Bike Haus Freiburg
Freiburg & surroundings

Sights & day trips by bike

From the Minster in the old town to swimming lakes, Black Forest peaks and on to France and Switzerland — more than 20 places you can reach by bike. One click on the map shows you the way.

In FreiburgAround FreiburgNearby citiesRent a bike

Freiburg is best explored on two wheels

Freiburg sits between the Rhine, the Kaiserstuhl and the Black Forest. In town a bike is faster than a car or bus, and many of the region’s most beautiful spots are only a short ride away. We have put together our favourite places — from a quick ride to the Minster to a day trip into Alsace. The right rental bike or e-bike is waiting for you at Bike Haus.

In Freiburg

Sights, parks and lakes in town — just a few minutes by bike.

Landmark

Freiburg Minster

Gothic landmark in the heart of the old town.

Ride:
Easy
Swimming:
No

The Minster of Our Lady is the heart of the old town. Its tower, around 116 metres high with an openwork stone spire, is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic church towers anywhere. Inside, the coloured stained-glass windows impress; outside, countless figures and gargoyles. The Minster market takes place on the square around the church, and the red Historic Merchants’ Hall stands right opposite.

  • Tower climb with views over the city and the Black Forest
  • Medieval stained glass and stonework
  • Minster market on the square around the church

Schwabentor, Augustinerplatz and the Augustiner Museum are only a few minutes’ walk away — ideal as a walking loop. Leave your bike at the edge of the pedestrian zone.

Open in maps
Museum

Augustiner Museum

Art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century in a former monastery.

Ride:
Easy
Swimming:
No

The Augustiner Museum is housed in a former Augustinian monastery on Augustinerplatz. It shows art and culture from the Middle Ages to the 19th century — paintings, sculptures and stained glass, including original figures and windows from the Minster that you can see up close here. A rewarding visit on rainy days, too.

  • Original sculptures and stained glass from the Minster
  • Collection from the Middle Ages to the 19th century
  • Impressive architecture of the old monastery

Easy to combine with the Minster. Current opening hours and admission on the website of the Städtische Museen Freiburg.

Open in maps
Schlossberg & Schlossberg Tower
Viewpoint

Schlossberg & Schlossberg Tower

Freiburg’s hill with a lookout tower right above the old town.

Ride:
Moderate
Swimming:
No

The Schlossberg rises directly above Freiburg’s old town and is criss-crossed by footpaths. At the top stands the Schlossberg Tower, built in 2002, with views over the city, across the Rhine plain to the Vosges and into the Black Forest. You can walk up or take the Schlossbergbahn, a funicular starting at the Stadtgarten.

  • Panoramic view from the Schlossberg Tower
  • Schlossbergbahn funicular from the Stadtgarten
  • Beer garden overlooking the city — especially lovely at sunset

Lock your bike at the Stadtgarten and go up by funicular or on foot.

Open in mapsPhoto: Zerohund · CC BY-SA 3.0
Riverside Great for families

Dreisam cycle path

Flat, car-free riverside path right across the city.

Ride:
Easy
Swimming:
No

The Dreisam river flows right through Freiburg, and a cycle path along its banks crosses the city from east to west — almost free of cars and without climbs. In summer, locals sit on the riverside steps. Heading east you reach the Dreisam valley and the edge of the Black Forest, heading west the lakes.

  • Almost entirely car-free and flat
  • Connects districts, lakes and the Dreisam valley
  • Plenty of nice spots for a break by the water

The quickest way across the city — also the best route to the Seepark.

Open in maps
Seepark & Flückiger See
Great for families Swimming possible
Park & lake

Seepark & Flückiger See

Freiburg’s green living room around a lake.

Ride:
Easy
Swimming:
Yes

The Seepark in the Betzenhausen district is one of the city’s favourite places to relax. Around the Flückiger See there are large lawns, playgrounds, gardens and barbecue areas. In summer you can rent pedal boats, and a restaurant overlooking the lake invites you to take a break.

  • Large lawns right by the water
  • Playgrounds, barbecue areas and pedal boats
  • Restaurant and beer garden by the lake

Easy to reach on the Dreisam cycle path — almost flat and away from traffic.

Open in mapsPhoto: CrazyD · CC BY-SA 3.0
Animal park Great for families

Mundenhof

The region’s largest animal park — free entry.

Ride:
Easy
Swimming:
No

The Mundenhof is Freiburg’s large animal park with camels, zebras, goats, ponies and many more animals on spacious grounds. Entry is free, and there are playgrounds, a big petting area and a café. A classic for families with children.

  • Free entry, large grounds
  • Petting area and playgrounds
  • Flat, safe ride through Rieselfeld

Come in the morning — that’s when the animals are most active.

Open in maps
Swimming lake Great for families Swimming possible

Dietenbachsee

Swimming and playing in Dietenbach Park.

Ride:
Easy
Swimming:
Yes

The Dietenbachsee lies in the large Dietenbach Park in the west of the city. Swimming, barbecues, playgrounds and lots of space to run around — all very close to the centre. A relaxed family outing without a long ride.

  • Swimming lake with lawns
  • Large park for playing and barbecues
  • Very short, flat ride

Bring a grill — barbecues are allowed in designated areas.

Open in maps
Idyll Great for families

Waldsee

Romantic little lake at the edge of the forest.

Ride:
Easy
Swimming:
No

The Waldsee on the eastern edge of the city is an idyllic little lake with a traditional café right by the water. Swimming is not allowed, but it is perfect for a short, quiet ride with a coffee stop and a view of the ducks.

  • Historic café right on the lake
  • Quiet location at the forest edge
  • Very short ride from the centre

A good starting point for a tour towards the Black Forest.

Open in maps
Swimming lake Swimming possible

Moosweiher

Small swimming lake in the green Landwasser district.

Ride:
Easy
Swimming:
Yes

The Moosweiher is a quiet swimming lake in the north-west of Freiburg, surrounded by meadows and trees. Less crowded than the big lakes and good for a relaxed dip after a short ride.

  • Quieter than the big swimming lakes
  • Lawns and shade
  • Flat ride

Perfect for an after-work swim.

Open in maps

Around Freiburg

Swimming lakes, vineyards and the Black Forest for half a day or a whole day.

Swimming lake Great for families Swimming possible

Opfinger See

Clear swimming lake at the foot of the Tuniberg.

From Freiburg approx.
9 km
Ride:
Easy
Swimming:
Yes

The Opfinger See west of the city is a well-kept swimming lake with lawns and a shallow entry — good for families. A pleasant path leads all the way around, ideal for a short bike loop. The water is known for being particularly clear.

  • Shallow entry, ideal for children
  • Loop around the lake by bike
  • Close to the Tuniberg vineyards

Extend the trip with a detour to the Tuniberg.

Open in maps
Swimming lake Great for families Swimming possible

Tunisee

Large swimming lake with a sandy beach.

From Freiburg approx.
10 km
Ride:
Easy
Swimming:
Yes

The Tunisee near Hochdorf is one of the largest swimming lakes in the area — with a sandy beach, lawns and leisure facilities. A popular spot on hot days, easy to reach on flat cycle paths.

  • Sandy beach and wide lawns
  • Food and drinks on site
  • Flat ride on farm tracks and cycle paths

Arrive early at weekends to get the best spots.

Open in maps
Mountain & cable car

Schauinsland & cable car

Freiburg’s home mountain in the Black Forest, about 1,280 m high.

From Freiburg approx.
12 km
Ride:
Challenging
Swimming:
No

The Schauinsland is Freiburg’s home mountain. The Schauinslandbahn, a gondola lift opened in 1930, runs about 3.6 kilometres from the valley station near Horben to the top, climbing some 750 metres. Up there you get wide views over the Black Forest and the Rhine plain, hiking paths and trails for mountain bikers. The climb along the Schauinslandstraße is a well-known, long ascent for road cyclists.

  • Cable car ride with views over the Black Forest
  • Lookout tower, hiking paths and trails at the summit
  • Classic road climb on the Schauinslandstraße

Riding to the valley station via Günterstal is easy. If you want to go all the way up, an e-bike is the best choice.

Open in maps
Valley & vineyards

Glottertal

Vineyards, half-timbered houses and Black Forest idyll.

From Freiburg approx.
12 km
Ride:
Moderate
Swimming:
No

The Glottertal north-east of Freiburg is known for its steep vineyards, rustic wine taverns and typical Black Forest scenery. A beautiful, gently climbing route — an e-bike makes it especially relaxed.

  • Vineyards and wine taverns
  • Half-timbered villages and Black Forest flair
  • Lovely route along the Glotter stream

With an e-bike you can ride up the valley at ease.

Open in maps
Kaiserstuhl
Vineyards

Kaiserstuhl

Germany’s warmest wine region with far-reaching views.

From Freiburg approx.
20 km
Ride:
Challenging
Swimming:
No

The Kaiserstuhl is a small volcanic range in the Rhine plain, famous for its wine, terraces and rare plants and animals. From the heights the view stretches far across the plain to the Vosges. A rewarding, sporty tour — ideal by e-bike.

  • Vineyard terraces and wide views
  • Exceptionally rich nature
  • Cosy wine villages for a stop

The Kaiserstuhl cycle path links the most beautiful villages on a flat route.

Open in mapsPhoto: Wladyslaw Sojka · CC BY-SA 3.0
Staufen im Breisgau
Small town

Staufen im Breisgau

Picturesque Faust town with a castle ruin.

From Freiburg approx.
20 km
Ride:
Moderate
Swimming:
No

Little Staufen, south of Freiburg, charms with a pretty old town, vineyards and the castle ruin above the town. The ride through the Markgräflerland is mostly flat and scenic — a perfect day out with a café stop.

  • Charming old town and market square
  • Castle ruin with a view
  • Flat ride through the Markgräflerland

Bakeries and cafés on the market square are perfect for a break.

Open in mapsPhoto: W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0
Breisach am Rhein
On the Rhine

Breisach am Rhein

Minster hill with a view over the Rhine.

From Freiburg approx.
25 km
Ride:
Moderate
Swimming:
No

Breisach lies right on the Rhine, crowned by St Stephen’s Minster high above the town. From the Minster hill the view stretches across the river into Alsace. The mostly flat route there leads through fields and wine villages.

  • St Stephen’s Minster with Rhine views
  • Rhine promenade and crossing to France
  • Flat ride across the Rhine plain

Add a detour into the Kaiserstuhl — or cross the Rhine and continue to Colmar.

Open in mapsPhoto: Rémi Stosskopf · CC BY-SA 3.0
Black Forest village

St. Peter

Baroque village high above the Dreisam valley.

From Freiburg approx.
25 km
Ride:
Challenging
Swimming:
No

St. Peter in the High Black Forest is famous for its magnificent Baroque monastery and the open landscape all around. The way up is sporty, but the view and the peace at the top are worth every pedal stroke. Very doable by e-bike.

  • Baroque monastery
  • Open meadows and distant views
  • A fantastic descent back into the valley

Plan it as a loop via St. Märgen and the Wagensteig pass.

Open in maps
Gorge & waterfalls

Ravenna Gorge

Wild, romantic gorge with waterfalls beneath the Ravenna viaduct.

From Freiburg approx.
25 km
Ride:
Moderate
Swimming:
No

The Ravenna Gorge near Hinterzarten is one of the most beautiful gorges in the Black Forest. A footpath leads over boardwalks and bridges past small waterfalls, with the tall stone viaduct of the Höllental railway spanning above. In Advent, a well-known Christmas market takes place beneath the viaduct.

  • Trail with waterfalls, boardwalks and bridges
  • The Ravenna viaduct of the Höllental railway
  • Christmas market in the gorge during Advent

The main road through the Höllental is not recommended for cyclists. Better take your bike on the Höllental railway and explore the gorge on foot — wear sturdy shoes.

Open in maps
Titisee
Great for families Swimming possible
Black Forest lake

Titisee

The most famous lake in the Black Forest.

From Freiburg approx.
35 km
Ride:
Challenging
Swimming:
Yes

The Titisee is the postcard destination of the High Black Forest: a crystal-clear lake surrounded by wooded hills, with a promenade, boat rental and plenty of cafés. Riding there is demanding — it is more relaxed to take the train to Titisee and cycle from there.

  • Swimming and boating in the clear lake
  • Promenade with cafés and shops
  • Train + bike is the ideal combination

Take your bike on the regional train and start riding at the lake.

Open in mapsPhoto: Runner1928 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Summit

Feldberg

The highest mountain in Baden-Württemberg, almost 1,500 m high.

From Freiburg approx.
40 km
Ride:
Challenging
Swimming:
No

At almost 1,500 metres, the Feldberg is the highest peak in the Black Forest. In summer it offers hiking paths across wide mountain meadows, the Feldberg Tower with a view as far as the Alps on clear days, and the Feldsee lake in an old glacial cirque. In winter it is the largest ski area in the region.

  • All-round view from the summit — as far as the Alps on clear days
  • Feldsee lake in an Ice Age cirque
  • Wide mountain meadows and well-signposted paths

Take the train to Feldberg-Bärental and continue by e-bike — otherwise the climb is a real challenge.

Open in maps
Schluchsee
Great for families Swimming possible
Black Forest lake

Schluchsee

The largest lake in the Black Forest, with a loop path.

From Freiburg approx.
45 km
Ride:
Challenging
Swimming:
Yes

The Schluchsee is the largest lake in the Black Forest — ideal for swimming, sailing and a loop by bike. A largely car-free path leads all the way around through forest and along sunny shores. In summer it is a popular place to cool off. Best combined with the train.

  • Path around the entire lake
  • Swimming and water sports
  • Easy to reach by train

The loop around the lake is about 18 km and mostly flat.

Open in mapsPhoto: Filzstift · Gemeinfrei

Nearby cities

For sporty day trips: France and Switzerland are right on the doorstep. We have ridden these routes ourselves.

Alsace

Colmar

Half-timbered houses, canals and Alsatian charm.

From Freiburg approx.
50 km
Ride:
Challenging
Swimming:
No

Colmar is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Alsace: colourful half-timbered houses, small canals in the “Petite Venise” quarter and cosy wine taverns. The Unterlinden Museum is home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece. By bike you cross into France via Breisach and the Rhine — the route is mostly flat.

  • Old town with half-timbering and “Petite Venise”
  • Unterlinden Museum with the Isenheim Altarpiece
  • Flat route via Breisach and across the Rhine

From our own experience: a beautiful, very doable day trip. Bring your ID and allow enough time for the way back.

Open in maps
Switzerland

Basel

Old town on the Rhine where three countries meet.

From Freiburg approx.
70 km
Ride:
Challenging
Swimming:
No

Basel lies on the bend of the Rhine where Germany, France and Switzerland meet. The old town with its red Minster, the colourful town hall and the promenades along the Rhine make it a rewarding destination. The way there mostly follows the Rhine through the Markgräflerland.

  • Basel Minster and the old town
  • Rhine banks and ferries across the river
  • Route through the Markgräflerland and along the Rhine

From our own experience: for the way back you can take your bike on the train to Freiburg. Don’t forget your ID.

Open in maps
Alsace

Strasbourg

Cathedral, Petite France and the European quarter.

From Freiburg approx.
85 km
Ride:
Challenging
Swimming:
No

Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace and seat of the European Parliament. The red sandstone Notre-Dame Cathedral, the old tanners’ quarter “Petite France” with its canals and the many cycle paths make the city a real experience — Strasbourg is known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in France. The long route mostly runs flat along the Rhine.

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral and old town
  • “Petite France” with canals and half-timbering
  • Excellent cycle path network in the city

From our own experience: a long but flat tour for experienced riders. The train via Offenburg is a good option for the way back. Bring your ID.

Open in maps

No bike yet?

Whether a city bike for a ride through the old town or an e-bike for the Black Forest — you will find the right rental bike with us.

Rent a bike