Freiburg

Freiburg is located in the state of Baden-Württemberg. With a population of over 230,000 people, it is the fourth-largest city in the state. Freiburg is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, with several historic landmarks such as Freiburg Minster and the Augustiner Museum. The city is also famous for its scenic location at the edge of the Black Forest, which offers many opportunities for outdoor activities. Freiburg is a centre of education and research, with a strong focus on sustainability and renewable energy. The city is also a hub for the food and beverage industry, with several local specialties.

Interesting Facts

Cooling Channels

Bächle are a system of gutters or small channels which line the streets in the city centre. On hot days these gutters provide a cooling effect to residents and visitors.

The grave that must be looked after for as long as the city remains

The German sculptor and painter Johann Christian Wentzinger left his estate to the city on condition that the city takes care of his grave for eternity.

His studio and residence have become Freiburg’s Museum of Municipal History, whilst some of his works can be seen in the Augustinermuseum in Freiburg.

Official Name

The official name of the city is Freiburg im Breisgau (Breisgau being the historic region between the Rhine and the Black Forest), but it is commonly referred to as Freiburg.

Population

As of 2021, the population of Freiburg is 231,848. Of course, this number is constantly changing.

Local Attractions

Schwabentor (Swabian Gate) - Oberlinden 25, 79098 Freiburg | within city centre

One of two remaining city gates from the medieval defensive wall, it houses a small private museum.

Münsterplatz - 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau-Mitte | within city centre

Minster Square is the largest square in the city, and is home to Münstermarkt, a Monday-Saturday food market. Amongst the buildings surrounding the square are Freiburger Münster (Freiburg Minster), Historisches Kaufhaus and Wentzingerhaus.

Schwarzwald (Black Forest) | 53km from city centre

If you are looking for outdoor adventure, head here! The dense forests and rounded  summits make it the perfect destination for hiking and skiing, and the lakes offer swimming spots in the warmer months.

Air and Rail Connections

Basel Airport

More correctly known as EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, this is 50.1 km from Freiburg. Despite its name the airport is in France!

Strasbourg airport is also within 70km of Freiburg.

Freiburg Central Station – Bismarckallee 5-7, 79098 Freiburg

Freiburg Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station in Freiburg. Long-distance services for other German cities depart from here, as well as local and international services.

Housing and living costs

Monthly average rental costs are calculated based on apartments both inside and out of the city centre.

  • 1 Bedroom – 490 Euros
  • 2 Bedroom – 1,250 Euros
  • 3 Bedroom – 1,400 Euros

For further information, click here.

To calculate German tax click here.

For information about the German tax system click here.

International Education

Oberlin International School

Comprising an English-language preschool, and a primary school, this school has a Montessori influenced curriculum. Students in the primary school receive English and French lessons, plus have access to the in-house music school.

Activities

Tier-Natur-Erlebnispark Mundenhof - Mundenhof 37, 79111 Freiburg | 8km from city centre

Open year-round, and free to visit, the Mundenhof Animal Nature Adventure Park houses a number of species, largely domestic animals and livestock.

Augustinermuseum - Augustinerplatz, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau | within city centre

The Augustiner Museum is one of the most significant museums in the Upper Rhine region. It is home to a range of works from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period, plus paintings from the 19th Century. It is also the Diocesan Museum of the Archdiocese of Freiburg.

Events, Festivals and Holidays

Schlossberg Festival

A multi-day music festival, mainly featuring performances from local acts over three stages.

StadtLesen

The potato market is converted into an open-air reading room for four days in the summer, with evening readings by noted authors.

Zelt-Musik-Festival

This three-week festival is known for its diverse program, covering music, art, sport and cabaret. Uniquely, admission is free.

Food & Drink Options

Colombi Restaurant Zirbelstube - Rotteckring 16, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau | within city centre

Within the Colombi Hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers Mediterranean and classic French cuisine in elegant surroundings.

Das Kartoffelhaus - Basler Straße 10, 79100 Freiburg im Breisgau | 3km from city centre

Unsurprisingly most of the dishes here feature potatoes! Alongside traditional local cuisine there are extensive vegan and gluten-free menus.

Tacheles - Grünwälderstr. 17, 79098 Freiburg | within city centre

This restaurant serves up traditional Black Forest food, and schnitzel, in a 900-year old cellar! It is also a sports bar, and on Friday and Saturday nights transforms into a club.

Hotels

Colombi Hotel | 5-star hotel within city centre

Address: Rotteckring 16, 79098 Freiburg
Phone: +49 076 121 060

Hotel Zum Schiff | 4-star hotel 5km from city centre

Address: Basler Landstraße 35-37, 79111 Freiburg im Breisgau
Phone: +49 076 140 07 50

Hotel Rappen am Muensterplatz | 3-star hotel within city centre

Address: Münsterplatz 13, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
Phone: +49 076 131 353

Getting Around The City

Public Transport

Freiburg has an extensive public transport system, comprised of buses, trams, and suburban rail service (S-Bahn).

Click this link for maps, timetables and journey planners.

Taxi Companies

Ali’s Taxi Freiburg | +49 761 515 154
Taxi Alibaba Freiburg | +49 761 155 313 36

Shopping Malls

Einkaufszentrum Schwarzwald City Freiburg - Schiffstraße 5-9, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau | within city centre

Fashion, jewellery, hairdressers and supermarkets all under one roof.

Karstadt Freiburg - Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse 165, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau | within city centre

A department store rather than a mall, once you have explored the four floors of merchandise you can visit the rooftop food court.

Local Football Teams

SC Freiburg

Nicknamed the ‘Bresigau Brazilians’ due to their playing style, this team plays in the Bundesliga.

Pharmacies

Löwen Pharmacy

Address: Kaiser-Joseph-Straße 205, 79098 Freiburg 
Phone: +49 076 133 431

Blasius-Apotheke am Siegesdenkmal

Address: Habsburger Str. 131, 79104 Freiburg
Phone: +49 076 134 220

Mooswald Pharmacy

Address: Elsässer Str.46, 79110 Freiburg
Phone: +49 07 61 82 285