Freiburg Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece
Discover Freiburg Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece with a soaring spire, rich history, and panoramic city views, nestled in the heart of Freiburg's vibrant Old Town.
Freiburg Cathedral, or Freiburger Münster, stands as a towering symbol of the city, its 116-meter spire a landmark visible for miles. Construction began in the 13th century, evolving from Romanesque to Gothic styles over three centuries. The cathedral's survival through WWII bombings that devastated the surrounding area is considered miraculous. Today, visitors can marvel at its intricate architecture, including stunning stained-glass windows, climb the tower for panoramic views, and explore the lively Münsterplatz market at its base. Entry to the cathedral is free, offering a glimpse into centuries of history and artistry. Don't miss the Hosanna bell, one of Germany's oldest, and the detailed gargoyles protecting the cathedral walls.
A brief summary to Freiburg Cathedral
- Münsterplatz 1, Freiburg im Breisgau, Mitte, 79098, DE
- +49761202790
- Visit website
Local tips
- Climb the Münster tower for panoramic views of Freiburg and the Black Forest; a small fee applies, and the tower is closed Sundays to Tuesdays in winter.
- Visit the Cathedral Market (Münstermarkt) on weekdays (except Sundays) for local produce, flowers, and Freiburg's famous 'Lange Rote' sausage.
- Attend a service or concert to experience the cathedral's spiritual atmosphere and acoustics; check the schedule on the official website.
- Explore the stained-glass windows, many donated by guilds in the 14th and 15th centuries, depicting biblical scenes and local trades.
- Look for the 'Hinternentblösser' gargoyle on the south side, a unique figure added by a stonemason as a form of protest.
Getting There
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Walking
From most central Freiburg locations, the cathedral is easily reachable on foot. Orient yourself towards the tall spire, visible from nearly everywhere in the city center. Head in that direction, and you'll soon find yourself on Münsterplatz, directly in front of the cathedral. The walk from Bertoldsbrunnen, a central transport hub, takes about 5-8 minutes. Note the cobblestone streets can be uneven.
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Public Transport
Trams 1, 3, and 5 stop near the cathedral. The closest stop is 'Bertoldsbrunnen'. From there, it's a short walk to Münsterplatz. A single ticket within Zone A (Freiburg city) costs €2.50 and is valid for one hour. Tickets can be purchased from machines at the tram stops or via the VAG app. Consider a Regio24 ticket for €7.00 for 24 hours of travel if you plan to use public transport extensively.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from Freiburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to the cathedral takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €10-€15. Be aware that traffic around Münsterplatz can be congested, especially during market days.
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Driving
Driving directly to the cathedral is not recommended due to the pedestrian zone in the city center. Limited short-term parking (max 1 hour) is available on Werthmannstraße, about a 5-minute walk away. Consider using a Park & Ride (P+R) lot outside the city center and taking the tram in. Free P+R options are available, with a tram ticket to the city center costing €2.50. If parking in a city center garage ('Parkhaus'), expect to pay around €3.50 per hour. Parking garages near the city center include Tiefgarage Universität Kollegiengebäude.
Discover more about Freiburg Cathedral
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Augustinerpl.
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Augustinerplatz
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Augustinerpl. 2
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2. Schlossbergsteg vom Schwabentor zum Greiffenegg-Aufzug
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Schwabentorsteg
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Adelhauser Kirche
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Black Forest Tours
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Karlssteg
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Martinstor
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Schlossbergbahn
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Unmissable attractions to see
Münsterplatz
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Münstermarkt
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Fischbrunnen
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Georgsbrunnen
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Erzbistum Freiburg
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Kaiserstier
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Augustiner Museum
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Breuninger Freiburg
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