City of Freiburg
March 14, 2012
Rumor has it that Freiburg is Germany's sunniest city. There is some truth in this, because when most of the country is covered in grey clouds, the sun almost always still shines in Freiburg. Although this is not the type of weather record that you can calculate accurately, Freiburg's residents couldn't care less. For them, their city is the most beautiful in the world anyway.
Pretty and well-arranged
The widely visible gothic cathedral is the town's landmark. Other distinctive places include the two preserved medieval town gates: Martinstor and Schwabentor. Overall, everything in the city is well-arranged. The distances are short, the houses are picturesque, the alleys are narrow and winding, and the old town is pretty and almost car-free, with bicycle riders given the right of way. The river Dreisam flows lazily through the city, while narrow canals - called "Baechle" by the locals - crisscross the heart of the town.
Sunshine and ecology
It's easy to understand why Freiburg attracts so many students. The Albert Ludwig University lies in the center of town and has an excellent reputation. Altogether, there are five tertiary institutions in the city, and the university is Freiburg's largest employer, Freiburg is known for its research and production in the field of solar energy, which has led to the establishment of many small solar technology businesses in the area. The people of Freiburg were among the first in Germany to make a commitment to solar energy. Their strongly pronounced environmental consciousness was also the reason why in the 1980s, Freiburg became the stronghold of the newly established Green political party. Today, the city is still the eco-capital of Germany.
Many recreational possibilities
Nature plays a large role in recreational possibilities for both students and other residents alike. The city is nestled against the outskirts of the Black Forest, where you can do more than just hike. Freiburg is located at the so-called "border triangle," where the German, French and Swiss national borders meet. The Alsace region is just a stone's throw away, and the nearest major cities are Basel in Switzerland and Strasbourg in France.
Author: Pia Gram