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Cathedral · Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg
Freiburger Münster
Gothic cathedral in the center of the Altstadt, begun around 1200, with the 116‑metre tower completed in 1330 and the spire pierced like lace in stone. It survived the bombings of 1944.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Freiburger Münster
Construction of the Freiburger Münster began around 1200, still in the Romanesque style, under the dukes of Zähringen, founders of the city. From 1230 the work continued in Gothic, and the main tower was completed in 1330. The choir, built later, was only finished in the 16th century. The church became a cathedral in 1827.
The tower is 116 meters high, and the upper part is an openwork stone pyramid without a roof, through which the sky is visible. The entrance portal beneath the tower houses a set of painted medieval sculptures depicting scenes from the Bible. Inside, there are stained-glass windows from the 13th to the 16th centuries, many donated by the city’s guilds, and the high altar by Hans Baldung Grien.
In November 1944, bombing destroyed much of the houses around the square, but the cathedral survived. The stained glass had been removed beforehand and was reinstalled after the war.
A staircase leads to the tower lookout, with views over the roofs of the Altstadt, the Schlossberg and the mountains of the Floresta Negra. The climb has its own opening hours and may close in bad weather.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour for the nave and the portal. Add about 45 minutes if you climb the tower.
Best time
In the morning, during the market at Münsterplatz, to combine both. Avoid mass times to move around the nave. For the tower, choose clear days; check the climbing hours before you go.
How to get there
It’s in the center of the Altstadt, on Münsterplatz. From the central station it’s about a 15-minute walk, or take the tram to Bertoldsbrunnen and walk another 3 minutes.
Tip
The climb to the tower is via a narrow staircase, there is no elevator. Notice the gargoyles on the outside of the nave and the entrance portal before you go up. Remember this is a functioning church: speak quietly during services.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Freiburger Münster
Can you go up the tower?
Yes. A staircase leads to the tower's viewing platform with views over the town and the Black Forest. The climb has set opening times and may close in bad weather: check before you go.
Was the cathedral destroyed in the war?
No. In November 1944 a bombing destroyed much of the surrounding houses, but the cathedral survived. The stained glass had been removed beforehand and was reinstalled after the war.
How tall is the tower?
About 116 metres. It was completed in 1330, and the top is an openwork stone pyramid without a roof.