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Freiburg, Germany

Make the most of your time in Freiburg, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.

The scenic and charming city of Freiburg is situated in the far south-west of the country and has a reputation for being something of a tourist hub. To its west is the border with France, to the east is the Black Forest wooded mountain range and to the south is the border with Switzerland which is also the location of major Swiss city Basel. Freiburg, or Freiburg im Breisgau to give it its proper name, is said to be the warmest city in Germany, perhaps giving a clue as to the reason for its status as a one of the country’s tourist hotspots.

Freiburg is famous for being an eco-city, partly due to its inhabitants being known as lovers of cycling and recycling. This is enhanced by the city’s government which is dominated by the Green party. The city is set against a backdrop of mountains thanks to its position next to the mountainous Black Forest and the Schlossberg hills. It also finds itself resting on the banks of the Dreisau River as it works its way north-west towards the border with France.

Approximately 200,000 people reside in Freiburg including 30,000 students who come to the city’s university and other educational institutions. These figures ensure Freiburg is the largest Black Forest city, perhaps a little unsurprisingly due to its tucked away position on its own in this part of the country in the south-western state of Baden-Württemberg. Further, the city doesn’t have its own airport but shares one with French city Mulhouse which is just a short distance away over the border.

The city has a unique gutter system which trickles its way through the city’s streets. The Bächle water carriers are diverted from the river and were used in years gone by to feed animals and to put out fires. Other city centre focal points include two squares – the Augustinerplatz and the Münsterplatz. The Augustinerplatz is the central square and is home to a number of bars and restaurants while the Münsterplatz is where the famous Munster and market are to be found. There is also a historical marketplace in the city centre called the Historisches Kaufhaus.

Freiburg boasts the country’s longest cable car run at no fewer than 3.6 kilometres which works its way up towards the nearby Schauinsland Mountain. As well as the mountains and the forest there are several other cultural sites and attractions nearby for visitors to make the most of. The dominating cathedral is an impressive sight and is a landmark building in the city. There are also some museums, namely the Augustiner museum, the museum for new art and the museum of early and pre-history. Finally, the grand Colombi Palace is situated just over from the Colombi Park and is an arresting building with much history stemming from the late-17th century.
 

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