48 Hours in Freiburg: 10 Things You Can See & Do During Your Visit!

What can you do with 48 hours in Freiburg? Turns out, quite a bit!

After going on our Black Forest road trip, we travelled onwards to Freiburg for two action-packed days of food and wine with a bit of history and culture thrown in!

Sitting on the edge of the Black Forest and surrounded by vineyards, Freiburg is a charming town complete with half-timbered houses, small streams that crisscross the city known as Bächle, impressive city gates and twisting back streets with hanging ivy. The fairy tale practically writes itself, and yet because this is a university city, it also has a very youthful energy. 

We spent our 2 days in Freiburg sampling local wines, eating our way through local markets, soaking in the history in museums and cathedrals, partaking in a few local traditions, and doing a bit of hiking to enjoy those city views.

Here’s how we spent 48 hours in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany:

Freiburg Travel Guide: What to Do, See, Eat, Drink & Experience in Freiburg Germany in 2 Days!

Visit Freiburger Münster

One attraction that you simply cannot miss on a trip to Freiburg is Freiburger Münster, better known as Freiburg Cathedral.

Its construction took over 300 years and what makes it even more special is it’s the only Gothic church tower in all of Germany that was completed in the Middle Ages and has managed to survive until the present day.

The tower, which is built in an open lattice style, has been described as “the most beautiful spire on Earth”. That may be just a tad dramatic, but I concede it’s a beautiful structure.

I don’t know how we lucked out so much, but we happened to visit while the organist was practising, and I don’t think there’s anything more magical than walking into a medieval cathedral and hearing those dark, dramatic notes echo across the stone building. I sat on a pew and let it transport me back a few centuries.

Admission to Freiburg Cathedral is free of charge, though it is closed to visitors during the daily service.

Take a guided walking tour

One of the highlights of our 48 hours in Freiburg was joining a guided walking tour of the Old Town.

One of my favourite things about guided tours led by locals is that you end up hearing all sorts of anecdotes, plus you have someone to point out all the details you’d otherwise miss.

For example, even though we visited Freiburg Cathedral on our own, we went back briefly with our guide who pointed out that each of the stained glass windows had been donated by different medieval guilds at the time. And sure enough, you can see the symbols for each of the guilds – scissors for the tailors, pretzels for the bakers, boots for the shoemakers and so on.

While we were a the cathedral, our guide also pointed out some markings we had missed just outside the main entrance. Because the local food market has been setting up here since medieval times, there were markings to measure the size of bread loaves sold in the market; a larger loaf when the harvest was plentiful, and a smaller loaf when times were lean. 

It’s little things like this that we would’ve had no way of knowing unless we had a local to share Freiburg’s secrets with us. 

Guided tours are a great way to get a bit of local insight into a place and I love it when it’s a conversation that goes back and forth. 

Street food at Münstermarkt

We indulged in quite a bit of street food in Freiburg, and honestly, it was enough to make a proper meal out of it!

If you’re in the mood to try a little bit of everything, then Münstermarket, the market that surrounds Freiburg Cathedral is the place to go. One side of the market focuses on fresh seasonal produce from local farms, and the other side has a lot of food trucks selling things like deli meats, regional cheeses, baked goods, and fast food.

Of course, one classic item we had to try in Freiburg was their famous Lange Rote, a sausage whose name translates to ‘long red’. As the name suggests, this is a long, red, skinless, grilled sausage that measures 35 centimetres. It barely fits in a bun!

We also tried some Black Forest ham, known as Schwarzwälder Schinken. This is a dry-cured smoked ham that is salted and typically seasoned with garlic, coriander, pepper, and juniper berries. Very tasty and a nice option if you want to pair it with some fresh bread rolls and pack a little picnic.

And we also got a Pretzel coated in coarse salt. A nice little snack to enjoy on the go while we continued our walk around Freiburg. 

I’d say we managed to get a nice taste of the street food scene with only 48 hours in Freiburg. 

Mid-morning drinks at Rädle Feine Kost

During our walking tour of Freiburg, we stopped at Rädle Feine Kost. This is a wine bar that also serves small bites like paninis and cheese platters to go along with their wines.

The cool thing about this wine bar is that it has outdoor seating right on the Bächle. These small water canals are something unique to Freiburg. They were documented as far back as the 13th century when they used to serve as a water supply and a way to help fight fires.

There’s even a local saying that if you accidentally step in the Bächle, you will marry a Freiburger, so keep that in mind when you visit!

Visit the Augustiner Museum

If you only have time for one museum in Freiburg, I would make time for the Augustiner Museum.

This museum is set in a former Augustinian Monastery and it focuses on works ranging from the Middle Ages up to the Baroque period.

The most impressive part (for me) was the Main Hall where you can see some of the original stone figures from Freiburg Cathedral. These stone sculptures would have been in high places that made them difficult to see, but here in the museum, you can admire them up close. 

The same goes for some of the original stained glass windows which are housed in this museum. You can see the colours and the details, and even the passing of time on the paint itself, in a way that isn’t possible from a distance.

Aside from that, if you make your way to the museum’s attic, which is an architectural work of art in and of itself, you can view 19th century paintings by German painters who favoured Italian country scenes and even a bit of court portraiture. 

Afternoon coffee at Adelhaus

Adelhaus is a plant-based cafe that offers outdoor seating in a beautiful little square that’s tucked away from the busy streets. 

If you’re in the mood for a little something sweet, I would recommend trying their Eisschokolade, which is “hot” chocolate poured over ice cream and topped with whipped cream. You can order it with vanilla or chocolate ice cream, or make it an Eiskaffee if you want that shot of caffeine. 

I also tried their Kirschstreusel, a cherry crumble cake that is the perfect mix of sweet and tart.

But it’s not just coffee and cakes here. They’re also well-known for their vegetarian buffet which is by the weight and features lots of healthy, savoury options. 

Ride the Schlossbergbahn

Another fun thing to do in Freiburg is to ride the Schlossbergbahn, a funicular railway that takes you up the mountain where you can enjoy city views.

It takes less than 3 minutes to reach the top via the funicular and you then have various hiking trails to choose from to continue further on.

You can hike up to Schlossbergturm, a 153-step observation tower that offers views over Freiburg and the surrounding area. Alternatively, you can make your way over to Kanonenplatz, another lookout spot that offers city views from a slightly different vantage point – it’s especially nice for sunset. 

If you’re up for a bit of a hike, one option is to take the funicular up and then walk down so you can get a taste of the Black Forest without even leaving the city. 

Wine tasting at Alte Wache

Another fun activity we enjoyed during our visit to Freiburg was a wine tasting at Alte Wache – Haus der badischen Weine.

This wine bar is centrally located in Münsterplatz with an outdoor patio that offers views of the impressive Freiburg Cathedral and the Historic Merchants’ Hall. The perfect spot to enjoy a drink and do a bit of people-watching!

We visited during the summer months, so we tried their signature drink Kalte Sophie, a wine slushy that you can get with either red wine or white wine. It’s very refreshing, but it’s also easy to forget you’re drinking wine because it goes down a little too easy!

Aside from being a wine bar, Alte Wache also has a wine shop upstairs on the second floor, which is where they offer wine tastings. 

Fun fact: did you know Freiburg is surrounded by over 1,600 acres of vineyards?

Dine around the World at Markthalle

Our 48 hours in Freiburg gave us just enough time to sample some of the local food scene at Markthalle. This 19th-century building was once a newspaper printing press, but today it is home to a covered food market and dining hall featuring cuisines from around the world.

You can find everything from Afghan food to Brazilian drinks, and freshly-baked pizzas to assorted sushi boats. Everything looked so appetizing that it was genuinely hard to choose just one spot!

I ended up getting the fresh spring rolls with tofu in a peanut sauce from a Vietnamese food stand. The spring rolls were so fresh and loaded with cilantro, mint, and Thai basil – a wonderful explosion of flavours and the perfect summer meal. Meanwhile, Sam opted for a delicious pad Thai with shrimp.

The nice thing about this type of set-up (especially if you’re visiting with a group of friends) is that everyone can get whatever they feel like having from a different vendor, and then you can enjoy a meal together under the same roof.

Stay the night in Freiburg, Germany

During our visit to Freiburg, we stayed at the Boutiquehotel am Stadtgarten.

The hotel was a very short walk into Freiburg’s Old Town, which made it ideal for getting around on foot. It was also just one block from the Stadtgarten, a beautiful 19th-century park featuring ponds and gardens. 

They had a German-style breakfast buffet with lots of fresh fruits, muesli, deli meats, cheeses, fish, bread, and lots of coffee. It was a nice stay.

And that’s a wrap for our 48 hours in Freiburg! I hope this blog post gave you a few ideas of some of the things you can see, do, eat and drink with just 2 days in the city. 

And if you’re looking for some more travel inspiration, here are some other places to consider visiting in Germany. 

Freiburg Trip Planner: Make Your 48 Hours Count

A Lazy-But-Perfect 48-Hour Itinerary

Day 1 — Old Town, Markets & Museum Magic

• Morning: Start in Münsterplatz as the market sets up. Grab a pretzel, share a Schwarzwälder Schinken roll, and commit to the Lange Rote—it’s Freiburg on a bun. Step into Freiburger Münster between services; look up at that lacework spire and, if you’re lucky, let the organ practice goosebump you into silence.
• Late morning: Join a guided walking tour. You’ll learn to spot those guild symbols in the stained glass (tailors’ scissors, bakers’ pretzels) and the bread-measuring marks outside the cathedral—little details you’ll forever see afterwards.
• Lunch: Slide into a sun chair at Rädle Feine Kost on the Bächle for a glass of local white and a small plate. (Toes near water = immediate holiday mode.)
• Afternoon: Wander to the Augustiner Museum. The main hall’s original stone figures from the cathedral and the big, glowing stained glass are a close-up date with the Middle Ages.
• Coffee o’clock: Adelhaus for Eisschokolade or Eiskaffee and a slice of Kirschstreusel in that tucked little square.
• Evening: Markthalle for dinner—let everyone pick a different stand and meet back at the communal tables. Nightcap strolling the Bächle lanes.

Day 2 — Hills, Views & Baden Wines

• Morning: Hop on the Schlossbergbahn funicular. Walk to Schlossbergturm (153 steps, all worth it) or meander to Kanonenplatz for Münster-plus-red-roofs views. If you fancy, hike down through the trees to earn second breakfast.
• Midday: Back in Münsterplatz, people-watch over a plate of local cheese and a grape-friendly salad.
• Afternoon: Alte Wache – Haus der badischen Weine for a tasting flight or their summer star Kalte Sophie (wine slushy!). Pop upstairs for the shop if you need a souvenir bottle.
• Late afternoon: Free time for a tram ride to a leafy neighborhood, a slow wander of ivy-wrapped lanes, or another museum.
• Evening: Sunset return to Kanonenplatz (soft light + bells in the distance), then linger over a long dinner back in the Old Town.

Self-Guided Old-Town Loop (Easy, Pretty, Snack-Friendly)

Start: Münsterplatz → Freiburger Münster (inside & outside details) → Historisches Kaufhaus (red façade, arcades) → along Krämerstraße (shops, cobbles) → Schwabentor (Swabian Gate) → weave residential lanes to Augustinerplatz (sunny steps, student energy) → Augustiner Museum → Oberlinden (half-timbered houses) → back via Bertoldstraße (tram bells! café tables) → Münsterplatz for a final spin.

Time: 60–90 minutes without stops; we recommend doubling it to honor snacks and serendipity.

Eat & Drink Like You Mean It

Street-Food Hits to Try Once (and Then Again)

• Lange Rote: Skinless, grilled, 35 cm of fame. Ketchup/mustard optional; grin unavoidable.
• Schwarzwälder Schinken: Smoky, herby, thinly sliced—say yes to fresh rolls.
• Soft Pretzel: Salty, chewy, perfect walking companion.

Cake & Coffee Interludes (Because Freiburg Runs on Kaffeepause)

• Eisschokolade / Eiskaffee at Adelhaus: Summer in a glass—ice cream, whipped cream, and all the joy.
• Kirschstreusel: Tart cherries, buttery crumble. Consider it your sightseeing fuel.

Wine Time, Two Ways

• Rädle Feine Kost: Perch by the Bächle with a crisp white and a panini or cheese plate.
• Alte Wache: Münster views, Kalte Sophie when it’s hot, and upstairs tastings showcasing Baden varieties (hello, Pinot Noir/Spätburgunder).

Markthalle Strategy (So Many Stalls, So Little Time)

• Do a full lap first; don’t commit on the first whiff of pesto.
• Mix continents at your table: Vietnamese rolls + pad thai + pizza slice + Brazilian caipirinha? Absolutely.
• Go early evening for fewer lines; peak weekend lunch can be a (cheerful) scrum.

Getting Around Freiburg (You’ll Walk a Lot, Happily)

Ticket tip: Day or 24-hour tickets usually save money if you’re tram-hopping. Machines default to German—look for the English flag button.

Where to Stay (Pick Your Vibe)

• Altstadt (Old Town): Medieval charm, markets on your doorstep, bells as your alarm.
• Stadtgarten area: A green breather one block from cafés—easy to walk everywhere.
• Wiehre: Elegant, residential, tree-lined streets; great for a quieter base.
• Herdern: Leafy and local with quick tram links into the centre.

When to Visit (There’s No Wrong Answer)

• Spring (Apr–May): Blossoms, markets ramp up, perfect walking temps.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Long evenings, outdoor concerts, Kalte Sophie season.
• Autumn (Sep–Oct): Vineyard gold, wine festivals, crunchy leaves on Schlossberg.
• Winter (Nov–Dec): Christmas market sparkle, cosy cafés, moody Münster organ vibes.

Short Hikes & Easy Viewpoints

• Schlossbergturm: Steel spiral, 360° views, photo euphoria.
• Kanonenplatz: Sunset classic; bring a snack and let the city glow.
• Woodland path down: Funicular up + forest stroll down = the gentlest Black Forest teaser.

Rainy-Day Bliss

• Augustiner Museum: Medieval to Baroque treasure chest (don’t miss the main hall).
• Cosy café crawl: Order something whipped-creamy and pretend you planned it.
• Window-shopping arcades: Freiburg has a knack for sheltering you just when it drizzles.

Easy Day-Trip Ideas (If You’ve Snagged an Extra Day)

• Black Forest villages & lakes: Picture-book towns, forest trails, and serene water (yes, you can eat cake named after the forest too).
• Vineyard rambles: Gentle slopes, tasting rooms, and picnic-friendly views in the Baden wine region.
• Border flirt: France and Switzerland are temptingly close if you’re feeling international.

Freiburg For Families

• Bächle boat fun: Little wooden boats + shallow streamlets = instant kid joy.
• Schlossberg adventure: Funicular ride, tower climb, forest paths—built-in bedtime guarantee.
• Markthalle lunches: Picky eaters paradise (and easy high chairs).

Handy Etiquette & Tiny Phrases

• Hallo / Guten Tag (hi/hello), Bitte (please/you’re welcome), Danke (thanks).
• A friendly “Hallo!” when you enter a small shop is standard and sweet.
• Cash still matters at markets; cards are common but not guaranteed at tiny stands.
• Sundays are for resting—markets and many shops snooze. Plan snacks accordingly.

Packing Checklists (Season-Smart & Stream-Friendly)

Essentials for all seasons

• Comfortable shoes (cobbles + tower stairs)
• Light layer/windbreaker (Schlossberg breezes are real)
• Small umbrella or packable raincoat
• Reusable water bottle (market munching is thirsty work)
• Daypack that closes (hands free for pretzels)

Nice-to-haves

• Picnic kit (napkins, pocket knife for cheese, reusable cutlery)
• Power bank (navigation + photos = hungry phone)
• Tiny first-aid (blister plasters = hero move)

Quick Comparisons to Help You Choose

Markets vs. Markthalle vs. Sit-Down Restaurants

Views: Tower vs. Terrace

Freiburg Trip FAQ

How many hours do I need for the Augustiner Museum?

Give it 60–90 unrushed minutes. The main hall’s sculptures and stained glass reward lingering, and the attic paintings deserve a quiet loop.

Is the Münster free to enter?

Yes, visiting is free outside of services. Respect quiet times and posted entry hours; the door steward will happily wave you back later if mass is on.

Can I drink the water in the Bächle?

Nope—those streamlets are for charm, play, and happy background sounds, not for sipping. Bring a refillable bottle for drinking water instead.

Do I need cash for the market?

It helps. Many stalls accept cards, but cash is still king for quick bites and small purchases at Münstermarkt.

What’s the easiest viewpoint if I don’t want to climb the tower?

Ride the Schlossbergbahn and stroll to Kanonenplatz—gentle path, big payoff, zero spiral-stair commitment.

Where should I try local wine if I’m short on time?

Alte Wache in Münsterplatz is perfect: curated Baden wines by the glass, tastings upstairs, and “Kalte Sophie” if it’s hot out.

Is Freiburg walkable for the whole weekend?

Yes. The Old Town is compact, flat, and made for wandering. Sprinkle in a tram or funicular when your legs say so.

What’s one food I shouldn’t leave without trying?

The Lange Rote. It’s iconic, messy in the best way, and the fastest route to feeling like you “get” Freiburg.

How do I fit both the cathedral and a walking tour?

Do a quick solo peek at the Münster early, then circle back with a guided tour for the storytelling and hidden details. You’ll notice twice as much the second time.

Are Sundays a good day for markets?

Most shops snooze on Sundays, and the weekday vibe is different. Plan your market grazing for Monday–Saturday and save Sunday for Schlossberg, coffee, and museums that are open.

Can I combine Schlossberg and the museum on a rainy day?

Absolutely. If skies are moody, start at the Augustiner Museum, then ride the funicular if the rain lifts for a misty, atmospheric view.

Is Freiburg a good base for the Black Forest without a car?

Yes. You can taste the forest by hiking down from Schlossberg, join day tours, or use regional trains and buses to nearby lakes and villages. Save the car for deeper, multi-stop wandering.

This trip was made possible in partnership with the German National Tourist Board.