9 Best Things to Do in Freiburg

Freiburg Münster, with its towering height and Gothic architecture, is the city’s most distinctive landmark. One of the few structures that has survived the bombings during World War II, the cathedral was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Its most impressive feature is the Gothic bell tower, which stands at 116 metres in height. For a few euros, you may attempt to climb the 400-step stairway to its viewing deck for panoramic views of Freiburg. 

Münsterplatz is a cobblestone square in front of the Freiburg Münster (Cathedral of Freiburg). This quaint churchyard has plenty of colourful buildings, most of which were reconstructed following the end of World War II. Besides the church, the Historical Merchants' Hall and Wentzinger House are some of the many historical buildings within the square. Be sure to watch your step from time to time as the streets of Münsterplatz are lined with bächle, which are open brooks with streaming water. It’s believed that you may end up marrying a local if your feet land into one. 

Freiburg is flanked by 2 city gates that that have been preserved since medieval times. Martinstor (Martin's Gate), built in 1202, is located on Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse, a shopping street that runs through the Freiburg's Old Town. As you pass the gate’s passageway, look for the memorial plaque commemorating 3 women who were burned as witches in 1599. The mid-13th century Schwabentor (Swabian Gate) is about 500 metres east of Martinstor. This sandstone gate is home to the Zinnfigurenklause (Municipal Tower) Museum, which displays thousands of handcrafted tin figures and dioramas of notable events such as the Baden Revolution.

Haus zum Walfisch (Whale House) is an elegant late Gothic structure in Freiburg’s Old Town. One of the city’s most photographed buildings, it has a striking red façade, stone gargoyles, and a gold portal bay window. Some of its famous inhabitants over the years include Erasmus of Rotterdam and Emperor Ferdinand I. Fans of horror films may recognise this building as it was filmed as the ominous dance school in Dario Argento’s film, Suspiria. There's not a lot to do at Haus zum Walfisch but its makes a nice selfie as you stroll around the town.

Stadtgarten is a 19th-century state garden located 500 metres north of Freiburg Münster. Spanning almost 3 hectares of green spaces, the best time to visit the park is in the summer as many concerts and festivals take place at its music pavilion. There are about 500 rose gardens containing 250 species surrounding a small hill within Stadtgarten. You can also find a number of art installations and fountains that were added between 1953 and 2000.

Freiburg Stadttheater is a municipal theatre where opera, theatre and dance performances take place all year long. Established in 1866, the music venue is divided into 3 concert halls and a workshop for the city’s Youth Theatre Group. The Freiburg Philharmonic Orchestra resides in Stadttheater, but you can also see them performing at the neighbouring Großes Haus and Konzerthaus. Even if you’re not planning to catch a show, it’s worth paying a visit to the Freiburg Stadttheater for its grand concert halls. 

Founded in 1877, Hausbrauerei Feierling near Augustinerplatz is one of the oldest breweries in Freiburg. Once you step inside the 3-storey pub, you’re immediately greeted with the sight of 2 massive copper brew colanders on the ground floor, while wooden tables are spread out across the 2nd and 3rd floors. During the summer, locals frequent its beer garden to enjoy draught beers and pretzels throughout the day. Hausbrauerei Feierling’s speciality is Inselhopf, a light, unfiltered pilsner.

Münstermarkt Freiburg is an open-air farmer’s market that takes over most of Münsterplatz. You can find about 65 stalls selling just about everything, from fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, to pastries, wines, and sausages. There are a couple of vendors selling woven baskets if you're exploring the market emptyhanded. It’s also a popular spot to enjoy a variety of street food for about €2, including currywurst (sausage with curry powder) and käsekuchen (German cheesecake).

Zum Roten Bären dates back to 1120, making the oldest guesthouse in Germany. The restaurant is always packed with locals and tourists looking to enjoy traditional German dishes and wines in a traditional setting. Standouts here are the Wiener schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet) and risotto, which cost from €10 per dish. To add to the adventure, you may need to brush up on your German as English translations aren’t printed on the menus.