A town with the ‘most beautiful spire on earth’

Akash Mehrotra 

Freiburg is a sunny, cheerful town, adorned with cobblestone paths and café rimmed plazas. Nestled under the shadow of Black Forest, the city has a whiff of medieval charm about it. When here, begin your day with a visit to the impressive Munsterplatz (Cathedral square) in the heart of the old town. Standing tall, a gigantic red sandstone Gothic cathedral, built in 1330, is famous for its towering spire. From almost every corner of the old town, you can see the 116-metre high west tower, described by art historian Jacob Burckhardt in 1869 as “the most beautiful spire on earth”. Massive walls and magnificent pillars in the lower section stand testimony to the dexterity in art and craftsmanship of that era.

On the side walls of the cathedral, built in over 300 years, one can notice eerie gargoyles, creatures carved out of stones. These structures saved the walls from excessive rainwater, and were believed to ward off evil spirits.

Brush with history 

Freiburg has had a rough tryst with history. Like many European cities of the Middle Ages, Freiburg’s history is also full of kings, bishops, conspiracies, assassinations and plagues that would wipe off almost a quarter of the city. Throughout its history, Freiburg was under the French influence, even as late as the early 1990s. Thus, walking through the old streets of Freiburg is like turning the pages of history. From Europe’s oldest university to an age-old theatre holding many truths of World War II, the Munster and the Gothic-style buildings leave you overwhelmed with history.

While many European cities can boast of canals, Freiburg basks in the century-old tradition of Bachle — small water-filled runnels, seen along most streets and alleys in the old city. Another unmissable thing is the works of art on the roads of the old town. With every step in the old town, you run a chance to step into the past. Admire the 16th century Historische Kaufhaus (Historical Merchants’ Hall), besides the cathedral, and its rich bright red, intricately decorated façade. A little stroll will take you to Klein Venedig or the Little Venice, with its narrow streets, and charming boutiques lined on the sides of the stream. 

Most activities in the town are restricted to the Munsterplatz daily market. Sausage carts line the inside border near the church, and vendors surround them selling fresh flowers, food, and wine. In the vicinity are a number of museums. For art and culture enthusiasts, a visit to the Augustinermuseum, which houses an impressive collection of works from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period, is a must.

And hang on, for shopping enthusiasts, Freiberg is the place you where would always wish to be. At a stone’s throw from the cathedral is the local shopping place with carts selling tarts and local wine. And when you are done with shopping, make your way to the Castle Mountain or the Schlossberg for a bird’s-eye view of the town from the top. 

Eco city 

Blessed with 2,000 hours of annual sunshine, Freiburg generates nearly as much solar power as the whole of Britain. To achieve maximum efficiency in the conduction of heat, Germany has moved on to the concept of energy saving homes. Freiburg has set its sights on becoming the greenest city in the world. From eco-friendly hotels, bicycle priority routes, organic waste fermentation plant, solar stadium, green university, open green spaces to eco-efficient passive homes, Freiburg has embraced sustainability in all respects. Whether it is the length of cycle paths, or solar panels on the roof or on an entire hill, eco-designed buildings, environmental sustainability is a part of life in Freiburg. 

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