The sun is shining, as it usually does in Freiburg, and the Bächle are flowing gently along. A perfect day for sightseeing in this city in the Breisgau region! Join us on a walking tour of Freiburg. We’ll stroll past the top sights and learn about the rich history behind the colorful facades.
This belongs on every city tour
Some highlights aren’t exactly hidden gems. But they’re still worth seeing. If you’re visiting Freiburg, these attractions are a must-see.
Old and New City Hall
We’ll start our tour at Rathausplatz. Right in the heart of Freiburg’s historic city center, you’ll immediately get a sense of the interplay between tradition and modernity that characterizes the “Pearl of the Breisgau.”
Right next to the beautiful St. Martin’s Church stand not one, but two city halls. The old city hall was faithfully rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II. The new city hall building served for many years as a university college building and was taken over by the city administration around 1900.
Along the Bächle
As we venture deeper into the Old Town, our tour takes us along the famous Bächle. On a warm summer day like today, children sail their little boats in the tiny canals. But be careful: unless you’re planning to marry someone from Fribourg, you shouldn’t fall in yourself! That’s what an old local legend says.
Every now and then, we stop at the cute little shops in the alleys to pick up souvenirs for our loved ones.
Cathedral & Cathedral Square
The Freiburg Cathedral is the quintessential downtown attraction. The cathedral, which blends Romanesque and Gothic styles, stands 116 meters tall. You can enjoy the views from a height of 70 meters when you tour the tower from the inside.
But there are also sights worth visiting outside the church. For example, Münsterplatz, with its market full of fresh, locally sourced food and arts and crafts. Or the historic Habsburg department store, whose façade catches the eye even from a distance.
On the “Gässle, Bächle & the Cathedral” city tour, our tour guides highlight these points of interest in the Old Town and share fascinating facts about Freiburg’s history.
Augustinian Museum
The Augustinermuseum features modern architecture and one of the most renowned art collections spanning from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The former monastery church combines culture and modernity in the heart of Freiburg. It’s an interesting place to visit and is also great for group activities, including guided tours!
There are also great things to do in the neighborhood around the museum. For example, there’s one of Germany’s oldest inns, the Gasthof zum Roten Bären—because it’s almost time for lunch. If you’re looking for a quick snack, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the market hall. Enjoy your meal!
Martinstor
After a quick bite to eat, we’ll continue on to the three historic gates of the Old Town: the Martinstor, the Schwabentor, and the Breisacher Tor. The Martinstor, being the oldest of the three, is a particularly worthwhile stop. And conveniently, it lies on our way out of the Old Town. After all, Freiburg has more to offer than just traditional culture!
Sightseeing Outside the Old Town
Our recommendation for an outing: Leave the beautiful Old Town behind—even if it’s hard to do so. Just a few meters away, you’ll find places worth seeing that are sure to enchant you.
University & Old Synagogue Square
The Freiburg University Library is arguably the city’s most controversial building. Ultra-modern, some decry it as ugly while others hail it as a bold statement. But it’s definitely worth seeing. And so are the buildings around it: the heart of one of Germany’s oldest universities lies right in the center of the city.
City Tours Just Outside the City Gates
A Walk Along the Dreisam
A relaxing Sunday activity: The banks of the Dreisam River beckon with peaceful natural surroundings and shady spots to enjoy.
Attractions in the Countryside
No tour of Freiburg is complete without hopping on a bike. That’s the only way to truly experience the Green City in its entirety.
Vauban – the green neighborhood
Freiburg is known for its commitment to the environment. The Vauban neighborhood takes this philosophy to the extreme. The neighborhood is designed with sustainability in mind from start to finish: car traffic is restricted, and the community gardens together. The Green City Hotel—a wooden building enveloped in climbing plants and solar panels—serves as an ideal starting point for day trips.
Parks and Gardens
Freiburg is thriving even beyond the Vauban district. That’s why we’ll wrap up our evening tour in a green setting:
- Many students come here to have a barbecue, splash around, and run about—so it’s a great place to visit, even with kids.
- The Schlossberg is also worth a visit for a quick getaway from the city. Just a 15-minute walk from downtown, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of the entire region.
- Colombipark, withits city garden, is located next to an interesting museum, which is also a great place to visit on a rainy day.
- Many tourists love the Old Cemetery, which invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll beneath picturesque trees.
Want to experience the tour in person?
Our city guides will take you on an exciting walking tour of Freiburg’s sights. Take a look now to see which tour might interest you.
