Discover the calm of Southwest Germany
From soothing spa waters to local gastronomy and charming old towns, get to know the beauty of Freiburg and Baden-Baden
Located in the south-western corner of Germany, sharing its borders with France and Switzerland, glorious Baden-Württemberg is home to unspoiled countryside and historic towns and cities. Among sun-drenched vineyards and leafy woodland, Freiburg offers visitors a touch of southern flair, while nowhere beats Baden-Baden when it comes to wellness, thanks to its famous spas and thermal waters. This part of the world is also where you’ll find the Black Forest and beautiful Lake Constance, with plenty of hiking and biking options to help you explore. Fly into Stuttgart, Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden or Basel from the UK or take the train to Baden-Baden and Freiburg to start your adventure.
Wind down in easy-going Freiburg
Known as Germany’s sunniest and greenest city, Freiburg takes a laid-back approach to urban life. A vibrant student population keeps it young, decades of eco-conscious thinking maintains its reputation for sustainability, and reliably warm weather gives it a Mediterranean feel. The compact centre is easy to explore on foot or by bike, with an extensive network (over 400km) of cycle paths threaded in and around the city.
Start in the reconstructed Old Town, where narrow streets, half- timbered houses and landmarks such as the medieval Swabian Gate and mighty Freiburger Münster proudly take you back in time. Look out for the small water channels (called bächle) running through the cobblestones; they’ve been carrying refreshing water from the Dreisam river into the city for several centuries.
Not far away are the spectacular landscapes of the Black Forest, the idyllic wine villages of the Kaiserstuhl hills and broad valleys that funnel the Dreisam. The whole area is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers or anyone looking to escape the stresses of everyday life and enjoy a well- balanced blend of city and nature. Don’t leave without trying some hearty regional cuisine, locally brewed beers or excellent wines from the nearby vineyards. You can head to Münstermarkt, the colourful outdoor market in the Cathedral Square, to sample fresh produce and different delicacies. First up: try a lange rote, the local sausage, served in a bread roll.
When it comes to events, Freiburg is packed year-round. In spring, the Freiburg Marathon attracts sports enthusiasts from all over the world. The summer highlight is the Zelt- Musik-Festival (ZMF), which has a diverse programme of music, theatre and more. Every July, the Freiburg Wine Festival attracts oenophiles to Münsterplatz with a selection of over 400 wines. As the year draws to a close, the traditional Christmas markets bring festive spirit to the heart of the city.
Experience the elegance of Baden-Baden
In 2021, UNESCO named Baden-Baden a World Heritage site as part of its ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’ listing. Here, more than 800,000 litres of mineral-rich water bubble up from the ground every day, with temperatures as high as 68°C.
Founded by the Romans, Baden- Baden became a fashionable resort in the 19th century, and its stately architecture and huge selection of spas continues to charm today. At the iconic Friedrichsbad, built on top of Roman ruins and opened in 1877, you can hop from steam rooms to plunge pools as part of its 17-step ritual, while the Caracalla Spa offers a more expansive alternative to traditional bathing culture.
Of course, there’s more to Baden-Baden than its therapeutic waters. Visitors will also discover luxurious hotels and one of Europe’s leading opera houses: the Festival Hall Baden-Baden. The light-flooded Museum Frieder Burda, an art museum which rotates its exhibitions every few months to showcase the works of different international artists. For a calming post-spa stroll, head to the serene Lichtentaler Allee, a much- loved green avenue with impressive trees and majestic buildings.
The town is a great base for venturing out into the wider region. Head to the picturesque Black Forest or drink in the wineries of nearby Rebland, one of the best Riesling-growing areas in the country. Alternatively, hike to the summit of the Merkur mountain – or rattle up on the steep funicular railway – for fantastic views.
And for those looking for something a little different, Baden-Baden has many events all year round, including al-fresco concerts in summer and cosy Christmas markets in winter. There’s even an annual international vintage car meet where hundreds of perfectly polished automobiles take over the town. It’s a place where history meets luxury.
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