Freiburg im Breisgau vacation rentals

Rockin' the free world in Freiburg, Germany

Perched on the western fringes of Germany's Black Forest, this laid-back university city makes a great base for your next European adventure. There are plenty of centuries-old attractions in this area, including the 13th-century Freiburg Munster, the historic Merchants' Hall, and the Augustinermuseum with its baroque art. The city is also popular with hikers and bikers who come to conquer the many trails which criss-cross the Black Forest. As the region is famous for its beer and fine wine, book a Freiburg vacation rental in the heart of town and make full use of the many rustic taverns and wine bars on Augusterminerplatz.

Freiburg—if it ain't baroque, don't fix it

A must-see attraction is the Freiberger Munster, the city's Gothic 13th-century cathedral. Dominated by its ornate 380-foot tower topped by a tapered spire, it is the only German building built in the Middle Ages to survive the bombings of both World Wars. One of the most recognizable buildings in the city is the Historical Merchants' Hall on the southside of Munsterplatz. Built in the 14th century as a custom office, its redbrick exterior is a classic Freiburg landmark. And don't forget to take a peek into the Augustinermuseum, which displays a wealth of baroque art.

German wine and sausage—Do you want Freiburg with that?

At the buzzy heart of Freiburg is Munsterplatz, a car-free zone and the largest square in the city. It hosts a popular weekday market, where you can buy local wine and Munsterwurst sausage, and relax by a bachle, the city's network of narrow water channels which cross the main squares. The city also draws loyal outdoorsy crowds who use it as a base to explore the hiking and biking trails scattered through the Black Forest. Naturally, this works up quite a thirst, but as a student city, the nightlife is pretty lively, especially the cool beer taverns around Augustinerplatz.

It's f-f-freezing in Freiburg, but only in winter

Freiburg is one of the most popular cities in the Black Forest. A year-round destination, it's particularly popular during the summer months, when it sees the best of the weather. Temperatures can reach highs of 80 degrees, although rain showers are not uncommon, so pack an umbrella. It's also when Freiburg vacation rentals get booked up in advance. To avoid the crowds, you can visit in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Winter is another special time to visit. Come December, the temperature drops below freezing and the snow falls, drawing winter sports enthusiastts to the Black Forest region.

Have your Black Forest cake and eat it in Freiburg

Freiburg is a charming university city on the western fringes of Germany's Black Forest. As probably the premier hiking destination in the whole of Germany, the Black Forest is overrun by rugged hiking and biking trails. A good route for beginners is the Westweg Trail, a long-distance hiking trail which runs north to south through the forest, which can be easily reached from Freiburg. You'll find snowy peaks, rushing rivers, and lakes, and might even spot the Black Forest's resident wildlife, such as bears, stags, and wild grouse.

Traveling to and around Freiburg im Breisgau

The nearest airport is in Mulhouse (MLH-EuroAirport), located 31.1 mi (50 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into EuroAirport Airport (BSL), which is 31.1 mi (50.1 km) away.

If you prefer to travel by train, Freiburg (Breisgau) Central Station, Freiburg (QFB-Freiburg Train Station) and Freiburg-Herdern Station are the main stations in the city. Consider catching the metro at Freiburg Hospital S-Bahn or Freiburg Messe/University S-Bahn to see more of the city.