Freiburg is a charming place to visit. It’s in the sunniest corner of Germany and has medieval architecture, vibrant culture and natural beauty. With its old town full of cobbles, colourful market squares, and eco-conscious vibe, this university city has the perfect mix of history and modern life. Whether you’re wandering past Gothic spires, sipping local wine, or heading into the nearby Black Forest for a hike straight out of a fairy tale, Freiburg feels both welcoming and wonderfully unique. This guide will show you the must-see sights, how to get there, the best time to visit, and what makes Freiburg a standout destination in southwestern Germany.
Reminder: To explore Freiburg step by step with your digital tour guide, don’t forget to download Piri Guide!
How to Get to Freiburg?
Freiburg is easy to get to, whether you’re travelling by train, car or plane. The city is well connected to Germany’s rail network, with direct trains from major hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, and Basel. You can get to Freiburg via the A5 Autobahn, and there are some handy park-and-ride options near the city centre. If you’re travelling internationally, the closest airports are EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (about an hour away), Frankfurt Airport (around 2.5 hours by train), and Zurich Airport (roughly 2 hours by train), and they all offer smooth connections to the city.
Where Is Freiburg?
Freiburg is located in the southwest corner of Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Nestled at the edge of the Black Forest and near the banks of the Rhine River, it’s just a short distance from both the French and Swiss borders.
Best Season to Visit Freiburg?
Freiburg is a great destination all year round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re interested in doing. Spring is a great time of year for visiting the city and hiking in the nearby Black Forest, because the weather is mild and the landscapes are in bloom. Summer is warm and full of life, with lots of sunshine, outdoor festivals and cafes buzzing with activity. Autumn is the perfect season for wine lovers, with the vineyards full of colour and local wine festivals taking place. When winter comes to Freiburg, the town is transformed into a festive place to be with charming Christmas markets and easy access to snowy trails in the Black Forest. Whatever you’re into, whether it’s sunshine, culture or cosy holiday vibes, Freiburg has something to offer in every season.
Must-Visit Places in Freiburg
We’ve made a list of must-visit places in Freiburg. Yet, we should remind you that you can find more on Piri Guide mobile app. Piri Guide detects your location, offers you the best travel routes, and starts telling you the hidden stories of wherever you are. All you have to do is to get your headphones or earbuds and follow the path at your own pace. Then, don’t set out for your trip before downloading the digital travel guide! 
Markthalle
Freiburg’s Markthalle is a cool, indoor food market with stalls serving food from all over the world. It’s tucked away behind a simple entrance, so it’s easy to miss. From Asia and Latin America to Europe and the Middle East, this is the place to go for global flavours under one roof. The building used to be the printing press for the Freiburger Zeitung (newspaper) until 1987. Now, it’s a bright, modern space where food lovers can try everything from local Freiburg specialties to international street food in a relaxed, communal setting.
Kaiser-Joseph-Straße
Locals just call it Kajo, short for Kaiser-Joseph-Straße. This busy shopping street is named after Emperor Joseph II of the Holy Roman Empire and is the main shopping street in Freiburg. In fact, it is one of the most prestigious shopping streets in Germany. Kajo stretches almost 900 metres from north to south, and it was completely rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II. When they were rebuilding it, they added arcades to the buildings, which made the street feel wider and more open. Nowadays, it’s a pedestrian zone – but you’ll still need to watch out for the trams!
Freiburg Cathedral (Münster)
The cathedral’s spire is considered by Swiss art historian Jacob Burckhardt to be “the most beautiful on earth”. At 116 meters tall, it still dominates Freiburg’s skyline. They started building it in the 13th century and it took nearly 300 years to finish, finally concluding in 1513. The building’s design changed over time, going from a Romanesque style to a Gothic one. You can see this in the tall vertical lines and pointed arches on the outside of the building and its tower. The cathedral in Basel was the inspiration for Freiburg’s, which is well known for its stunning stained glass windows, many of which were donated by local guilds. Take a close look at the 1330 windows—symbols like pretzels, boots, mill wheels, and scissors represent the city’s historic trades.
Augustiner Museum
The Augustiner Museum is based in a former monastery and is one of the Upper Rhine region’s most significant cultural institutions. It’s both an art museum and a diocesan museum under the Archdiocese of Freiburg. Inside, you’ll find a rich collection spanning the Middle Ages through the Baroque period, along with 19th-century paintings. You’ll definitely want to check out the original 14th-century timber roof of Freiburg Cathedral and the beautifully preserved 1732 organ. Whether you’re into art or history, there’s plenty to love here.
Schwabentor (Swabian Gate)
The Schwabentor, or Swabian Gate, is one of the last medieval gates of Freiburg left standing. It was built in the mid-13th century as part of the city’s fortifications. Just above the arch, you’ll spot a small statue known as The Boy with the Thorn (Spinario), which is believed to be based on a 3rd-century BC Greek sculpture. It shows a child pulling a thorn from his foot, and according to the legend, this happened during a grape harvest. Over time, this image came to represent ideas of sin and redemption, offering a moral reminder to anyone passing through the gate.
The Black Forest (Schwarzwald)
Ever wondered where fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White take place? Welcome to the Black Forest – a mystical, dense woodland that inspired the Brothers Grimm. The Schwarzwald is in Baden-Württemberg and is next to the Rhine Valley. It used to be called Abnoba Mons by the Celts and Silva Marciana by the Romans, because they thought the woods were really dark and deep. It used to be all about logging and mining, but these days it’s a haven for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. As well as trails and views, there are ancient monasteries, castle ruins and charming villages, which make it feel like a storybook that’s come to life.
If you are looking for more places to visit in Germany, or have more days to spare check out our Heidelberg guide.
