Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau

Travel Guide

Schwabentor Gate showing wildflowers and heritage elements
Martinstor Gate featuring street scenes, a city and heritage elements
Martinstor Gate
Historical Merchants\' Hall showing heritage elements
Schwabentor Gate which includes heritage elements

Germany’s sunniest downtown is a trip back in time, where buildings from the past millennium are preserved between river and mountain.

The incredible collection of historic buildings in Freiburg’s Old Town (Altstadt) is a testament to its cultural connections, standing near Switzerland and France. With an impressive variety of historic architecture, from classic German half-timber houses to French-inspired 18th-century burgher mansions, the Altstadt provides a lesson in this contested region’s history. Head out into the streets, which, unlike many historic downtowns, were well organized by the Zähringers who founded it.

Start where all Freiburg adventures must, at the Bertoldsbrunnen modernist statue and fountain in the center of Old Town, Freiburg’s most common meeting place. Nearby, admire the elaborate beauty of the Old Town Hall. The Historical Merchants’ Hall, with its red façade and commanding presence, is hard to miss even amid the bustle that takes over the Münsterplatz on market days. Admire the medieval art of St. Martin Freiburg, an example of typical Swabian church construction.

Go southeast to the Schwabentor, one of the last remaining medieval gates, with its symbolic artwork. Explore the extensive collection of modern art on display at the Augustinermuseum, a former monastery that is now an innovative museum. Head into the University of Freiburg district to appreciate the architecture and listen to an organ concert at the University Church.

The Old Town of Freiburg is bordered on the east by the Dreisam River and Schlossberg Mountain. Freiburg’s main train station is located at its western border. A series of tram and bus stops connect the Old Town with the rest of the city. The closest international airport to Freiburg is the Basel-Muhlouse-Freiburg Airport, a 45-minute bus ride away. Reach Freiburg in 2 hours by train from Stuttgart or Cologne. Freiburg’s compact Old Town is best explored on foot, though the natural areas that surround the city can require access to a car.

Appreciate the orderly nature of Freiburg’s Old Town from on top of the Schlossberg, where watching people walking below can be the perfect entertainment during a picnic lunch.

Hotel am Rathaus

Hotel am Rathaus

Rathausgasse 4-8, Freiburg im Breisgau, BW
The price is $147 total per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
$147 total
per night
Sep 10 - Sep 11
Stay at this hotel in Freiburg im Breisgau. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Bertoldsbrunnen and Rathausplatz ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (136 reviews)
Very happy
"Check in was great. Staff were very helpful in suggesting lunch and dinner options and helping us to navigate the city."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Hotel am Rathaus
 Boutiquehotel Oberkirch im Zentrum

Boutiquehotel Oberkirch im Zentrum

Schusterstrasse 11, Freiburg im Breisgau
The price is $166 total per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
$166 total
per night
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Stay at this hotel in Freiburg im Breisgau. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (236 reviews)
Great old hotel in heart of Altstadt
"A comfortable and friendly place right next to Marktplatz in Freiburg Altstadt. The breakfast buffet was excellent. The neighbourhood was quiet at night, but there was a fair bit of noise from about 7 am as shopkeepers started to set up market stalls. The area was a delight to walk through, and it ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Boutiquehotel Oberkirch im Zentrum
IntercityHotel Freiburg

IntercityHotel Freiburg

Bismarckallee 3, Freiburg im Breisgau, BW
The price is $132 total per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
$132 total
per night
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Stay at this hotel in Freiburg im Breisgau. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The property itself was great, and the importance of having somewhere affordable yet not squalid near the rail station can't be emphasized enough. I can see that the area inside the rail station is under construction, but it was strange that there weren't more places to go after 8pm to have a meal, ..."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

IntercityHotel Freiburg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio Access Freiburg

Aparthotel Adagio Access Freiburg

Eugen Martin Strasse 1, Freiburg im Breisgau
Book a stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Freiburg im Breisgau. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (263 reviews)
"Clean,A/C,kitchenette, Kaufland for supplies."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Access Freiburg
Carpediem Apartments

Carpediem Apartments

Richard-Wagner-Str. 11, Schoenwald, Baden-Württemberg
Book a stay at this spa apartment in Schoenwald. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Triberg Waterfall and Source of the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (33 reviews)
"Lots of trails and cuckoo clock shops"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Carpediem Apartments
Apartment am Tannenweg

Apartment am Tannenweg

Badstrasse, 42, Badenweiler, Deutschland
Stay at this apartment in Badenweiler. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Badenweiler Roman Bath ...
9/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
"We loved staying in this property!"

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Apartment am Tannenweg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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