Things to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau

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Schwabentor Gate showing wildflowers and heritage elements
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
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Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau must see attractions

1. Freiburg Main Cathedral

With its steeple visible from nearly all over town, it won’t take you long to be drawn to Freiburg’s Gothic cathedral. Construction of Freiburg Munster started in 1200. Building started in a Romanesque style but eventually changed to an elaborate Gothic style. The church became a cathedral in the 19th century and has remained the most important Catholic religious site in the city since. Visit the church to admire its architecture, attend a mass or simply relax in its quiet interior.
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Freiburg Main Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral

2. Muensterplatz

Visit this central square outside Freiburg Munster, the city’s main cathedral, to experience a bustling marketplace that takes place every day except Sunday. Muensterplatz’s market hosts up to 160 vendors selling groceries, handcrafted wares and souvenirs. At the northern end of the marketplace you’ll find a dedicated farmer’s market selling the best local produce available. Spend a morning shopping at the market before you explore Freiburg’s historic town center via the streets that lead away from the market.
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Muensterplatz featuring outdoor eating and street scenes

3. Old Town Hall

Immediately next to the New Town Hall you’ll find the historic Old Town Hall, which was destroyed by bombings during World War II. While the decision was made to rebuild, the duties of the town hall relocated to the newer building and the Altes Rathaus became a tourist information center and historic attraction. Visit the Old Town Hall to discover its fascinating period architecture, learn about its history and pick up tourist information to help you navigate your way through Freiburg’s winding streets and diverse history.
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Old Town Hall

4. Schwabentor Gate

One of the last remaining city gates of Freiburg, the Schwabentor stands on most trajectories from the city to the mountain. It is worth a closer look too. Decorated by three waves of artists who each added their own symbolism to the brickwork, the gate offers a unique window onto the self-conception of the people of the area. Stop in the adjacent square, known as the “Square of the Last Barricade of 1848,” a reminder of Freiburg’s past, and admire the sturdy masonry from a distance before approaching for a closer look.
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Schwabentor Gate showing a fountain, flowers and a city

5. Augustinermuseum

Named for the order of monks that once lived in this regal building, the Augustinermuseum holds one of Freiburg’s best-loved and most varied art collections. Though the outside retains the 13th-century simplicity of the original monastery, the inside has been completely renovated to display a collection of art ranging from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Wander its halls and staircases and gain a new appreciation for the art of southwestern Germany and beyond.
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Augustinermuseum showing road cycling and a city as well as an individual male

6. Historical Merchants' Hall

Don’t miss the Historical Merchants’ Hall on Freiburg’s Minster Square. Standing slightly in front of the buildings on either side, with its red eaves stretching out possessively into the street, the building seems to have the form of one of the hard-dealing merchants who once traded in the courtyard. Supplemented by its bright red color and elaborate exterior decoration, it boldly sets its claim as one of the city’s most important buildings. Spend time in front of it to understand the soul of the city.
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Historical Merchants\' Hall featuring heritage elements and outdoor eating as well as a large group of people

7. Bertoldsbrunnen

Day or night, rain or shine, the Bertoldsbrunnen stands at the intersection of Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse and Salzstrasse, helping Freiburgers and visitors find their way amid the tangle of streets and tram lines. “Berti,” as he is affectionately called, has stood here since 1965, when he replaced the Fischbrunnen, or Fish Fountain, that was destroyed in World War II.
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Bertoldsbrunnen which includes a city and outdoor art

8. Martinstor Gate

The older of Freiburg’s two gates is one of the city’s most iconic structures and a great starting place for exploring the old town. Martinstor (Martin’s Gate) dates back to the very beginning of the 13th century, making it among the oldest remaining structures in the city. Surrounded by period architecture and cobbled streets, the medieval gate is a fantastic photo opportunity. Step back in time as you explore the area around Martinstor.
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Martinstor Gate featuring a small town or village and street scenes

Recommended things to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau

Number of things to do
39
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Freiburg Interactive City Tour: $9
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau

 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau

Freiburg Main Cathedral

Freiburg Main Cathedral

Climb the steeple of Freiburg’s cathedral for views across the city. Admire its Gothic architecture with two feet on the ground.

Freiburg Main Cathedral
Muensterplatz

Muensterplatz

The sprawling square outside Freiburg’s Gothic cathedral is the site of a marketplace, one of the city’s major attractions.

Muensterplatz
Old Town Hall

Old Town Hall

Discover all that Freiburg has to offer at its historic town hall, today a conveniently located tourist information center.

Old Town Hall
Schwabentor Gate showing a fountain, flowers and a city

Schwabentor Gate

Built in 1250 to defend the city, this gate overflows with symbolism pertaining to the spirit of Freiburg. Inside is a charming diorama museum.

Schwabentor Gate
Augustinermuseum showing road cycling and a city as well as an individual male

Augustinermuseum

Now hosting an extensive art collection, this former monastery offers a unique perspective of medieval gargoyles and a cutting-edge modern print exhibit.

Augustinermuseum
Historical Merchants\' Hall showing heritage elements

Historical Merchants' Hall

A whole chapter of history is waiting to be uncovered from the distinctive façade of the building that was once Freiburg’s commercial center.

Historical Merchants' Hall
Bertoldsbrunnen which includes outdoor art and a city

Bertoldsbrunnen

In the center of Old Town, this statue is Freiburg’s popular meeting point, the perfect place to start any exploration of the city.

Bertoldsbrunnen
Martinstor Gate featuring a small town or village and street scenes

Martinstor Gate

Start your tour of the old town at this medieval gate, the oldest in Freiburg and the site of witch burnings during the 16th century.

Martinstor Gate

Rathausplatz

Find out about the history of Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau with a stop at Rathausplatz. While you're in the area, wander around the lush forest.

Rathausplatz

 

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Popular day trips from Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau

Muensterplatz featuring outdoor eating and street scenes

Freiburg im Breisgau

April - Spring Botanischer Garten Freiburg - 2016

Herdern

Frequently asked questions

Is Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau worth visiting?
Offering a blend of history and bars and pubs, there are many things to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau. When you're here, check out Freiburg Theater, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau?
Kick your day off with a visit to Augustinermuseum and Colombischlossle. Then, check out other parts of Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau?
Freiburg Theater is one of the top tourist attractions in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau?
Three days in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau is more than enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Freiburg Theater, Augustinermuseum and Museum fur Stadtgeschichte are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Colmar.
Is Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau. Several attractions, like Freiburg Theater and Augustinermuseum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau's best neighborhoods, Mitte is 0.3 miles away from downtown, while Brühl is 2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all of your group, have a look at these great ideas for what to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau with kids.

What to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau for adults?
Old Town Hall and Museum fur Neue Kunst are just a couple of the things to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Dreisamstadion is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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