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While I recently spent a short weekend back in my old stomping grounds (Freiburg), I figured it was about time I shine some light on this beautiful little city.

In an effort to show my Canadian friends some of Freiburg’s most German traditions, I looked back on my 8 months spent in Freiburg to come up with some of the best ways you can experience Freiburg in the most German way possible.

There are beautiful little cobblestoned towns with half-timbered houses around NRW (like Cochem, Monschau, and all the little towns along the Mosel Valley), but if you’re looking for the real black forest experience, keep on reading!

First things first…

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How to get to Freiburg from Düsseldorf

Freiburg is a 4.5-hour drive by car, and only 3.5 hours away when you hop on the ICE (I’ve managed to score 19 Euro tickets before using their Super Saver Fare). If you’re not up for the 3.5-hour train ride, you also have the option of catching a quick direct flight to Zurich with Eurowings which you can often find for about 40 – 50 Euros.

If you’d rather drive but don’t have a car, it is also very easy to rent a car or join a ride-sharing program from Düsseldorf to Freiburg.

Things to See and Do in Freiburg

In addition to the classic city tours around Freiburg, there are quite a few local things you could explore as well.

Visit a Football Game

Though I cannot vouch for the Freiburg football team here ?, it’s still certainly worth attending. Regardless of the level of football played in Freiburg, you’ll always receive the traditional celebrations you were hoping for. Be prepared for an overdose of pretzels and beer while the crowd chants in unison across the arena.

Head to Martin’s Bräu for Dinner

Head into the Altstadt and find Martin’s Bräu if you’re looking for some real traditional German food. I know my father’s favorite is the Schweinehaxe (pork knuckle), which is apparently a delicious option here. Not to mention, it’s a brewery, so be sure to indulge in some German beer before, during, and after your meal!

Visit Schlappen for a Meter of Beer & Das Boot

Though I’m not often in many bars, Schlappen was one place I brought my family a couple of years back and they absolutely loved it. It is located in the centre of the old town and is about 10 steps from the tram stop. I know for a fact that Schlappen sells some delicious beer both by the meter and in Das Boot (you know what I’m talking about).

Walk the Cobble Stone Streets in the Altstadt

This was a past time favourite of mine, in order to get a sense of the city, I would walk on foot through the old town until I lost myself. I found some of the cutest little diners and corner stores by doing so and I was able to find some wonderful spots to return for some dinner and shopping.

Fill up a bottle of beer at the Feierling Brewery

You can visit the Feierling Brewery bar, or join the locals and fill up a big bottle to bring to the cobblestone streets and enjoy in public. This is a delicious and local brewery in Freiburg that you have to try before heading home.

Take the Schauinslandbahn up into the Schwarzwald

Grab a ride up in the Schauinslandbahn for an incredible view of the city or a wonderful hike through the Black Forest. If you’re driving yourself, you can also head up into the forest by car and visit some of the beautiful German restaurants hidden throughout the woods.

Indulge in some Black Forest Cake

Need I say more? Mmmm..mmmm…mmmm! You can find black forest cake in the city centre at many of the more traditional bakeries, or you can grab a slice once you’ve reached the top of the gondola in the Schwarzwald.

Take a Vespa Ride through the City

You’ll likely have to find a rental company if you’re looking to explore by Vespa. The cities old town is small enough to explore on foot, but sometimes it’s fun to ride around with the wind blowing in your hair as you’re sightseeing your way through the city.

These were certainly some of my most fond memories in Freiburg and I was thrilled to be able to be a tourist once again. No matter how often I visit a place (big or small) I always manage to find some new and exciting things to explore in the area.