Freiburg in summer: lake, river and Bächle
Let the water flow!
Flückigersee: a swimming lake in the heart of Freiburg
Just about 10 minutes from the city centre, Seepark offers a genuine local recreational area. The question ‘How far is Lake Flückiger from Freiburg?’ hardly even arises, as, with its location in the Betzenhausen district, the lake is practically part of the city. The lake is situated on the 35-hectare site of the former State Garden Show. There, you can read in the shade, go on a pedal boat, have a swim or simply go for a walk. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, you can even go diving here in search of a pirate ship. The ship sailed across the lake during the State Garden Show and was sunk to mark the park’s opening.
How to get from Freiburg to Lake Flückiger
- Public transport: The route from Freiburg to Flückigersee can be covered quickly by any means of transport. The easiest way is to take public transport from the city centre. From Motel One, it’s a few minutes’ walk to Betzenhauser Torplatz. From there, take tram line 1 to Bischofskreuz. The journey from Hotel Freiburg to Flückigersee takes about 20 minutes.
- By bike: From Freiburg city centre, it takes less than 10 minutes to cycle to Flückigersee – the quickest way to cover the short distance between Freiburg and Flückigersee.
- By car: You can also drive from the city centre to Flückigersee in the west of Freiburg. However, parking at Flückigersee is limited.
A varied sightseeing experience
Follow the Freiburg Bächle
Follow the water: A stroll through the old town is also a must in Freiburg. What makes this Black Forest city so special are the shallow water channels that you’ll keep coming across as you wander through the historic alleyways. The Bächle have always been part of Freiburg – and, according to urban legend, ensure that you’ll never want to leave the city. Legend has it that anyone who accidentally steps into or falls into a Bächle will marry someone from Freiburg. The Bächle are also great fun for families: children can use little Bächle boats to let wooden boats float past them on a string. For a Bächle picnic, simply find a cosy spot by the water with friends or family.
Dreisam: a quick dip in the river
You don’t always have to travel from your hotel in Freiburg to Lake Flückiger for a quick dip. The Dreisam is also a great option: this gentle river running through Freiburg forms small steps and pools within the city. Just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, you can dip your feet in the water and cool off.
A leisurely drive through the vineyards
Freiburg is surrounded by vineyards. If you enjoy wine and sweeping views, you should make the most of the opportunity to take a trip into the surrounding countryside. The Kaiserstuhl, for example, is a lovely place to visit. You can get to the vineyards in the Vauban district particularly quickly – ideal when a summer’s day calls for a little break to enjoy the moment.
Schauinsland: a cool break underground
A little way out of town, but ideal for escaping a heatwave, is the Schauinsland Museum Mine. In this former silver mine, you can explore a network of tunnels, climb ladders to reach higher levels and marvel at the original machinery. A different kind of summer retreat – cool, exciting and close to the Black Forest.
Botanical Garden: Shade and Exotic Plants
You’ll find a touch of the exotic in the University’s Botanical Gardens. In this small park in the Herdern district, plants from the Mediterranean and the tropics thrive – both in greenhouses and outdoors. Here, you can let your mind wander to faraway places, put your feet up after a stroll through the city, and enjoy the shade on sunny days.
Summer nights with music and wine
Freiburg is surrounded by vineyards, the summer evenings are long – and there’s plenty of partying.
- Schlossberg Festival: For 40 years, celebrations have been held every August on the city hill. Between the moat and the castle, various stages feature music ranging from electronic to salsa. As darkness falls, fairy lights set the mood for the summer evening.
- Hocks: Celebrations take place throughout the summer in Freiburg’s neighbourhoods. A ‘Hock’ is a cosy get-together over local wine, beer and traditional dishes – accompanied by music from local clubs.
- Zelt-Musik-Festival (ZMF): The ZMF has been held at the Mundenhof in July and August since 1983. Entry to the site is free. The festival features cabaret, concerts and performances on several stages.
- Freiburg Wine Festival: Freiburg without a glass of wine? Hard to imagine. In July, wine from Breisgau, Kaiserstuhl and Markgräflerland is served around Freiburg Minster – accompanied by specialities from Baden.
1,700 hours of sunshine a year and one of the warmest cities in Germany: in Freiburg, summer often starts a little earlier than elsewhere. There’s plenty of opportunity to cool off, though, as Motel One Freiburg is situated close to Lake Flückiger, the famous ‘Bächle’ water channels and the city’s green oases. Check availability now!