Things to do in Freiburg when you're lucky and have a month to hang out and explore?

October 16, 2006 1:53 PM

Mr. Walla and I will be in Freiburg (im Breisgau, in the Black Forest) for the next month or so. We know it's not a big city, but we're hoping the hive mind might have some tips on the area. Favorite places to eat, drink, walk, go on day or weekend trips? English, dancing, yoga classes? We're open to just about anything. We'll be living in the Wiehre neighborhood, and we like to walk/bike. Unfortunate limitations: we speak no German and have no car. Thanks!
posted by walla to travel & transportation (5 comments total)

I spent many a night at the Isle Of Innisfree, a great Irish pub. There is also a great international food court near the munster worth checking out.

I'm also a big fan of Basel, Switzerland which is a short train ride away.

As for walking, there are plenty of trails throughout the Black Forest region to explore. I'd suggest taking the train up to Lake Titisee and doing some exploring there.

Feel free to drop an email my way for more tips. I lived in the area for sevearl years with limited German and transport.
posted by vagabond at 3:12 PM on October 16, 2006

I'm less familiar with the area in Germany, but Alsace-Lorraine is just across the border and a quick train ride away. A lot of the small towns will be having their "new wine" festivals soon (or have had them!); they're usually great for lots of wine, fantastic food and fun parades (also quite cheap). I went to the one in Obernai and had a ball. The area around Selestat has some wonderful hiking and more castle ruins than you can shake a stick at. The whole experience of hiking there in the fall is about as fairy-tailish as you can get.

Club Vosgien is a great hiking club in the Alsace area that has incredibly detailed maps, organized hikes and excellent suggested day and weekend trips.

A definite do-not-miss is Haut Konigsberg, which is just outside of Riquewir (been there many times, still can't spell....). It's a large castle that was used in the movie La Grande Illusion (excellent film, btw).

Strasbourg also has a great "Christmas market" starting in December; if you're still in the area it's a lot of fun.
posted by xaire at 3:30 PM on October 16, 2006

I spent a few days in Frieburg this summer. It's an absolutely lovely city. It's packed with university students and you'll find that cyclists outnumber pedestrians, so don't worry about that car! Also you can get around quite efficiently by rail. I don't remember specifics but there are tons of great pubs in the old city and near the university so you'll have no trouble.

From Frieburg I rode a train to Bern, Switzerland in only a few hours - perfect for a weekend trip. Aside from being the capital of Switzerland, Bern is a well-preserved medieval city and a UNESCO world heritage site.
posted by PercussivePaul at 4:01 PM on October 16, 2006

I spent two months in Freiburg a few years ago. It's a great city. I recommend:

Feierling Brewery
Enoteca Restaurant
Paradies Restaurant

There is a lovely beer garden on the hill above the Tor near the southeastern part of the ring road.

Across from the Dom is the Medieval Torture Museum.

Alsace is wonderful, worth renting a car for a visit! Colmar is a charming little town, unknown in the America. Take the canal tour.

Also, you MUST locate this gargoyle on the Dom:


posted by Wet Spot at 4:15 PM on October 16, 2006

Great suggestions, everyone, thank you! We're really excited to check these out.
posted by walla at 1:24 AM on October 17, 2006