Freiburg Cathedral, known locally as the Münster, rises above Münsterplatz in the middle of the old town. Work began around 1200 in the Romanesque style and carried on in Gothic, and the single tower ends in an open-work stone spire 116 metres high. Inside, medieval stained glass fills the church with colored light, and the choir holds a triptych by Hans Baldung Grien. Entry is free. The square around it holds a market, so you can pair a quiet hour in the nave with a sausage outside.
From Romanesque start to Gothic spire
Construction of the minster began around 1200 in the late Romanesque style and continued in Gothic. The two styles meet in one building, and the cathedral is counted among the major works of German Gothic art. It is dedicated to Our Lady, and the city's own name for it is Münster unserer lieben Frau.
The tower is square at its base, becomes an octagon higher up and ends in a 116 metre spire of open stonework. The building is made of red sandstone, and the spire can be seen from across the city. The openwork pyramids of the tower are often named as the reason it came through the bombing of the Second World War intact.
The portal and the gargoyles outside
Take time on the outside before you go in. The sculpted portal on the west side of the tower, under a large pointed arch, dates to around 1280. Around the walls, gargoyles and carved figures reward a slow look, and the detail is as dense on the exterior as it is inside.
The cathedral is a working church. Walk the square first, then step in when you are ready to look quietly.
Glass, altars and relics inside
The stained-glass windows are the main draw indoors. Many date to the early 14th century, and guilds paid for a good number of them. Because the cathedral was not destroyed in the Second World War, the medieval glass remained in place, which is uncommon among German churches. On a warm day the nave is also pleasantly cool.
In the choir, the high altar carries a triptych by Hans Baldung Grien, a pupil of Dürer. The painting is one reason to arrive before the end of the day. The cathedral also keeps the Reliquary of Saint Lambertus, a pulpit and organs worth noticing.
The main church is free. A €2 donation per person covers touring the chapels and the altar area, and each chapel has its own character.
Münsterplatz and the market
The cathedral stands on Münsterplatz, a large square where the Münstermarkt is held. Farmers and traders sell fruit, vegetables, wine, home-baked bread, olives and other regional foods. The market's best-known snack is the Münsterwurst, called the Lange Rote, a long red sausage. Many people eat it on the edge of the fountain with the cathedral in view.
Cafes and restaurants around the square have indoor seats if you prefer to watch the market from a window. The old town streets beyond are good for a longer walk.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for Freiburg Cathedral?
Entering the cathedral is free. A donation of €2 per person is asked if you want to tour the chapels and the altar area.
Can you climb the tower?
Yes. The tower climb gives views over the city towards the Black Forest and the Vosges mountains.
What is the best time to visit?
Go in the morning, when it is quieter. Do not leave it late in the day if you want to see the choir and the Baldung Grien altar painting closely.
What is the market outside the cathedral?
The Münstermarkt is held on Münsterplatz around the cathedral. It sells regional produce, bread and wine, and it is known for the Lange Rote sausage.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
The cathedral has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
