If you are heading to Frankfurt, you are not that far from the quieter and older towns in western Germany. Two highlights are Freiburg im Breisgau and Heidelberg,
Freiburg im Breisgau
This city invites you to set your sights on the mountains. While Freiburg itself is not nestled in the heart of the mountains, it’s a stone’s throw away from the Swiss Alps, with Basel just a 40-minute train ride away. The southern edge of the Black Forest is nearby, and the medieval center of the city remains wonderfully preserved.
You can visit Freiburg im Breisgau for the narrow alleys, the old restaurants and hotels that have survived for hundreds of years. Or why not continue for a short day trip out of the city, for instance to the lake Titisee in the Black Forest. When in town, don’t miss out on the Münsterplatz and the Freiburg Münster. In the latter, you can also attempt to climb the more than 400 steps up to get a unique view of the city and its surroundings. As you walk around in Freiburg im Breisgau, you will likely pass by or under the medieval town gates, Martinstor and the Schwabentor.
The Stadtgarden, or city garden, can be reached via a pedestrian overpass from the old town. This city garden was constructed in the 19th century and has hundreds of rose gardens. If you truly want to feel the wings of history, then a visit to the oldest guesthouse in Germany is in order. Zum Roten Bären has been around since 1120. Try their Wiener schnitzel or Risotto.
Location: Zum Roten Bären , Oberlinden 12, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
When you get hungry, a hearty meal of Kartoffelsuppe (potatis soup) will fill you right up. It is often served as a starter but on a warm day this can also be a suitable snack between your jaunts through the city. For locals, Das Kartoffelhaus is a solid choice.
Location: Restaurant Kartoffelhaus, Basler Straße 1010, 79100 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is just under an hour away from Frankfurt main central station by train, making it super convenient for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Upon arriving in Heidelberg by train, you are welcomed by the prospect of a leisurely stroll (or a quick tram or taxi ride) of slightly more than one kilometer to reach the charming old town. This university city is nestled amidst picturesque hills that gently slope down to the serene river Neckar. And perched majestically on a hill above the Neckar river sits the breathtaking Heidelberg Castle. The delightful mix of tourists and vibrant students creates a lively and festive atmosphere, especially during the summer months.
Sure, Heidelberg is small, but what it lacks for in size, it makes up for in good food, architectural wonders of medieval times, and a castle that silently watches over the city below. Come to Heidelberg for a taste of the regional food, the German Gemütlichkeit (friendliness) and to explore the hills towering on all sides of the city.
Look down those alleys and you will observe that in many places, at a distance, is a hill rising. I adivse you to avoid taking straight patbs through the Old Town, as it lends itself so well to zig zagging and finding scenic spots here and there.
A whiff of medieval times in Heidelberg Castle
Indulge in a quiet afternoon in the café by the gate to the Heidelberg Castle. Let your eyes wander along the castle walls and the castle gardens neatly laid out on elevated ground outside the castle walls. What minds shared thoughts on the future of the lands, the lives of the people in the village below, as they walked around and around the castle garden.
