Freiburg

The gateway to the southern Black Forest, Freiburg im Breisgau is a fun place, thanks to the city's large and thriving university community. Ruled for centuries by the Austrian Habsburgs, Freiburg has retained many traditional features, although major reconstruction was necessary following severe bombing damage during WWII. The monumental 13th century cathedral is the city's key landmark but the real attractions are the vibrant cafes, bars and street life, plus the local wines. The best times for tasting are early July for the four days of Weinfest (Wine Festival), or mid August for the nine days of W

einkost (loosely meaning 'wine as food'). Orientation & Information

The city centre is a convenient 10 minute walk from the train station. Walk east along Eisenbahnstrasse to the tourist office, then continue through the bustling pedestrian zone to Munsterplatz, dominated by the red stone cathedral.

The tourist office (a 3 88 18 80, fax 3 70 03, 8 touristik@fwt online.del, Rotteckring 14, is open 9.30 am to 6 pm weekdays, 9.30 am to 2 pm Saturday and 10 am to noon Sunday. From May to October it is open until 8 pm weekdays and 5 pm Saturday. It has piles of information on the Black Forest.

The main post office is on Eisenbahnstrasse 58 62, while Volksbank Freiburg is opposite the train station. PingWing Internet Center, Niemensstrasse 3, offers half an hour's Internet access for DM5, Cafe Fleck Waschsalon, Predigerstrasse 3, has a laun drette (open until I am daily) and a cafe.

Things to See & Do

The major sight in Freiburg is the 700 yearold Munster (cathedral), a classic example of both high and late Gothic architecture looming over Munsterplatz, Freiburg's market square. Check out the stone and wood carvings, the stained glass windows and the western porch. Ascend the tower to the stunning pierced spire (DM2.50/1.50) for great views of Freiburg and, on a clear day, the Kaiserstunt and the Vosges. South of the Munster stands the picturesque Kaufhaus, the 16th century merchants' hall.

While you're admiring the pavement mosaics on the pedestrian streets make sure you sidestep the old drainage system, the Bachle (tiny, permanently flowing canals which run throughout the centre), Tourist lore claims that dolts who step in the water have to marry a local. The bustling university quarter is north west of the Martinstor (one of the old city gates) *

Freiburg's main museum, the Augustiner museum (DM412) on Augustmerplatz, has a fine collection of medieval art. The Museum fur Ur und Frdhgeschichte (Museum of Pre and Early History; free) is in Columbipark, on the comer of Eisenbahnstrasse and Rotteckring' Both are closed Monday. The popular trip by cable car to the 1286m Schauinsiand peak is a quick way to reach the Black Forest highlands. Numerous easy and well marked trails make the Schaumsland area ideal for day walks. From Freiburg take tram No 4 south to Gunterstal and then bus No 21 to Talstation. The five hour hike from Schauinsland to the Untermunstertal offers some of the best views with the fewest people; return to Freiburg via the train to Staufen and then take the bus. The cable car runs from 9 am to 5 pm daily, slightly longer hours in summer (DM13120 one way/return concession DMI O/17).