Freiburg

The home of one of Germany’s finest universities is also the country’s southernmost major city – and the warmest and sunniest.

The old heart is medieval, but Freiburg is the world’s leading “eco-city”. The enthusiastic and successful “green” philosophy includes low-energy housing, solar power and green hotels. Surrounded by vineyards, the city is an excellent base for trips into the Black Forest.

Highlights

• Minster (Münster): Climb the lovely 500-year-old West Tower to get close to the stonemasons’ work and to see views over the city. In the West porch, spot the carving of the devil, dressed as a knight.
• Augustinermuseum: In what was once a monastery, see outstanding works of art by Lucas Cranach the Elder and Matthias Grünewald.
• The streams (Bächle): These run alongside the traffic-free cobbled streets and are typical of this city.