FREIBURG: DISCOVERING THE CITY

Located at the gateway to the Black Forest, close to Switzerland and France, Freiburg is a crossroads of international culture, art, and history. We retrace the birth of the free city from the 13th century through its monuments: admire the construction of the splendid Gothic cathedral, dominated by what is considered Germany’s most beautiful spire; discover the picturesque city towers and richly decorated palaces. Pay attention to Freiburg’s unique feature: the Bächle, small water canals running along at least 15 km of the old town’s streets. Fed directly by the Dreisam River, they accompany our stroll through the lively historic center.

The Cathedral Square, Münsterplatz, is dominated by the magnificent Gothic church and its tower, called the most beautiful in all Western Christendom. Built between the 13th and 18th centuries, it houses some of the most significant works in art history. Around its perimeter, gargoyles portray a variety of figures and fantastic creatures. On the square stands the Historisches Kaufhaus – the Old Merchants’ Hall, built in 1378 with a lavish façade and two richly decorated corner turrets. Its façade displays statues of the great Habsburg rulers, who protected the city from the 14th to the 19th century.

The Old Town Hall and New Town Hall in Rathausplatz are richly decorated with Habsburg coats of arms and fine Neo-Baroque details. Built in the 16th century, they showcase Freiburg’s architectural style, from bay windows to stepped gables. Overlooking the square is St. Martin’s Church in Neo-Gothic style, and nearby stands the famous Whale House, richly decorated with late Gothic details and known for having hosted Erasmus of Rotterdam.

Wandering through the city we discover charming medieval quarters such as Konviktstrasse, the most picturesque street in Freiburg with its unique, varied houses. We admire the Schwabentor, with a curious fresco tied to the legend of the Swabian merchant, and the Martinstor: the two medieval gates with Renaissance and Neo-Gothic additions that introduce us to Freiburg’s history. We explore Little Venice, a characteristic district divided by the Dreisam River: on one side the fishermen’s quarter (Fischerau), on the other the tanners’ quarter (Gerberau). In between we find the “Freiburg crocodile,” a quirky curiosity waiting to be discovered!

Freiburg’s most distinctive feature is its network of small water channels, the Bächle, built when the city was founded to ensure a permanent water supply in case of fire. Found along both small and large streets, they are accompanied by beautiful mosaic pavements depicting heraldic symbols and typical local products. Decorations can also be admired on historic buildings: from timber-framed houses to stepped gable façades such as the Kornhaus; the splendid Renaissance façade of the Basler Hof; and neoclassical buildings around St. Martin’s Gate.

Freiburg is one of the best examples of a city shaped by ecology, renewable energy, sustainability, and climate protection. Many historic buildings have been adapted with energy-saving solutions. Research is strong at the University, founded in 1457, home to renowned scholars and students who distinguished themselves in literature, philosophy, art, and especially science. We admire the university buildings, including the new library, one of the largest and best-equipped in Europe.