Things to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau

Activities, attractions and tours

Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau
Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau
Martinstor Gate
Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau
Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau
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Top places to visit

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

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

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

5. 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 showing a small town or village and street scenes

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

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

What to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau

Popular places to visit

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

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
Martinstor Gate showing 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
Augustinermuseum

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
Bertoldsbrunnen

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
Historical Merchants' Hall

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

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
Freiburg im Breisgau

Freiburg im Breisgau

Frequently asked questions

Is Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau worth visiting?
With a blend of history and bars and pubs, there's no shortage of things to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau. When you're here, visit Freiburg Theater, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau?
After you've visited top attractions like Augustinermuseum and Echte Helden Arena, spend some time experiencing Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau's retail and food scene.
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 be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau?
Three days will give you enough time to check out many city sights, including Freiburg Theater, Augustinermuseum and Museum fur Stadtgeschichte. The average stay in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your vacation, Colmar isn't far away.
Is Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau, like Freiburg Theater and Augustinermuseum, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.48 kilometers from the city center of Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau is Mitte and Brühl is 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau with kids.

What to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or fan of Mother Nature, there are plenty of things to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau for adults including Old Town Hall and Museum fur Neue Kunst.
Are there free things to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau?
In Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau, Dreisamstadion is a top spot for anyone looking to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a top way to discover the best free things to do in Old Town Freiburg im Breisgau.