On the City Cast Madison podcast today, listen to Bianca Martin talk with Cap Times statehouse reporter Erin McGroarty and photo director Ruthie Hauge, who were invited to Madison’s sister city in Freiburg, Germany to present Hauge’s photography project documenting the 2024 election in Wisconsin.
But you don’t need an invitation to check out Freiburg. Here’s what life is like in the German university town.
🗺️ Where Is Freiburg?
Unofficially nicknamed “the capital of the Black Forest,” Freiburg is located on the southwestern corner of the forest in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg on the Dreisam River. The city has a population of 355,000 and the broader Freiburg area has a population of 660,000.
⏱️ How Old Is It?
Freiburg (“free town”) was incorporated in the early 12th century and became a commercial and intellectual hub for the Upper Rhine region. The University of Freiburg was founded in 1457, making it one of Germany’s oldest universities.
The streets of Freiburg are full of little canals. Local lore has it that if an unmarried person trips and falls in one, they will marry a local. (Philipp von Ditfurth/ Getty Images)
🌆 What Should We See?
The architectural must-see of Freiburg is Freiburg Münster, a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral that was built in the 13th century. The cathedral is distinctive for its soaring 116-meter tower and anchors the old city portion of Freiburg in what is known as Cathedral Square. The square also features two old city gates, and has a huge farmer’s market in the summer.
For a great view of the city and surrounding area, visit the hill known as Schlossberg east of the city center, where the castle Schloss once stood. You can climb up or take a funicular railway back and forth between downtown and the hill.
Freiburg is a very walkable city, with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. But watch your step! Running along the streets are miniature canals known as bächle that move clean water through the city. Legend has it that a single person who trips and falls into one of the canals will marry a local.
🍻 What Should We Eat And Drink?
A stop at the popular pub Schlappen is a must to get a beer and some Flammkuchen, best described as an extra-thin-crust pizza covered with ingredients like onions, cheese, and bacon.
Beer lovers should also hit Hausbrauerei Feierling, a brewery that’s known for its pilsner and has a large outdoor beer garden in warm weather.
Food halls are a must when traveling in Europe, and Freiburg’s MarktHalle offers both regional Baden cuisine and dishes from all over the world.
