Essential Free Tour Freiburg

As the cultural and economic capital of the idyllic Black Forest region, Freiburg is a picturesque city where travelers can find art and history at almost any corner. Despite the ravages of wars through the centuries, and specially the bombings during Second World War, Freiburg has a treasure trove of architecture waiting to be explored. So, don’t hesitate! Enjoy the best introduction to this wonderful city walking with a local guide. The Essential Free Tour in Freiburg has been designed to cover all the highlights of the Old Town, with engaging historical explanations, and some quirky facts about the city that will keep you entertained. This tour will be well-paced and include stops for pictures and questions, so it’s really a great experience for all types of travelers!

Freiburg is better known for the Gothic Munster — the huge cathedral that towers over the city since the 1200s. Construction took over three centuries and it was, miraculously, spared from WWII bombings. The massive walls, the gates, the pillars and the gargoyles are coded with medieval religious symbols that your guide will help you understand, so you can make the most of this experience. The cathedral is contained in the charming Munsterplatz, a quaint square lined with traditional houses. You might be lucky and catch the bustling farmers market happening here almost every day, it’s a pleasure to the senses! Without leaving the square you will also find one of the most noteworthy landmarks in Freiburg, the strikingly red Historical Merchants' Hall.

Strolling along cobbled streets on your Freiburg Free Walking Tour, you will also find the majestic gates that still guard the ancient walled city. Schwabentor (Swabian Gate) and Martin’s Gate are the remaining city gates that once allowed access to the old city. Today, they still stand guard while offering tourists perfect photo opportunities! Along the tour, you might notice miniature canals running down almost every street of old Freiburg. What are they? As your guide will explain, these little artificial streams are part of a vast network connecting the city with nearby rivers. The “Freiburger Bachle” have been providing the city with fresh water since the 13th century at least! It’s a smart feat of medieval engineering distinguishing Freiburg from other cities in South Germany!