Freiburg is a vibrant, historic, university city and the capital of the Black Forest in the south of Germany.
Spring is one of the best times for a city break in Freiburg.
It is known for its temperate climate and reconstructed medieval old town, crisscrossed by brooks (bächle).
The Gothic cathedral Freiburg Minster towers over the central square Münsterplatz.
In the surrounding highlands, hiking destination Schlossberg hill is linked to Freiburg by a funicular.
In spring the temperatures get pleasantly warm in, what is Germany's sunniest city.
In and around the Schlossberg mountain
The Schlossberg mountain is a mostly tree-covered outcrop rising up not far from the old town of Freiburg and offers views over the whole city and the Rhine valley.
It is possible to climb the Schlossberg mountain by foot from the pedestrian bridge at the Swabian Gate or to take the cable car from the Stadtgarten to the 'Dattler' restaurant.
The are walking trails including the 14.1 km hiking trail to the Saint Ottilia Chapel, built in 679 AD, in honour of Saint Ottilia.
The old town
The old town of Freiburg, with its medieval houses, small streets and the Freiburg Minster on the market square, is the main attraction for visitors to the city.
There are other places to explore away from the old town.
Freiburg's most popular residential area, the Wiehre, has an art-nouveau flair with imposing villas and townhouses, along with shops, cafés and restaurants.
A 3.7 km walk 'foodie' tour starts at the Martinstor city gate in the old town.
Herdem
The district of Herdern, once a separate wine-making village, reflects both the boom times of the late 19th century and something of the village idyll.
A 3.5 km walk here from Karlsplatz,goes to Alt-Herdern, where life still revolves around the church square.
The Freiburg district of Stühlinger is a fashionable quarter is colourful, multi-cultural and relaxed, with original shops, artwork and cult bars.
There is also a 4.6 km circular path along the Dreisam, which flows through Freiburg.
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