Herdern isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for many people when they hear the name Freiburg im Breisgau; many think first of the famous Freiburg Cathedral with its slender tower and distinctive silhouette. Images of winding alleys with their flowing Freiburg “Bächle” spring to mind, giving the city such a unique charm. All of this is part of Freiburg, but there’s much more to discover. Curious visitors should also venture beyond the historic Old Town and explore other parts of the city on a guided tour —for example, the elegant Herdern neighborhood!
Herdern has a village center
The laid-back village of Herdern has retained its village character to this day. When you sit on a bench in the shade under a tree in front of St. Urban’s village church, it’s easy to forget that you’re actually in a major city with over 230,000 residents. The village of Herdern is actually much older than the city of Freiburg and was first mentioned in writing as early as 1008. The Glasbach, which still flows through the neighborhood today—albeit channeled—is often referred to as the “liquid soul” of Herdern. It ensured the agricultural success of the old village, as its water was used to irrigate the fields. It also fueled mining operations, as Herdern engaged in mining on a modest scale. Wine was already being grown on the slopes of the Fuchskopf and the Rosskopf as early as the Middle Ages. The village appears to have been quite prosperous. As the large city of Freiburg expanded closer, Herdern gradually lost its independence and eventually became part of the city.
From a Village to an Exclusive Neighborhood
In the 19th century, Herdern developed into a notable residential neighborhood of villas centered around the old town center. The diverse recreational opportunities on the green slopes of the Fuchs- and Rosskopf hills, the neighborhood’s tranquility, and its convenient proximity to the Old Town attracted many affluent residents. As a result, lovers of 19th- and 20th-century architecture will find plenty to enjoy on a stroll through Herdern. The red sandstone building of the Herder publishing house, which has been based in Freiburg since 1808, was built before World War I in the so-called “South German monastery Baroque style.” Many of the wide residential streets are lined with Art Nouveau villas, whose understated elegance contributes greatly to Herdern’s peaceful atmosphere. But even more recent 20th-century architecture, such as the former railway workers’ orphanage on Händelstraße, and attractions like the Botanical Garden are good reasons to take a closer look at the charming neighborhood of Herdern on your next visit to Freiburg.
