Freiburg Walking Tour Preview

how it works

Prior to touring, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the app. Read through the instructions below on how the app works.To skip the instructions and start the tour now, hit 'Next' on the bottom of the screen.

Start: Rathausplatz

Start. This walking tour starts in the center of the Old Town, at the town square in front of the town hall which is called Rathausplatz. Here you also find the tourist info.If you turn your your GPS on (recommended), the audio starts playing automatically once you enter Rathausplatz and get close to the fountain in the middle

Haus zum Walfisch

In the middle of the block, find the red building on your left. You will notice the house from far away. Stop in front of this red building. The red house is called Haus zum Walfisch – the House of the Whale..You can easily see that the building is one of the most impressive buildings in the street. Its red color can be seen from far away.

KaiserJoseph Strasse

The busy street in front of you is called Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse, its the retail shopping street in Freiburg. Locals don’t care for this street. Its too busy, with the the streetcar passing by all the time.

Münsterplatz (North Side)

You are now arriving at the town square, where you also find the main attraction of Freiburg - the cathedral.I want to give you a quick overview about what you are looking at and what there is to do in this area. Then you are off to explore on your own. So find yourself a good spot for a minute.

Münsterplatz (South Side)

You are now on the south side of the town square. Hopefully it is the sunny side today.Find yourself a good spot from close to the red building.

Schusterstrasse

Once on Schusterstrasse, turn left and walk to the end. This street is very typical for Freiburg. Schusterstrasse translates to "shoe maker street". You will find quite a few shoe stores and other small shops here. The street is lined with Bächle, and many houses have historic labels and mosaics in front of their doors.

Konviktstrasse

Walk to the end of Münzgasse and place yourself in front of the steps. You want to turn right onto Konviktstrasse.Before turning right, stop for a moment.

Schwabentor

In front of you is one of two remaining town gates reminding you that Freiburg was once a walled city, which was common in those days. You could only enter town through a town gate.Freiburg had 5 town gates. But over time, 3 of them as well as large parts of the wall were taken down.The gate in front of you was constructed in the 13th century and is called Schwabentor, the Swabian’s Gate. Swabia is a region closer to Stuttgart in the north edge of the Black Forest. The name Swabian Gate comes from the merchants from Swabia, which would enter town here since it was the most direct route for them through the Black Forest to reach Freiburg.

Gerberau

You are now in one of the most picturesque parts of town - Gewerbeviertel we say in Freiburg, which would be the Industrial Quarter in English. There are numerous shops, cafes and restaurants along this street. And even a brewery with its own beergarden. It is a good area to grab a bite to eat or have a drink.

Augustinerplatz

When you arrive at the colorful square opening up in front of you, take a moment and have a look around.

Fischerau

When Gerberau intersects with a street on your left, turn left. You are now on top of the canal and find a good photo op of the street called Fischerau. You probably figured out on your own that this is the area where the fishermen lived. You can still see remnants of the fish business if you look for them.Fischerau is referred to as 'Little Venice' and is one of the most picturesque locations in the old town of Freiburg. Here you find a lot of small specialty stores (look for Barleben Handpuppets at Fischerau 26)

Martinstor

The town gate in front of you is called Martinstor - or Martin’s Gate in English.This is the oldest of the two remaining city gates. It was built in the early 13th century. In the middle-ages, this tower temporarily served as a prison. Especially at night, Martinstor is a pretty sight. The tower is illuminated and really makes you feel like you are in the middle-ages.

optional: Schlossberg Mountain

Schlossberg Mountain provides and easy and quick getaway from city life for Freiburg people. Whether on a lunch break or for sundown in the evening - climbing up the mountain only takes minutes and offers a relaxing break.Kanonenplatz is a large place on the upper part of Schlossberg Mountain offering stunning views onto the city of Freiburg and the surrounding Black Forest mountains. No matter what time of the year you come up here - the views are always different. If you need a break on your way up, stop at beergarden Kastaniengarten for a freshly poured beer or other drink.For the hiker and mountainbiker, the area provides facinating ruins of a fortress, hidden in the forest. And on the very top of Schlossberg mountain is a tower which will give you excellent views of Freiburg and the Rhine Valley

optional: Schlossberg Tower

On top of Schlossberg mountain you will arrive at the 35 metre high observation tower called Schlossbergturm. The tower has 153 steps to climb.It was funded in part by donations. For each donor a plaque with his or her name was attached to the vertical part of a step so that when climbing the tower one can read the names of the donors.The tower's twisted design includes six tree trunks around a staircase made of steel. It has three platforms and the top is reached by a small spiral staircase. Once you reach the top of the tower you have gorgeous views of Freiburg, the Rhine Valley, the vineyards at the edge of Freiburg and also the Black Forest.

optional: Tourist Info

optional: Drinking Water Fountain

optional: Lots of Mosaics

optional: Colorful Mosaics

optional: Hotel zum Bären

optional: Smallest Alley in Freiburg

Kastaniengarten

Feierling Biergarten

FeierlingGerberau 46, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau

Sam's Cafe

Kolben Kaffee Akademie

The café is located right next to Martinstor and considered one of the best coffee places in Freiburg. In my opinion they serve the best coffee in town. Order your coffee and pastry at the counter in the front, then occupy one of the high tables. Clean up your table when you leave. There is seating outside in summer. Grab a seat outside, the waiter will show up shortly after.

Cafe Gmeiner

Cafe Gmeiner ist THE place in Freiburg for good cakes.

Uni Cafe

Cafe August

Train Station Freiburg

Pub Schlappen

Wolfshöhle

Public Toilet Augustinerplatz

Public Toilet Bertoldstrasse

Public Toilet Karlsplatz

Public Toilet Stadtpark

Public Toilet Münsterplatz