Freiburg
The earliest mention of settlements in the area of present‑day Freiburg, including Wiehre, Zähringen, and Herdern, can be found in a document dating from 1008. Around 1091, the Zähringen duke Berthold II built the Castrum de Friburch (the ruins of Leopoldsburg) on the Schlossberg. In 1120, Berthold’s son Conrad granted market and town rights to the settlement of servants and craftsmen at the foot of the hill. To replace the church that had become too small, Berthold V initiated the construction of the present Minster around 1200. This ambitious project was financed largely by the revenues from the silver mines in the Black Forest, which contributed significantly to the prosperity of Freiburg’s citizens.
Sightseeing
Freiburg – “City of Wine, Forest, and Gothic Architecture”
- Old Town with historic burgher houses
- Gothic Minster ; Teutonic Order Commandery
- Sickingen Palace
- Former Augustinian Canons’ Monastery (museum)
- Old University
- Old Town Hall
- Peterhof
- House “Zur Lieben Hand”
- Granary / Merchant’s Hall (Kornhaus / Kaufhaus)
- House “Zum Walfisch” (today a savings bank)
- Basler Hof
Other nearby places / sights worth visiting:
- Bad Krozingen
- Eschbach
- Hinterzarten
- Neuenburg : Museum of City History (Neuenburg coat of arms)
- Mythical site : Holy Cross Chapel (pilgrimage cross)
- Rhine Bridge
- Staufen
- St. Peter / Black Forest
- Waldkirch
Information
Freiburg
The capital of the Black Forest was founded in 1120 by the Dukes of Zähringen. The construction of the Gothic minster began in the early 13th century. The prosperous city enriched by silver mining bought its freedom in 1368 and placed itself under the protection of the Habsburgs. In 1457, the University was founded by Duke Albert VI. Freiburg was both an economic center (gem cutting, silver mining, salt trade) and a cultural hub between the Black Forest and the Vosges. From 1754 onward, Freiburg served as the seat of the government of Further Austria. In 1805, it was assigned to the Grand Duchy of Baden.
St. Peter / Black Forest
The monastery, founded in 1093, came under Habsburg rule in 1526. Its period of greatest prosperity was the 18th century, from which date the Baroque church and monastery complex by the Vorarlberg master builder Peter Thumb originate, as well as the library with its Rococo furnishings. The annual “St. Peter Music Days” are held here.
Staufen
The wine-growing town came under Habsburg rule in 1368. Notable buildings date from the 16th century, including the coat-of-arms-adorned town hall and the octagonal market fountain. According to legend, Dr. Faustus was taken by the devil at the inn “ Zum Löwen.” The parish church of St. Martin features medieval furnishings. Each autumn, the International Staufen Cultural Days are held.
Waldkirch
Under Habsburg rule from 1275 onward, Waldkirch—together with Freiburg—was an international center of gem cutting until the 18th century. The historic town center includes the Baroque St. Margaret’s Church (by Peter Thumb), with altars and frescoes reflecting themes of the Counter-Reformation. The Elztal Museum is housed in the former provost’s building.
Hinterzarten
The spa and winter sports resort—an important link between Villingen and Freiburg was pledged in 1568 to the Barons of Sickingen.
Bad Krozingen
Krozingen was first mentioned in 808 AD as “Scrozzinga” in the cartularies of the Abbey of St. Gall. Until 1805, it belonged to the Breisgau region of Further Austria and had changing lords, before becoming part of Baden.
Eschbach
Located in the Markgräflerland region, the settlement “Ascabah” was first mentioned in a document in 807. In 1368, Eschbach, along with the entire Breisgau, came under Austrian (Habsburg) rule.
Neuenburg am Rhein
Neuenburg is a young, modern town with a long history. It was founded around 1175 by Duke Berthold IV of Zähringen. In 1331, the town was pledged to the Austrian dukes Otto and Albert. Owing to its excellent geographical location, Neuenburg became one of the most important towns on the Upper Rhine during the Habsburg era. When the Peace of Pressburg on 26 December 1805 removed Further Austria from the map, the entire Breisgau region including Neuenburg passed to Baden.