Next stop on the cruise: Freiburg

Freiburg: The next stop on Rhine Cruise stands at the border triangle of Germany, Switzerland and France, the Mediterranean South of Germany. You may find some of this information about the city interesting.

Located on the western edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg has the distinction of being labeled one of the 'greenest, most 'eco-friendly' cities in Europe. Freiburg is labeled the "Jewel of the Black Forest.''

This city of approximately 230,000 is at the center of major wine-growing. It's the sunniest and warmest German city. Freiburg means 'free independent town,' or fortified town of free citizens.'' The longest cable car in Germany, 2.2 miles takes you up a nearby mountain. An unusual system of gutters runs through the center of town keeping it cooler in the summer. 

The average April temps: Highs in the 60's; lows in the 40's.

In 1520, the citizens of Freiburg decided NOT to take part in the reformation and became an important center for Catholicism in the Upper Rhine. During World War II the city was heavily bombed; the church was spared. At the conclusion of the war, the French army occupied the city until 1991. A new neighborhood was built on the French base. Many of the homes built in this neighborhood use solar power.

Until the mid-1500's, Freiburg prospered from silver mining. The city endured many types of rule - French, the Hapsburgs, the Roman Empire. Often, whoever was ruling levied a tax on ordinary citizens to pay for their armies and more extravagant life styles. Sometimes, the ordinary citizens rebelled only to be defeated by the more powerful rulers.

PLACES TO VISIT: 

Augustiner Platz -  formerly a monastery, this platz has become a social space with restaurants and bars.

Münster Platz: -  This cathedral square has a farmer's market every day of the week except Sunday.

Funicular Railway to Schlossberg Hill:  Enjoy extensive city views from Scholssberg Hill. A restaurant at the top of the his: Greiffenach Scholssel - You can have a drink or a meal with a view of Freiburg below you.

Link to Freiburg Tourism Office: www.freiburg.de