It's never too early to start planning your next European family vacation. What better place to top your list than the little known German city of 'Freibug im Breisgau?
Since it's initial foundation back in 1120, Freiburg im Breisgau has become an historical and cultural mosaic of colors and variety. Located at the very foothills of the Black Forest in the South Western tip of Germany, Freiburg is the home to those who thrive on cultural diversity and high quality education, not to mention a tourist magnet for those who love a perfect European vacation.
But what makes Freiburg a 'perfect European vacation' destination?
Well, after living here for some years I realise that it's difficult to pin down one thing. What enters my mind immediately is the following:
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Breath-takingly beautiful scenary in and around Freiburg - especially in the hills of the Black Forest
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The multi-cultural feel to the city center with it's international cuisine suiting all tastes
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The historical old part town with it's 500 year-old buildings and cobbled streets - walked by millions over the years
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The 1000 year-old cathedral with a view from the top to die for
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Being just 20 minutes by car away from some of the best ski-slopes in Europe. Many skiers and snowboarders use Freiburg as their base-camp
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Germany's warmest climate in summer - reaching 38 degrees C (100.4 degrees F) for weeks on end every summer
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Being just half an hour's drive from France AND Switzerland and just one and a half hours from the Swiss Alps
and that list is just what I came up with in two minutes. Imagine what I could write in an hour!
It is of course very easy for me to pick out the highlights that Freiburg has to offer given the fact that I live there. For the tourist that decides to stay only one or two weeks the highlights are not so clearly defined.
The following 7 tourist attractions are just a few tips for anyone who wishes to explore one of Europe's most fascinating holiday destinations:
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Make sure you spend at least your first two days completely to tour the compact city center. The city center is packed full of old buildings, Freiburg's famous cobbled street waterways (baechle) and many shopping opportunities. You won't have to walk far as the city down town region is very densely populated in comparison to many other European cities. But beware - the legend goes that those who accidentally step into or fall into one of the little streams of water running through the city will end up marrying a Freiburger.
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Make sure that you get yourself a Regio Fahrkarte (regional public transport ticket) and explore many nearby locations reachable by public transport (which is fantastically punctual, clean and quick), such as Germany's largest waterfall and the world famous home of the cuckoo clocks, in Triberg. One stop away on the train is the student Swiss capital of Basel, also worthy of a complete day. The lake at Titisee in the Black Forest is also known the world over for it's breath-taking beauty.
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Climb the steps of the Freiburg Minster Cathedral and take in the surrounding beauty. The entrance fee is very affordable at only 1.50 Euro (about 2 USD).
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Visit one of the many museums dotted around the city center.
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Do not under any circumstances miss out on a cable car ride across the Schauinsland hills. The 20 minute ride takes it's passengers high above the black forest setting into the hillside leaving all aboard astounded by the dramatic panoramas in front and below them.
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Take a trip on the number 1 tram in the direction of Landwasser and discover the lake at Seepark, a really pleasant afternoon's walk.
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Spend an evening in one of Freiburg's traditional Beergardens - why not?
Freiburg is surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes in all of central Europe and even a short visit will enable to you take in many of them.
A trip to Freiburg is one that all previous visitors hold close to their hearts and once you have been there, you'll very quickly see why Freiburg is known as the 'Jewel of the Black Forest'.
Dave has been living in Freiburg, Germany since 2002. He immediately fell in love with the city and decided to permanently live there. Unfortunately, not a lot of information was available online in English regarding life in Freiburg so Dave set one up. Read Dave's findings in his online Freiburg Travel Guide - http://www.Freiburg-Home.com |
