Germany
Freiburg im Breisgau
Germany
Freiburg im Breisgau
Updated Apr 30, 2025
Overview
Freiburg im Breisgau captivates visitors with its picturesque Old Town, featuring cobblestone streets and the iconic Freiburg Minster. Known as Germany's sunniest city, it boasts a vibrant eco-friendly culture with solar-powered buildings and extensive bike lanes. Foodies will delight in local specialties like Black Forest cake and Flammkuchen. For a unique experience, ride the Schauinsland cable car for panoramic views or explore the tranquil Mundenhof animal park. Don't miss the charming Bächle, miniature water canals lining the streets.
Best time to visit. Visit Freiburg from May to October for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. Summer offers festivals and al fresco dining, while autumn brings colorful foliage in the nearby Black Forest. Winter is magical with Christmas markets, but expect cooler temperatures.
City stats
Population
230,000
Land area
62 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
1120 CE
Official langauge
German
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Baden-Württemberg
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
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Breakfast and brunch
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Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F - 31°F | 38°F - 27°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:11 am | 5:01 pm | 11 days 2.2 in | 4 days 2.0 in | 7 mph |
| February | 44°F - 32°F | 41°F - 28°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:35 am | 5:46 pm | 9 days 1.9 in | 3 days 1.5 in | 7 mph |
| March | 52°F - 37°F | 50°F - 34°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:38 am | 6:31 pm | 11 days 2.3 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 7 mph |
| April | 59°F - 42°F | 58°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:32 am | 8:17 pm | 12 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| May | 67°F - 50°F | 67°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:45 am | 8:59 pm | 13 days 3.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| June | 72°F - 55°F | 73°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:24 am | 9:27 pm | 13 days 3.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| July | 77°F - 59°F | 79°F - 59°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:43 am | 9:21 pm | 12 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| August | 76°F - 58°F | 78°F - 58°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:22 am | 8:39 pm | 11 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| September | 70°F - 53°F | 70°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:05 am | 7:41 pm | 10 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| October | 60°F - 46°F | 59°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:50 am | 6:38 pm | 11 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| November | 49°F - 38°F | 47°F - 35°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:39 am | 4:48 pm | 11 days 2.4 in | 1 days 0.1 in | 7 mph |
| December | 42°F - 33°F | 39°F - 29°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:11 am | 4:32 pm | 12 days 2.5 in | 3 days 1.2 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Germans celebrate the start of the new year with fireworks, parties, and toasts. | Avoid travel; most places closed. | ||
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter Sunday | Christian holiday commemorating Jesus' crucifixion. Many Germans attend church. | Limited services; plan accordingly. | ||
| Easter Sunday | First Sunday after first full moon of spring | Christians celebrate Jesus' resurrection. Families gather for meals and egg hunts. | Family-oriented; some closures. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Public holiday extending Easter celebrations. Many enjoy outdoor activities. | Extended holiday; plan for closures. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Workers' rights celebration with parades and demonstrations across Germany. | Expect closures and demonstrations. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension to heaven. Often a long weekend. | Long weekend; some services limited. | ||
| Whit Monday | 50 days after Easter | Christian holiday celebrating the Holy Spirit. Many enjoy outdoor activities. | Public holiday; plan for closures. | ||
| Corpus Christi | 60 days after Easter | Catholic celebration of the Eucharist. Public holiday in some German states. | Regional holiday; check local impact. | ||
| Day of German Unity | October 3 | Commemorates German reunification in 1990. Celebrations across the country. | National holiday; expect closures. | ||
| Reformation Day | October 31 | Protestant holiday marking Martin Luther's Reformation. Regional observance. | Regional holiday; minor disruptions. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Catholic holiday honoring saints. Public holiday in some German states. | Regional holiday; check local impact. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Main Christmas celebration in Germany. Families gather for dinner and gifts. | Evening closures; festive atmosphere. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Public holiday celebrating Christmas. Quiet day for family gatherings. | Avoid travel; widespread closures. | ||
| Second Christmas Day | December 26 | Extension of Christmas celebrations. Many visit family or enjoy leisure. | Public holiday; limited services. | ||
| New Year's Eve | December 31 | Celebrations marking the end of the year. Fireworks and parties nationwide. | Festive but busy; early closures. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freiburg Wine Festival | Early July | Annual celebration of local wines, featuring tastings, music, and food in the city center. | Great time to visit for wine enthusiasts. | ||
| Zelt-Musik-Festival | Mid-July | Large open-air music festival with diverse genres, held in tents near Mundenhof. | Ideal for music lovers, book early. | ||
| Freiburg Sea of Lights | Mid-July | Evening event with thousands of candles illuminating the Dreisam River and city center. | Beautiful spectacle, worth visiting. | ||
| Freiburg Film Festival | Late July to early August | International film festival showcasing independent and arthouse films from around the world. | Great for cinephiles, book screenings. | ||
| Freiburg Weinfest | Late August to early September | Wine festival in Münsterplatz featuring local wineries, food stalls, and live music. | Enjoyable atmosphere, try local wines. | ||
| Freiburg Marathon | Early October | Annual marathon and half-marathon event through the city streets and surrounding areas. | Expect some road closures, plan ahead. | ||
| Freiburg Christmas Market | Late November to December 23 | Traditional German Christmas market with crafts, food, and festive atmosphere in the old town. | Festive time to visit, can be crowded. |
1 | Germans value punctuality. Arrive on time for appointments and reservations. Being late is considered rude and disrespectful. Plan ahead and allow extra time for transportation. |
2 | Learn basic German phrases like 'Bitte' (please) and 'Danke' (thank you). Locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language, even if it's just a few words. |
3 | Shops and businesses are often closed on Sundays. Plan ahead for groceries and shopping needs. Some restaurants and tourist attractions may remain open, but hours can be limited. |
4 | Recycling is taken seriously. Follow local recycling guidelines in your accommodation. Separate glass, paper, and plastic. Look for designated bins in public areas to dispose of waste properly. |
5 | Cash is king in Germany. Many small businesses and restaurants don't accept credit cards. Always carry some cash with you, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas. |
6 | Public transportation is efficient and widely used. Buy and validate your ticket before boarding trains or buses. Riding without a valid ticket can result in hefty fines. |
7 | Greet people formally unless invited to use first names. Use 'Herr' for men and 'Frau' for women, followed by their surname. Wait for Germans to initiate a more casual form of address. |
8 | Respect quiet hours, known as 'Ruhezeit'. Avoid loud noises in residential areas between 10 PM and 6 AM, and on Sundays and holidays. This includes loud conversations and music. |
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