Visiting Freiburg Germany (2023)- The Ultimate Travel Guide
We are proud immigrants to call Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany home. After moving to the Southern Black Forest city in 2013, it was impossible not to fall in love with the “green city” situated in the heart of the Black Forest. From medieval cathedrals to a thriving music and cultural scene, we love that Freiburg offers a little bit of something for everyone. In fact, as the “sunniest city in Germany”, Freiburg attracts hundreds of thousands of both international and German travelers each year. Are you interested in visiting Freiburg? Check out our Ultimate Freiburg Travel Guide below for the best places to stay, the best things to do and the best places to eat in Freiburg.
History
The History of Freiburg can be traced back to the 11th century. During this time, the House of Zähringen built a castle on Schloßberg in 1091, and eventually a small settlement on the site of today’s southern old town and Oberlinden was chartered as a free market town by Konrad and Duke Bertold III in 1120.
In fact, the city’s market rights to free trade led to its name: Freiburg. The favourable location for trade in close proximity to the Rhine, along with the silver mines in the Black Forest, soon led Freiburg to grow into a prosperous and influential city.
Over the centuries the city would exchange hands as various families, countries and empires jockeyed for control over the region.
In more recent historical events, on 27th November 1944, large parts of the city were destroyed during an air raid by allied forces. Miraculously, the Münster Cathedral largely escaped destruction.
While other German cities decided to renew and redesign their cities after the destruction of WWII, Freiburg decided to rebuild and reconstruct the original buildings and streets to their prior design.
Therefore, while many of the buildings you see in Freiburg today have been significantly renovated, they largely reflect the same architectural style and design that they have kept for hundreds of years.
Fun Fact! In 2020, Freiburg celebrated its 900th anniversary!
Quick Facts
Language:
German (Although English is understood and spoken by many locals)
Currency:
Euro (EUR). To find your equivalent exchange rate, check out this online conversion.
Voltage:
230V. Plug types C and F.
Safety:
Very safe. In fact, travelers in both Freiburg and Germany will find that crime that is low and touristed areas are safe throughout the day, evening and night hours. However, we still advise to always be aware of your surroundings.
Freiburg Travel Guide: Budget
If you are planning on visiting Freiburg, you may be happy to know that the prices of accommodation, food, transportation and attractions in Freiburg are very “middle of the road” in terms of European travel.
You will find beers at most restaurants and beer gardens cost around 3-4 euros, lunch can easily be found for under 10 euros, and public transit is both affordable and cost effective. Your visit to Freiburg can be made with a reasonable budget.
Here is a breakdown for a typical daily budget per person in Freiburg, Germany.
| Accommodation | Food | Transportation | Attractions | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 84€ | 35€ | 0€ | 0€ | 119€ |
| Premium | 155€ | 50€ | 6.70€ | 20€ | 231.70€ |
| First Class | 327€ | 90€ | 40€ | 40€ | 497€ |
Freiburg Travel Guide: Budget
Getting to Freiburg im Breisgau
When planning your visit to Freiburg, Germany you’ll have a number of modes of transportation to choose from to arrive in the heart of the Black Forest.
For visiting Freiburg, check our recommendations below for the best way to connect to and within the city, whether you come by air, land or rail!
Arrival by Plane
If you are flying into the Black Forest there are three airports that you are most likely to choose from: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL), Frankfurt Airport (FRA), and Zurich Airport (ZRH).
Of the three, Basel is the regional and closest choice. However, if you are flying in from overseas you will find that prices are typically higher (pay for convenience) and you will need a European connection first.
On the other hand, flying into Frankfurt (FRA) or Zurich (ZRH) can mean cheaper flights and a larger network of airline alliances with regular schedules.
Let’s take a look at all three a bit closer.
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
One of the few airports that actually straddles international borders (France & Switzerland), EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) serves the regional area of the three cities part of its name.
Generally speaking, Euroairport Basel is more of a regional airport for intercontinental flights - although we have used it when prices are low to connect to a larger airport and then fly to North America.
Personally speaking, we LOVE flying in and out of EuroAirport Basel when possible. It has great connectivity with FlixBus (Read More Below). This cuts our travel time from Freiburg to the EuroAirport in Basel by nearly an hour and a half versus Frankfurt or Zurich. Quick and efficient service with short times in lines and baggage claim, and clean, well-appointed lounge access.
Frankfurt Airport (FRAPort)
About 80% of the time when we are flying overseas, we end up departing out of Frankfurt. Unlike EuroAirport Basel, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany's biggest airport, covering 23km².
It features two main terminals, which saw 64 million passengers in 2017. It is also the busiest cargo airport in Europe, handling more than two million tonnes in 2017. It is also a major hub for United and Star Alliance partners, if you are part of their membership club.
Overall the airport is very clean, well organized and easy to navigate, even as an English speaker. During the holidays this airport gets very busy. So as always, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight.
If you are in need of long term parking at Frankfurt Airport, we recommend their holiday lot, with prices as low as 29 euros for an entire week.
Black Forest Family Tip
Visiting Freiburg from Frankfurt Airport via train? Lufthansa Rail&Fly offers bundles of airline and flexible train tickets. From baggage claim, follow signs for “Long Distance Trains” to connect to Freiburg.
Zurich Airport
Additionally, you can also easily travel to Freiburg from Zurich, Switzerland. This international hub is a great, centrally located airport if you plan on connecting to other cities within Europe. It is also very modern and easy to navigate.
A couple of things to keep in mind when flying in and out of Zurich Airport (ZRH). First, Switzerland is more expensive than Germany.
So, anticipate higher costs for foods and services if you don’t have lounge access. Second, the national currency in Switzerland is Swiss Francs - not Euros. While most places will accept Euros, they will give you a pretty lousy exchange rate.
Connecting to Freiburg from Zurich via train? You can purchase bahn tickets directly from kiosks at Zurich airport. As part of your ticket, you will first need to connect from the Airport to the Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) via train.
From there you can (usually) find a direct train to Freiburg. Although sometimes you may have to switch to a German Train once more in Basel, Switzerland.
Black Forest Family Tip
When purchasing your train ticket at Zurich Airport, make sure you are purchasing a ticket to “Freiburg im Breisgau, DE”. This is easily confused with “Fribourg”, a small-medium sized city in Switzerland.
Arrival by Bus
Looking for affordable transit options between major German cities? Busses are going to be your best bet.
Sure, they typically take a bit longer than rail. But they can also offer major cost savings if you are budget conscious or backpacking around Europe. Furthermore, you will find that the fleet of busses are very modern and comfortable (think large motor coach).
Flix-Bus
You can’t miss their bright green fleet of busses. FlixBus is one of the largest transportation companies in Europe with an extensive network that includes 400,000 daily connections to over 2,500 destinations in 34 European countries.
Wondering how to get from EuroAirport Basel to Freiburg? The quickest, cheapest and most relaxing option is from FlixBus. Their fleet departs either locale every hour, with direct service taking just under an hour to complete the journey.
Tickets cost around 22 euros per direction, and you can purchase tickets either online or purchase directly from the driver.
Black Forest Family Tip
Catching a FlixBus in Freiburg? You’ll find their busses just outside of the Freiburg Hauptbahnhof (Central Train Station), just south of the main entrance. The bus to EuroAirport Basel meets at platform 3.
Freiburger Reisedienst
Typically working in partnership with Flixbus to provide a more extensive network for Freiburg and the surrounding Black Forest, Freiburger Reisedienst’s bright yellow busses are also a visual standout.
Much like the aforementioned bus provider, their fleet is also very modern and comfortable on large, air-conditioned motor coaches.
As of July 2020, Freiburger Reisedienst also offers connections to EuroAirport Basel. One-way tickets from Freiburg to EuroAirport Basel cost 23 euros and you can either reserve online or pay the bus driver directly upon arrival.
Deutsche Bahn high speed ICE stopped at Freiburg’s main station
Arrival by Train
Travel by train is the most popular mode of transportation for visiting Freiburg. Like the rest of Europe, Germany’s train network operated by Deutschebahn provides a well-connected system of regional and long distance trains to Freiburg, the Black Forest and beyond.
The Freiburg im Breisgau Hauptbahnhof is the central station for the city. From there, you can connect to other modes of transportation to explore the city and surrounding area - such as street car, bus, or bicycle rental - offered by the Freiburg VAG. (Read More Below)
You will find the train station located on the far eastern boundary of Altstadt (Old Town),
The Freiburg Hauptbahnhof is open 6:00 to midnight 7 days a week. Inside you will find a number of coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries (hours vary) - in addition to other services such as lockers to keep your luggage for short term periods.
Arrival by Car
Thanks to a close connection via the B31 and A5, your visit to Freiburg is also very accessible by car. While the heart of the city is car-free, you can find street or garage parking within the city center and various neighborhoods quite easily.
For a comprehensive overview of parking garage locations in Freiburg, the City of Freiburg has an interactive map that displays locations and current available spots at each garage.
Costs vary depending on garage, duration and time of day. The rates are generally very affordable (around 2-3 euros per hour).
Street parking is also largely available (although admittedly hard to come by the closer you are to old town). Freiburg uses a kiosk system for street parking. Simply find an available spot, walk to the nearest kiosk (Parkschein Automat) to pay and print your ticket to display on your dashboard.
Street parking costs vary depending on the area. Generally speaking you can expect:
Old Town: 3.20 euros/hour (no daily rate available)
Immediately surrounding neighborhoods: 2.60 euros/hour or daily rate of 14 euros.
Black Forest Family Tip
Did you know that large parts of the Freiburg urban area are environmental zones in which cars are only allowed to drive with the particulate matter sticker.
Currently, Freiburg mandates a green sticker. Without a green sticker you have to expect a fine of € 80.
Getting Around in Freiburg im Breisgau
Getting around Freiburg is very easy and quite enjoyable as a visitor. You will find a well connected network of street cars (called ‘S-bahns’) and busses that can connect you to just about every neighborhood within the entire city. Here is our Freiburg Travel Guide overview of the best modes of transportation.
Check It Out: Freiburg Welcome Card
A highlight of this Freiburg Travel Guide is specific welcome card. The Freiburg “WelcomeKarte” is a 3-day combination ticket for bus and train in the entire RVF area, including the Schauinslandbahn. You also benefit from a 2 euro discount on the open city tours as well as free entry to the city museums and Frelo bike rental for adults. Purchase at VAG customer center, online shop or mobile app.
Cost:
Adults (15 years +): 26 euros
Children: 16 euros
S-Bahn
One of the most frequently used and iconic modes of public transit in Freiburg is via the street cars (s-bahn). Operated by the Freiburg VAG, their network of street cars provide excellent connections to the main tourist attractions within the city center and surrounding neighborhoods.
Click here to view maps of the S-Bahn Service.
Arriving by train? Simply walk down your train platform towards the large bridge spanning across the train tracks to the south. Escalators will take you up to the S-bahn platform for the Pink, Green, Red and Yellow routes.
Tickets for the S-bahn may be purchased ahead of time online, from kiosks on the platforms or onboard the street car. Cards and cash are both accepted.
S-Bahn Fares & Ticket Types:
Single Trip (valid within 1 hour of purchase)
Adult: 2.40€ (2.16€ on mobile app)
Children (6-14): 1.40€ (1.16€ on mobile app)
Children 5 and under: free
REGIO24 Card
1 Adult + up to 4 Children: 6.70€ (6.43€ on mobile app)
5 People Regardless of Age: 13.40€ (12.86€ on mobile app)
Black Forest Family Tip
Arriving or departing by train in Freiburg? Check the details of your fare class and ticket type. Many tickets (including saver fare!) include a “city ticket” which allows for free use of public transit (S-Bahn and Bus included) to get to and from your train station.
Bus
Also operated by the Freiburg VAG, Freiburg also has an excellent system of busses to further connect you within the city. These red busses are accessible, comfortable, and many are switching to solar powered!
For a comprehensive overview of service and timetables, we recommend using the Freiburg VAG interactive online map tool to plan out your route and see which mode best suits your needs.
Costs of the bus system are the same as the S-bahn. A single ticket may be used to transfer from S-bahn to bus to complete your route without any additional surcharge.
Frelo Bikes
Did you know that there are twice as many bicyclists in Freiburg than cars? This ‘green city’ has won many international awards for its sustainability, environmentally friendly services and its great network of bicycle paths and routes.
To encourage visitors and locals alike to continue to cycle more, the city now offers a bike-share program called Frelo. Using your smartphone you can easily rent one of their red bikes to commute around the city at very affordable rates.
Click here for an interactive map of Frelo docking stations in Freiburg and bike availability.
Frelo offers monthly and yearly subscriptions for local users. Visitors will most likely benefit from their base rates or a 3 day pass.
Base Rate:
€ 1 per 30 min. (Maximum charge: 12 € / 24h per rental)
3 Day Rental:
€ 3 for 3 days where the first 30 minutes per rental is free. (1 € / each additional 30 minutes; Max. 12 € / 24h per rental)
Black Forest Family Tip
Are you a student at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg or the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg? You qualify for FREE 30 minute Frelo rides in Freiburg.
Need the bike for longer than 30 minutes at a time? Fees are 0.50 € per 30 min and max. 10 € / 24h. Students simply register with their university email address online.
Taxis
Is there Uber or Lyft in Germany? Well, We have to admit, we had no idea how seriously Freiburg (and really, all of Germany) takes their taxi driving. In fact, in order to protect taxi drivers and their local businesses, both Uber and Lyft are banned in Germany.
All taxi drivers have to pass a rigorous exam in order to be licensed within the city of Freiburg, including being able to identify destinations and street names without the help of a map. It is safe to say, if you need to get somewhere - they will surely be able to get you there.
All taxi services in Freiburg are governed by the Freiburger Taxi Vereinigung which sets a standard fare price.
We also highly recommend downloading the MyTaxi app. It is a simple app that brings the convenience of Uber and Lyft to local taxi operators, especially for non German speakers. Book a taxi using your smartphone and pay using your bank card.
We have been personally burned by not using the app in the past. We didn't have the app and decided to call and request a taxi to the train station. The driver was very late and and we ended up missing our train.
Where to Stay in Freiburg, Germany
When planning your visit to Freiburg, Germany you will find that there is no shortage of great hotels, guesthouses, and AirBnB’s. However, if you are looking for a truly unique accommodation, we’ve rounded up the best in our Freiburg Travel Guide.
Low Cost Hotel: (80-120 €/ night)
There are a number of low-cost hotels in Freiburg. In fact, you can even find lodging for lower than 80 euros per night - if you are willing to stay outside of the city center and look into hostels. However, if you are looking to stay within walking distance to Old Town/Train station generally speaking prices begin at 80 euros per night.
Stiegeler Ferienwohnungen (84.00 € /night)
Gerberau 34/36, 79098 Freiburg
Consider this an “insider recommendation” of our Freiburg Travel Guide, you won’t find this place on Booking.com. We heard about Stiegeler Holiday Apartments when we met the owner herself while purchasing bed linens from their adorable family-owned store located on the ground floor of the building.
You could not ask for a better location. Their apartments for rent are quite literally located in the on Augustinerplatz, in the pedestrian zone between Martins- and Schwabentor. Just steps from the Münster Cathedral, Hausbrauerei Feierling, fantastic shopping and great restaurants.
Each apartment is bright, comfortable and equipped with the highest quality bed linens (of course). Plus, they offer a 4 night or more discount, reducing the price to just 69 euros per night!
Mid-Range Hotel: (125-165 €/ night)
Moving into the mid-range hotels you can anticipate an increase in amenities as you step into traditional hotel settings rather than holiday apartments or AirBnB’s. Many include breakfast in their base charges and luxury add-ons such as dry-cleaning, room service and parking.
The Alex Hotel (154 € /night)
Rheinstrasse 29, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Just a short walk from the Freiburg Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and you’ll find The Alex Hotel. This posh, modern hotel reminds us quite a bit of accommodations in major international cities with a beautifully designed interior and hip bar scene on the ground floor.
We love that the hotel is just close enough to be walkable to all of the major Old Town attractions but located in a quiet neighborhood just outside of the ring road for privacy and noise.
While breakfast is not included, you’ll find that for 11 euros a person you can enjoy a continental breakfast with artisan coffee, fresh pastries and a large selection of fruits, meats, cheese and muesli.
Mercure Hotel Panorama Freiburg (155 € /night)
Wintererstr. 89, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
While Mercure Hotel Panorama Freiburg is not within walking distance to Old Town, we think that stunning panoramic views of the city skyline set on a hillside in the Black Forest more than make up for it.
And the hotel offers more than jaw dropping views, guests can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, tennis courts and bicycle rental. Furthermore guests can also indulge at the highly recommended Chez Eric Restaurant which serves up Mediterranean specialities, including fresh fish and seafood dishes.
Like the prior hotel recommendation, it is worth noting that breakfast is not included in the standard room price (20 euros per person). However, the hotel does offer free parking (a rarity in Freiburg) including an electric car charging station.
Luxury Hotel: (170+ €/ night)
When money is no object, then you can really treat yourself in Freiburg. From hotels that offer exceptional spa services to valet with overnight parking, you’re sure to find a hotel that meets your personal and practical needs while in Freiburg.
Colombi Hotel (327 € /night)
Rotteckring 16, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
The most exclusive hotel in Freiburg, Colombi Hotel gets its name from the Colombi Castle located immediately across the street. Just a 5-minute walk takes you to Freiburg Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). And the hotel also offers valet service with overnight parking (at an additional fee).
This five-star hotel is a family-run operation that offers both luxury and convenience. Amenities include gourmet traditional German cuisine at the fine dining restaurant Zirbelstube, an indoor restaurant, and high quality toiletries and bathrobes.
Gnocchi
Where to Eat in Freiburg, Germany
One of the perks of being a university town is a vibrant and varied Black Forest food scene. Whether you’re looking to grab a stein of beer at the local brewery, treat yourself to a fine dining experience, or explore the options in between, our Freiburg Travel Guide has rounded up the best restaurants in Freiburg rated by locals.
The Best Bakery in Freiburg: Bäckerei Bühler - €
Zasiusstraße 9, 79102 Freiburg im Breisgau
Trying to select the best bakery in Freiburg is near impossible. Truthfully, there are so many great bakeries with their own specialities depending on whether you are looking for something sweet or an everyday bread for sandwiches.
However, if we had to award an overall winner it would be Bäckerei Bühler, located just south of Altstadt (Old Town) in the neighborhood of Wiehre. Their selection of breads, pastries, pizza, cakes and pies are always done to perfection. It’s no wonder there is always a line out the door.
The Best Coffee Shop in Freiburg: Fili Café - €€
Kaiser-Joseph-Straße 260, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
Gauchstraße 1-3, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
A fairly priced coffee shop with a young high-end atmosphere has won us over - Fili Café. We love that they serve up a beautifully created range of coffee drinks to satisfy any craving at any time of the year. It’s so good, they opened up a 2nd location on Kaiser-Joseph-str. shown above.
Not in the mood for coffee? No worries. Fili Café is actually a great place to grab a sweet treat or a cocktail. They make our list because they have managed to create a space and menu that welcomes everyone while still embracing a local vibe.
Pumpkin Gnocchi at Oma's Küche
The Best Restaurant for Traditional German Food in Freiburg: Oma’s Küche - €€
Hildastraße 66, 79102 Freiburg im Breisgau
We recognize that this is going to draw some very passionate criticism from Freiburg locals - nearly every neighborhood has their favorite “stube”. However, there is only so much schnitzel and spätzle that one can eat before all of the brown food starts tasting the same.
Unless of course, you are talking about Oma’s Küche. Hearty German favorites aren’t heavy - but comforting. The menu ranges from family favorites like Goulash to inspired favorites like pumpkin gnocchi.
Families gather around large wooden tables in the warmly lit interior. Here, you really do feel like you’re eating at “Grandma’s Kitchen”. It’s our absolute favorite and we are sure that you will love it too.
Ice cream and berries for desert
Rump steak with potatoes at Hausbrauerei Feierling
The Best Brewery in Freiburg: Hausbrauerei Feierling - €€
Gerberau 46, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
Great beers, affordable prices, good atmosphere, and a nice food selection. What more could you ask for? If you’re looking for an all around crowd pleaser, head over to Hausbrauerei Feierling.
The interior design and menu is refined enough to take a family out for a night on the town, but the beer is tasty enough to still feel like you’ve slipped into your favorite pub for a fresh pour of your favorite brew.
In fact, you can even take the beer home with you. Purchase one of the glass 2 liter Krugs for 10 euros and refills are only 6 euros!
If you are planning on checking out Hausbrauerei Feierling with a family or larger group, we do recommend making reservations. The restaurant fills up quickly most nights of the week.
Enjoy the view over Freiburg old town (Altstadt) with a beer
The Best Biergarten in Freiburg: Kastaniengarten am Schlossberg - €€
Schlossbergring 3, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
While we might be partial to the beer at the aforementioned brewery, they do not take the top spot for the best biergarten in Freiburg. When looking for a great place to sit back and relax outdoors with a cold beer and maybe a few finger foods, the most important factor is atmosphere. That is what Kastaniengarten (The Chestnut Garden) delivers spectacularly.
Located atop the Schlossberg (Castle Mountain), the Kastaniengarten offers beautiful panoramic views of both Old Town and the Dreisam Valley. While the views are stunning at nearly every time of day, sunsets over the beer garden are especially beautiful when the treetops illuminate and local music begins to play.
There’s a reason why this is a favorite watering hole for locals and visitors alike - it’s a one-of-a-kind beer garden in Freiburg to gather with friends and enjoy the view.
The Best Bar in Freiburg: One Trick Pony - €€€
Oberlinden 8, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
Looking to continue the party once the sun goes down? Head down to One Trick Pony. This underground bar serves up delicious cocktails in a multi story, stone walled cellar. Just a short walk from the Schwabentor, you’ll easily find this bar a fun place to continue your festivities well into the night.
The Best Fusion Restaurant in Freiburg: Kuro Mori - €€€€
Grünwälderstraße 2, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
Growing tired of the same German dishes at every restaurant? If you’re looking for something new, inventive, exciting and downright delicious, head over to Kuro Mori.
Kuro Mori means “Black Forest” in Japanese - reflecting the unique fusion of Asian and German cuisine that the restaurant offers. Here you will find dishes such as sashimi and Tom Kha Gai, blended with regional ingredients such as local, organic carrots and goat cream cheese from a farm in Horben.
We actually chose this restaurant to celebrate the launching of Black Forest Family. The 5 course, “chef’s choice” meal was delight to all of the senses. A very special (and delicious) treat.
The Best Brunch Restaurant in Freiburg: Lollo - €€
Schwimmbadstraße 46, 79100 Freiburg im Breisgau
If you’re up for a nice morning walk, check out our favorite place for brunch in Freiburg, Lollo. Located in the Wiehre neighborhood, Lollo serves up a weekend brunch from 10:00-14:00 on Saturdays and Sundays that we think is unparalleled in the city.
Delicious dishes such as burrata Stulle with red beet hummus or avocado toast with a poached egg and chives are our personal favorites.
If breakfast food isn’t your favorite - not to worry. Lollo also has a mouthwatering menu of burgers, pizza, soups, salads and more!
The Best Irish Pub in Freiburg: Oscar Wilde’s Irish Pub & Cafe - €€
Humboldtstraße 2-4, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
Sometimes as expats, you just want a taste of home and be immersed in an English speaking environment again. Perhaps that is why we regularly stop at Oscar Wilde’s Irish Pub and Cafe for a warm meal.
Whether you are looking for Irish classics like fish and chips or shepherd’s pie, or something fresh like their Irish angus beef steak salad (a personal favorite!), you are sure to leave feeling full and happy.
While their indoor dining room is warm and cozy, if the weather is nice we do recommend grabbing a seat outside in their courtyard.
Delicious tacos!
The Best Tacos in Freiburg: Yepa Yepa - €
Merianstraße 30, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau
Authentic Mexican tacos in Germany? Listen, if we hadn’t been there ourselves we would have thought you were mistaken. But it is true - you can get authentic, flavorful tacos at Yepa Yepa in Freiburg.
Sourcing their spices and ingredients from Mexico, supplemented with local produce from the Black Forest, you are sure to delight in tacos that are both fresh and genuine.
Our personal favorites are the caldo tlalpĕno and the birria tacos with their fresh guacamole and salsa verde. Simply delicious!
The Best Indian Restaurant in Freiburg: Jaipur - €€
Gerberau 5, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
More than just a place to stop for delicious, authentic Indian Food, Jaipur is good for the soul. The family who owns the restaurant are some of the most welcoming and kind people we have come across in the city.
We will never forget the time we were new, and struggling to communicate in German. The waiter stopped us and said “It is okay. English is a beautiful language and you should speak in what makes you feel comfortable. It is our job to do our best to serve you.” We were floored.
Located on the famous Gerberau, their restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining to enjoy., We especially love the family style dining experience, with shared naan bread, basmati rice and delicious, authentic Indian dishes (the lamb Saag is DELICIOUS!).
The Best Thai Food in Freiburg: Chada Thai - €€
Richard-Wagner-Straße 24, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau
If you ask Ashton - we’ve saved the best for last. This is her favorite restaurant in Freiburg. Whenever it's a special occasion or her birthday she always requests dinner at Chada Thai.
Located in the Herdern neighborhood of Freiburg, Chada Thai hits all the marks for a great dining experience: delicious food, top notch cocktails, and a beautiful tree-covered, outdoor dining terrace.
Do Ashton a favor, go to Chada Thai and order a Mojito or two and sip it slowly on a warm summer day. You won’t regret it.
The Best Things to Do in Freiburg, Germany
Whether you plan to visit Freiburg for the first time or are exploring as a seasoned local, there is always something going on in the heart of the Black Forest. Check out our Freiburg Travel Guide recommendations for the best things to do in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
Attend an Art or Music Festival
We mean it when we say that there is always something going on in Freiburg. From food truck expositions to art showcases, music festivals to rubber duck races down the Dreisam, there is always something fun to do in Freiburg for all ages. It’s one of the many reasons we call this city our home.
To see upcoming events in Freiburg during your stay, we recommend checking out the calendar of events provided by the Freiburg Tourism Office.
Tour the Freiburg Münster
We may be biased in thinking that the Freiburg Münster is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture we have seen. But then again, we aren’t alone. The Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt once said that the church's 116-meter tower will forever remain the most beautiful spire on earth.
Today, you can tour the interior of the only Gothic church tower in Germany that was completed in the Middle Ages (1330). Miraculously, the cathedral has lasted until the present, surviving the bombing raids of November 1944, which destroyed all of the houses on the west and north side of the market.
This is nice to do any day, but if you’re looking for things to do in Freiburg on a rainy day, this should definitely be on your agenda.
Take the Schauinslandbahn and Go Hiking on the Schauinsland Summit
Follow along on our hike up to Schauinsland for brunch!
While the city may be home to over a quarter of a million people, you are always within a short walk to the forest. If you’re looking to do some hiking in Freiburg or the Southern Black Forest, we highly recommend spending an afternoon on Schauinsland.
Read all what what to do, where to stay and where to eat HERE.
The chairlift is well connected with public transit. Simply take the green line out to the end stop at Gunterstal and then transfer to a short 5 minute bus ride to the Schauinslandbahn.
Inaugurated in 1930, the cable car is now modern and efficient with the highest and longest spanning run in Germany.
Once at the top, you can take a tour of the old silver mine, hike the vast network of trails at the top, climb the Schauinsland Tower or enjoy a meal at the Bergstation Restaurant.
Enjoy a fantastic brunch at the Bergstation restaurant, as we showed off in our YouTube video above.
Schauinslandbahn Ticket Prices
Adults: Round-Trip, 13.00 €; One-Way, 9.50 €
Children (6 – 14 years): Round-Trip, 8.50 €; One-Way, 6.50 €
1 adult with 1 - 4 own Children (6 – 14 years): Round-Trip, 17.00 €; One-Way, 12.50 €
2 adults with 1 - 4 own Children (6 – 14 years): Round-Trip; 26.50 €; One-Way, 19.50 €
Don’t Forget About the Freiburg Welcome Card
The Freiburg “WelcomeKarte” is a 3-day combination ticket for bus and train in the entire RVF area, including the Schauinslandbahn. Purchase at VAG customer center, online shop or mobile app.
Cost:
Adults (15 years +): 26 euros
Children: 16 euros
Stick your feet in the Freiburg Bächle
On a hot summer’s day, there is nothing more relaxing than grabbing a cone of gelato and sticking your feet in the Freiburg Bächle.
These small water-filled runnels or formalized rills are supplied with water by the Dreisam and can be seen along most streets and alleyways in Altstadt, being one of the city's most famous landmarks.
If you have small children, you can purchase the most adorable small wooden boats from a vendor near the Münstermarkt for your little one to pull along down the bächle.
Enjoy the Views on the Schlossberg
Named for the fort that once loomed over the fortified city, you can hike up to the lookout point for spectacular views of Freiburg, the Dreisam valley and the Voge mountains in the distance.
On your way up (or down) we recommend stopping at the Kastaniengarten (The Chestnut Garden) beer garden for a cold beer with friends.
Take note that although it is paved, the hike can be quite steep in places. For those who need more assistance, there is an elevator that can take you to the restaurant mid-way up. However, you will have to traverse on foot the remainder of the way.
Walk the cobbled Streets from the Schwabentor to the Martinstor
There was once a time when the city of Freiburg was surrounded by a fortified city wall. Two of the large gates that would allow entry or exit into the city proper are still in tact today, and form two architecturally magnificent bookends to Altstadt.
The first, Schwabentor, is located in the vicinity of the Schlossberg at the intersection of Oberlinden and Schlossbergring on the western edge of the city. The second, Martinstor is on the famed Kaiser-Josef-Straße on the south eastern edge.
Between the two you can find meandering cobbled streets lined with great local shops, restaurants, and city monuments. We highly recommend taking time just to explore the city and its charm.
Picnic along the Dreisam
Nearly 10 months out of the year, you will find locals gathered along the banks of the Dreisam, the river which runs through Freiburg. Offering a great place for children and adults alike to cool off in its clear waters, it is a great place to gather. You will also find that the paths on either bank are frequented by walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
In early July each year, you can check out the famed Freiburg Duck Race. Each year, nearly 8,000 rubber ducks swim against each other in the Dreisam while 3,000 spectators cheer on the racers. Anyone interested can purchase a duck and enter the race. All proceeds go to the Freiburg clinic clowns.
Shopping in Altstadt
Naturally, Freiburg offers a wide array of local crafts, goods and services. We highly recommend spending time exploring the local shops, chatting with the owners and finding something truly special.
Some of our favorite shops:
Children’s Toys: Spielzeugladen Holzpferd, Papagena Spielzeug
Sustainable Clothing: Maas Natur
Bulk Tea & Coffee: Tea Peter Coffee
Chocolates & Sweets: Confiserie Gmeiner
Bookstore: Buchhandlung Fundevogel
Browse the Münstermarkt Farmer’s Market
One of the real highlights of city life in Freiburg is the Freiburg Münstermarkt. Located in the surrounding plaza of the Freiburg Münster, you’ll find the open forum comes alive six days a week with the very best the region has to offer.
With over 160 stands, you can find the perfect organic produce or farm fresh cheese for your dinner and buy the hand-made ceramic platter to serve it in that evening!
Hours:
Mon - Fri: 7.30 - 13.30
Sat: 7.30 - 14.00
Catch an SC Freiburg Game
Finally, no trip to Freiburg would be complete without attending a passionate SC Freiburg soccer (football) game.
The club traces its history back to 1904, when loyal Freiburg soccer enthusiasts cheered on their favorite players from the Black Forest and beyond. You can always tell when it is game day, as thousands of fans walk the streets clad in black and red and the roar from the stadium can be heard from kilometers away.
Want to catch an SC Freiburg game? Check out their schedule here.
Enjoy the Freiburg Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt)
The Freiburg Christmas Market is a festive extravaganza that comes alive in the heart of Freiburg's historic old town from late November until just before Christmas. This fantastic city hosts a wonderful Weihnachtsmarkt which we believe is one of the top 5 Christmas Markets in the Black Forest. Visitors are treated to a magical winter wonderland, adorned with over 120 beautifully decorated stalls offering an array of unique handcrafted gifts, including traditional Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, and artisan glassware.
The market's culinary delights range from classic German sausages and Flammkuchen to sweet treats like Lebkuchen and Schupfnudeln. Children's attractions like the enchanting bakery and the captivating candle workshop add to the family-friendly atmosphere. With the stunning backdrop of the Freiburg Münster and the enchanting sound of Christmas carols, the Freiburg Christmas Market promises a truly unforgettable holiday experience.
