

To take a leap in time but in the past do not miss the City History Museum which is located in the late Baroque residence that belonged to the eighteenth-century artist Johann Christian Wentzinger. In this museum the nine hundred years of history of Freiburg starting from the foundation to follow the development of this city over the centuries through the exhibition of objects of use of the time.

As a preparation for a city tour, take a look at the model that represents what it was like Freiburg in 1600 with its medieval walls and city gates and another model that reveals how the settlement changed over time up to a star shape in the Baroque era.

At this point all that remains is to resume the walk and look for a place for a greedy stop. There is no shortage of addresses and Friborg will also please gourmets. One more detail: if the weather permits it, just do not hesitate to take a seat at the tables of a bar. You will be able to enjoy the walk and especially the sun. Yes, because Freiburg is there in Germany German city with the higher amount of sunshine hours. With a glass of wine in hand it will be a problem to find the strength to get up.