Today I will be writing about a city that is very close to my heart: Freiburg! I moved to Freiburg when I was 9 years old and I lived there until I turned 21. My mother (Hi mum :D) still lives in Freiburg and luckily I get to go back whenever I want. Since I know the city, I thought I would share a list of things to do in Freiburg, Germany.
Freiburg is filled with miniature streams & old fashioned cobble-stone streets. It is the sunniest city in Germany & just a throw stone away from the beautiful Black Forrest. The air is fresh. The city is stunning & the summers are amazing.
One of my fondest memories of Freiburg is from back when I went to school & college. Every time we had a free period or got our work done earlier, we would grab a drink & hike up the Schlossberg Hill (Castle Mountain) & sit on the stones and look at the beautiful city skyline while sipping our coffee, or Radler… depending on the time of the day. I even used to work at a Beer Garden called Kastaniengarten on the Schlossberg. It is needless to say that I loved coming in earlier in the morning to open up & enjoy the fresh air.
Kastaniengarten
As I have already mentioned, one of my favorite places to go to was Schlossberg & this is why it is my number 1 recommendation. If you are ever in Freiburg you have to see it for yourself. It is a great spot for sunny summer evenings, as well as for cold winter afternoons. We even celebrated New Year’s Eve there. With a nice, warm mug of mulled wine while looking at the snow-covered mountains. From the Kastaniengarten you will be able to take amazing pictures of the famous Freiburger Münster, the landmark of the city. Freiburg’s Cathedral survived the bombings during the war and now has been witnessing over 800 years of Freiburg’s history.
Dreisam
The Dreisam is a 29km long river that flows through Freiburg & it is the source of the water in the famous Bächle (gutters). The legend says that if you step into the Bächle by accident, you will marry a Freiburger. The river is surrounded by greenery & beautiful trees that provide just enough shadow so that you can spend all day by the water. On summer days, we would spend every free period from school by the water. We would bring breakfast with us, or lunch, or even grill in the evening. If you do decide to eat or drink by the Dreisam, please clean up after yourself & do not litter On summer nights we were hanging out by the water watching the stars, as it never really got dark. That is a great & free activity that you can enjoy with your friends & family.
Feierling
One of the best places to eat & drink in Freiburg is the Hausbrauerei Feierling. Julius Feierling opened the craft brewery on the 1. December 1877 & ever since it has been the home of one of the most loved beers in Southern Germany. It is one of the top places to be on the weekends. I do recommend reserving a spot ahead. You will find people of all age groups there. Every time we go back to Freiburg we reserve a spot ahead, as it is one of our favorite places to be.
O’Kelly’s Irish Pub
O’Kelly’s is one of my all-time favorite places to be. It was opened in 2000 & has since then been the meeting point of people from all over Freiburg & the world. The food is great. The people working there are lovely (Hi Moe! Moe is the best by the way) & the pub quizzes are both – super funny & informative at the same time. Whenever I was not on the Schlossberg, the Dreisam & Feierling, I was at O’Kelly’s. If you enjoy a relaxed evening with friends in a great environment, then I recommend visiting O’Kelly’s (say ‘Hi!’ to Moe ;D)
Japanese Garden
Our very first apartment in Freiburg, as well as my school, were next to the Japanese Garden. Naturally I spent a lot of time there. I was reading, walking around & just contemplating life in a beautiful environment. I was pretty zen back then it seems. Well done young Ivy! If you are near the Seepark, then I strongly recommend visiting the garden, as it will help you to relax.
Poetry Slam
Since Freiburg is a city of students, there is always a Poetry Slam going on somewhere. Some of the famous places to enjoy Poetry Slam evenings are Cafe Atlantik, The Great Räng Teng Teng, E-Werk.
Aaaah, I do miss Freiburg, the Dreisam, Poetry Slams & grilling by the water.
Have you visited Freiburg before? If so, what was your favorite thing to do?
If you are interested in traveling then check out my other blogposts.
