Freiburg im Breisgau is situated in the heart of a major wine-growing region. Because of its scenic beauty, relatively warm and sunny climate, and easy access to the scenic beauty of the Black Forest, Freiburg is a hub for regional tourism.
At the centre of the old city is the Münsterplatz or Cathedral Square, Freiburg's largest square. A farmers market is held here every day except Sundays. This is the site of Freiburg's Münster, a gothic minster cathedral constructed of red sandstone, built between 1200 and 1530 and noted for its towering spire.
The city has an unusual system of gutters (called Freiburg Bächle) that run throughout its centre. These Bächle, once used to provide water to fight fires and feed livestock, are constantly flowing with water diverted from the Dreisam. During the summer, the running water provides natural cooling of the air.
Freiburg is known as an "eco-city" because of its advanced environmental practices. The citizens of Freiburg are known in Germany for their love of cycling and recycling. The city has an extensive pedestrian zone in the city center where no automobiles are allowed.
Freiburg is a center of academia and research with numerous intellectual figures and Nobel Laureates having lived, worked, and taught there. The city houses one of the oldest and most renowned of German universities, the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, as well as its medical center.
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The Schlossberg is a tree-covered hill of 456 metres (1,496 ft). It is directly to the east of Freiburg's Old Town and belongs to the Black Forest. The tower located on the hill (Schlossbergturm) offers a unique panoramic view over the whole town and its vicinity. It was built in 2002.
September 8, 2013
00:00 Schlossberg Bahn, enclined elevator
00:45 Schlossberg observation tower
01:20 View of Freiburger Münster, cathedral
01:54 View of Freiburg & Black Forest
02:39 Going to Münsterplatz, square
03:11 Freiburger Münster, cathedral
04:04 Historical Marchant Hall
04:08 Freiburg Bächle, small water-filled runnels
04:17 City streets
