Freiburg
Freiburg(Freiburg im Breisgau) is a city in the southwest of Germany in the state of Baden-Württemberg. It is the capital of the Black Forest and is located at the very edge of the Black Forest - a beautiful natural massif with the purest mountain air and beautiful nature. Freiburg is often called the Black Forest gem. The city can offer travelers a full range of sensations and entertainment from the natural beauty to cultural monuments of the historic center, hikes and numerous pubs and restaurants.
Located in the picturesque corner of Baden-Württemberg among the vineyards on the edge of the legendary Black Forest on the border of three countries - Germany, Switzerland and France, Freiburg is considered one of the most comfortable cities in Germany.
It is common for its inhabbitants to go shopping in France or visit the theaters of Basel or Zurich. Although Freiburg im Breisgau is not a major tourist destination, the city is quite popular with young people and active people, as well as a convenient base for exploring southern Germany, neighboring regions and countries.
History
Freiburg was founded in 1120 by Duke Bertold Teringen. Although it is documented that the first settlements around the city were formed in the early 11th century. Thanks to the silver mines of Black Forest Freiburg was by no means a poor city. In the 14th century Freiburg became part of the Habsburgs. The city was obliged to supply soldiers and provide financial assistance.
In 1498 the Reichstag was held in Freiburg by Maximilian I. During the Thirty Years' War the city was occupied by the Swedes and changed hands several times. From the second half of the 17th century on Freiburg was constantly claimed by France. After the Congress of Vienna the city became part of the Duchy of Baden. In the 19th and 20th centuries Freiburg became one of the main cities of southwestern Germany. During the Second World War in 1944 was significantly bombarded the northern part of the historic center.
Geography and climate
Freiburg is located at the junction of the Black Forest and the plains of the Upper Rhine in the southwestern part of the federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg at the western foot of the Black Forest. The climate is warm and temperate. Freiburg is one of the warmest cities in Germany. The average annual temperature is over 11 degrees Celsius. Just over 800 mm of precipitation falls a year. Most of them are from May to August. Winter is very mild with an average temperature of 3-4 degrees with a plus sign.
How to get there
The closest international airport is located in Swiss Basel. Although it offers far fewer flights than the Frankfurt and Zurich Airports it is located about two hours away by train. By car Freiburg is accessible via the A5 motorway. Getting on the bus is the most economical option for FlixBus. Direct rail routes connect the city with Berlin, Hamburg, Zurich, Paris, Milan, Munich and other cities.
Cuisine
Freiburg, as a university town, offers many pubs and reasonably priced cozy places. The cheapest establishments are Italian restaurants and fast food. Be sure to try local wheat beer from the drinks.
As in most European cities many shops in Freiburg are located in the Old Town. There are several large supermarkets in the Kaiser-Joseph-Straße area. You can visit the farm market at Münsterplatz.
Shopping
Sights
Münster is Freiburg's largest and oldest cathedral and one of its main attractions. It is one of the most beautiful sacral structures in Europe. It was founded in the 12th century. The height of the tower is 116 meters. For a half euro people with good physical fitness can climb the tower and look at the stunning views of the city.
The old town hall built in the 16th century stands out at the Munsterplatz. It now houses a tourist information center.
The New Town Hall is a beautiful Renaissance style building built in the late 19th century on the foundation of the old historic University building.
Schwabentor or the Schwab Gate is a symbol of Freiburg, one of the two surviving medieval gates of the city. They were founded in the 13th century.
Martintor is the oldest of Freiburg's oldest preserved city gates. They were one of the first fortifications of the city and date back to the beginning of the 13th century.
One of the most beautiful sacred buildings in the city is the Gothic church of St. Martin, founded by the Franciscans in the 13th century. If you want to enjoy the stunning views of Freiburg and the slopes of the Black Forest then head to Mount Schlossberg, a 30-minute walk from the old town.
