Freiburg im Breisgau, its full name, is an atmospheric student city in the state of Baden-Württemberg, in south-west Germany. Close to the border with France, at the foot of the Black Forest, it is perhaps the perfect base for exploring this cycling area. We are on the road for a few days and would love to take you on the (beautiful) roads around Freiburg. That there is plenty to enjoy, that should be clear by now. We take you along a beautiful cycle route in Freiburg
Safe harbour
When we park the car at our hotel after a drive of almost six-and-a-half hours, the sun is still shining brightly in the sky. It is mid-June and although officially still spring, it is a tropical day. From the car's cool air conditioning, it feels like a warm sauna. Our hotel, gasthaus Schiff, is strategically located along a transit route, yet also close to the old city centre. The 'boat, sea and harbour' theme is carried through into the interior with a wink. The hosts are friendly and the rooms are ample. There is still a bit of a lack of good cycling facilities but the location makes up for a lot.
Make way for cycling
Freiburg is known as a bicycle-friendly city. With more than 400 kilometres of cycle paths, it is (even by Dutch standards) a real cycling mecca. For our reconnaissance tour, we head west out of the city along the banks of the Dreisam. At this time of day, around seven o'clock, the river is busy. Students, couples, commuters, everyone wants to be here now. So we have to be careful because the cycle path is quite narrow and before you know it, you ride into the water. We ride into the sun and with the light breeze, it is pure enjoyment.
Vineyards with a view
We stop at a stream to take some photos. We get some strange looks from the locals, but oh well, we are enjoying ourselves. During the 45-kilometre ride, I hear just a little too often: 'it's really beautiful here'. It also winds through the fields very nicely here and somehow it just invites you to take lots of pictures
France nearby
The sun obviously does a lot of good, but as soon as we steer towards the French border, we ride among the vines. With the sun slowly setting and the peaks of the Vosges Mountains in the distance, cycling here is particularly beautiful. Behind every corner lurks another vista. The ridge we have to cross is not too steep on the eastern side. Perfect for getting into the swing of things. In terms of content, too, it is pure enjoyment here.
Down = up again
We descend towards the border, but eventually end up on the provincial road. Pretty soon we turn left and left again. The short, narrow and steep descent was a prelude to what lies ahead: a steep climb, with the gauge on the Wahoo turning red. It takes some biting and if you are slightly less trained you might have to put your foot down, but it is totally worth it. At the top, you can enjoy all the beauty that Freiburg and the Black Forest have to offer.
As we ride nicely back into town, it is again striking how inviting it is to ride here. Making way for bikes is no empty promise. Fulfilled and full of energy, we return to the hotel. Not before arranging a pasta meal at the local pizzeria. That's the topping on the cake.
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