Freiburg: Where to stay

Hotels

Like most German cities, Freiburg has accommodations that range from cozy traditional inns to steel-and-glass business hotels. As a tourist, you'll probably want to stay within the Altstadt, so look at a map before booking a room.

During our most recent visit to Freiburg, we stayed at the Hotel Oberkirch, which has rooms in two buildings: the main hotel on the Schusterstrasse (just off the cathedral square) and above the Oberkirchs Weinstuben restaurant on the Münsterplatz. Our room in the latter building faced the cathedral, had a comfortably old-fashioned decor, and included nice touches such as fruit and Christmas cookies that were replenished each day. Rates were moderate, considering the location.

Another favorite with atmosphere-seekers is Zum Roten Bären, which claims to be the oldest inn in Germany. The hotel has 25 rooms and suites, some facing the street and others overlooking the hotel's garden.

At the upper end of the price scale, the family-owned Colombi Hotel is a Leading Hotels of the World member with 116 rooms, a pool and spa, and a location on the Rotteckring across from the Colombipark. It's within a few blocks of both the railroad station and the Mü nsterplatz.

For more hotel listings, check Booking.com's Freiburg hotel listings (keeping location in mind).

Youth hostels and camping

The Black Forest Hostel is slightly north of the Altstadt, between the Schlossberg and the Dreisam River. Rates are cheap in dormitory beds and reasonable in single or double rooms.

The Jugendherberge Freiburg is 3 km from town and 4.5 km (about 3 miles) from the railroad station. You'll need a membership card from a recognized hostel association to stay at this DJH property, which has 418 beds in 102 dorms and rooms.

Freiburg also has several campgrounds in the vicinity; the most convenient are Camping Hirzberg and Camping Kirchzarten, with Campingplatz Tunisee being a bit farther afield.