Sightseeing in Freiburg im Breisgau - what to see. Complete travel guide

This is a major economic and cultural center, a city with interesting history and numerous attractive sights. Freiburg was founded in 1120; the period of its prosperity took place in the second half of the 15th century. At this time here has been opened the first university, which has made the city truly attractive to tourists. During the Second World War almost a half the city has been completely destroyed. Unfortunately, the majority of monuments have not survived.

Nowadays only a part of Munster Cathedral reminds of past centuries. The construction of the cathedral started in the 12th century and lasted until the end of the 16th century. This is a strict gothic building made of red brick. The height of one of its towers estimates 116 feet. This tower is a symbol of the city. An observation platform has been organized in it. Here visitors will enjoy panoramic looks of the city's cozy streets, tiny houses and the surrounding parks.

Schwabentor is another ancient monument which is worth visiting. These gates were built in the 13th century. Albert-Ludwig University is located just next to them. The university is surrounded by the largest park in the city. Of course, there are several museums in Freiburg. The most notable of them are Natural History Museum, Museum of the Region’s History and Museum of Medieval Art. An interesting fact – all these museums were opened in an old monastery. You will also see several notable buildings not far from Munster. Both of the city’s town halls are located very close to each other. One of them was built in the 16th century, and the other one is the work of modern architects. The most beautiful quarter of the city is located just behind them. During the Middle Ages the city’s noble men have built their houses here. Nowadays many of these buildings have been converted into museums. The suburbs of the city also hide much interesting. Here you will find the biggest entertainment center in Germany – Europa Park. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Freiburg brooks are the most unusual symbol of the city. Such drains used to be called brooks. They were built in the 12th century and remained up to now. Initially, the drains have been used for domestic needs, including the diverting of wastewater and the irrigation of farmland. Today, old gutters have no longer the original importance and serve only a decorative purpose. Travelers who think of coming back to Freiburg again should definitely do an interesting ritual of wetting a foot in one of the streams.

The old Kaufhaus building is a unique monument of architecture. You may find it in the cathedral square. The exterior of the building resembles a huge gingerbread house. Its facade is painted in bright red and adorned with unusual decorative elements. The Kaufhaus was built over 500 years ago and used initially as a store. Not so long ago, they decided to convert the beautiful building into a cultural center. Today, concerts, exhibitions, and various official events are held there.

Be sure to visit the preserved Augustinian Monastery which was founded over 700 years ago. For hundreds of years of existence, the building itself has been rebuilt several times. Nevertheless, some of its original elements still managed to survive after centuries. The Augustiner Museum occupies a historical building for the moment. It is dedicated to the history of the famous Holy Order of Priests. The museum contains very valuable objects of church art, as well as ancient artifacts that once belonged to the monastery.

A lot of exciting historical buildings can be seen near the Oberlinden square. The house of the old Zum Roten Baren inn is considered the most amazing attraction of these places. According to some data, it is the oldest of the remaining inns in Germany. Its opening took place in 1120. It is notable that a small hotel is still operating in a unique building today. There is a famous restaurant of regional cuisine on its first floor.

You can see beautiful half-timbered Alte Munsterbauhutte house nearby. It was built at the same time as the Cathedral. Once, this house inhabited workers who have labored to build the cathedral. Nowadays, the construction is an architectural monument of national importance. Not far from the square, are a unique Gothic Basler Hof House and the Haus zum Walfisch, built in the 16th century. The last house is noteworthy because Erasmus of Rotterdam used to live in it.