Freudenstadt

Imagine standing in a square so vast it could fit almost four and a half football fields. Historic arcades frame the scene, children laugh at the bubbling fountains, and in the background, the dense, deep green fir forests of the Northern Black Forest rise majestically. Welcome to Freudenstadt! This sun-drenched town, perched on a high plateau in the eastern Northern Black Forest, combines warm Swabian-Baden hospitality with a fascinating history and unspoiled nature right on its doorstep.

Whether you want to stroll through Germany's largest market square, explore the country's highest rose trail, or set off for spectacular viewpoints in the Black Forest heights: Freudenstadt is an ideal starting point for gourmets, families, and active vacationers. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the historic streets, climb the local mountain, Kienberg, and reveal the best tips for your perfect stay.

Germany's largest market square: the heartbeat and history of Freudenstadt

Freudenstadt's undisputed landmark is its world-famous market square. With its impressive dimensions of 219 by 216 meters, it is the largest built market square in all of Germany. Anyone standing in the center for the first time immediately senses the spaciousness and symmetry of this unique urban feature.

A planned city on the drawing board

The origins of the market square date back to 1599. Duke Frederick I of Württemberg decided at that time to found a completely new residential city on the high plateau of the Black Forest. He appointed the Renaissance architect Heinrich Schickhardt as master builder. The city's layout was designed like a popular game of Nine Men's Morris: the magnificent residential palace was to stand in the center, surrounded by three rows of houses.

Although the castle was never built after the Duke's death, the gigantic central square was preserved. Today, the area is divided into the Upper and Lower Market Squares, separated by Poststrasse.

Water features, arcades and weekly market

A stroll through the market square is like a small journey of discovery:

• The arcades: Under the covered arcades, you can stroll wonderfully in any weather, browse in small boutiques or enjoy a cappuccino in cozy cafes.
• The 50 fountains: In summer, 50 water features in the Lower Market Square provide wonderful refreshment. The bubbling water fountains are a particularly magical attraction for families with children on hot days.
• The traditional weekly market: Every Tuesday and Friday morning, the market square transforms into a colorful sea of ​​market stalls. Here, regional farmers offer fresh mountain cheese, Black Forest ham, fragrant wood-fired bread, and freshly harvested fruit directly from the region.

Architectural highlight: The unique corner church

Right at the southern corner of the market square awaits an architectural gem that you will find extremely rarely in this form worldwide: the Protestant city church of Freudenstadt.

Also built by Heinrich Schickhardt at the beginning of the 17th century, the church was laid out at a sharp 90-degree angle. The two naves stand at right angles to each other. What seems like an architectural gimmick today had a strict social purpose at the time: the L-shape allowed men and women to sit separately during services. The pastor stood in the pulpit precisely at the intersection of the two wings, thus keeping both sides of the congregation in view simultaneously.

Inside the church, you'll find intricately carved wooden galleries, a 12th-century Romanesque baptismal font, and the famous lectern with its four Evangelist figures. A visit to the cool church halls offers a fascinating journey through time, not just for culture enthusiasts.

The Kienberg: Rose Trail, sculptures and the historic Friedrich Tower

Just a short walk from the bustling market square, Freudenstadt's green local mountain begins: the Kienberg (799 meters above sea level). It's the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll, offering a blend of nature and culture in a compact area.

Germany's highest rose trail

A true highlight for plant lovers is the Kienberg Rose Trail. It is considered the highest rose trail in Germany. Over 1.000 different wild and shrub roses have been planted along the gently sloping path. Especially during the flowering season between June and July, the mountain transforms into a fragrant, colorful sea of ​​blossoms. Benches along the way invite visitors to pause and enjoy the panoramic views over the city.

Art in the forest: The sculpture trail

The climb is further enhanced by modern works of art. The sculpture trail on the Kienberg presents fascinating bronze and stone sculptures by regional and international artists, which blend harmoniously into the forest landscape.

The Friedrich Tower: Panoramic view at 800 meters altitude

At the highest point of the Kienberg stands the proud Friedrich Tower . This 25-meter-high observation tower was built in 1899 from solid sandstone to commemorate the city's 300th anniversary.

Those who climb the steps inside the tower are rewarded with a magnificent sight: From the viewing platform, you can enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree view over Freudenstadt, the wide Murg valley, and, on a clear day, all the way to the Swabian Alps. Would you like to learn more about the history and specific details of this landmark? Then read our special report on the Friedrichsturm in Freudenstadt.

Vacation in Freudenstadt

Would you like to wake up to the scent of fresh Black Forest fir trees in the morning, hike the pristine hills of the Northern Black Forest during the day, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the market square in the evening? Freudenstadt offers an excellent selection of welcoming accommodations – from cozy holiday apartments on the edge of the forest to traditional country inns and modern hotels in the town center.

Vacation in Freudenstadt

Are you looking for relaxation for body and mind after a strenuous day trip? Then you're guaranteed to find the perfect wellness hotel with saunas and soothing massages in our accommodation directory. Are you traveling with children instead and want to experience close contact with animals in the countryside? Browse our recommendations for an unforgettable farm holiday.

Kniebis hiking paradise: Black Forest idyll and the view of Lake Ellbach

Freudenstadt is one of the largest forested municipalities in Baden-Württemberg in terms of area. The idyllic hilltop village of Kniebis , situated at an altitude of approximately 900 to 1.000 meters directly on the famous Black Forest High Road (B500), also belongs to the town.

Kniebis is a true mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, you can expect well-marked premium hiking trails through shady spruce forests and mysterious high moors. In winter, the village transforms into one of the most snow-sure cross-country skiing centers in the Northern Black Forest, with illuminated night trails and direct access to accommodations at the ski lift.

Spectacular view: The Ellbachsee viewpoint

A must-see excursion is the Ellbachsee viewpoint near Kniebis. A short, accessible wooden walkway leads to a suspended wooden viewing platform. From here, you can look down into a deep cirque basin, in the center of which lies the circular, dark-shimmering Ellbachsee – a relic from the last Ice Age. The view across the seemingly endless green sea of ​​fir trees in the Black Forest National Park is simply breathtaking and offers fantastic photo opportunities in every season.

Culinary delights and Black Forest hospitality

A day in the mountains is known to whet the appetite. Freudenstadt and its surrounding villages will spoil you with a rich culinary scene, ranging from hearty, traditional fare to upscale Michelin-starred cuisine.

If you stop at one of the traditional Black Forest taverns, you should definitely try the regional classics:

• Maultaschen and Spätzle: Swabian tradition meets Baden refinement.
• Baden-style Sauerbraten Tender beef in a delicate red wine sauce, served with fresh cranberries.
• Original Black Forest Cherry Cake: A sweet dream of chocolate sponge cake, juicy sour cherries, whipped cream and a generous dash of real Black Forest cheese. kirsch It should not be missing from any afternoon coffee break.

Arrival and mobility: How to reach Freudenstadt stress-free

Getting to Freudenstadt is extremely easy thanks to its central location in the heart of Baden-Württemberg – whether you travel by car or public transport.

By car

Freudenstadt is an important junction of several well-known federal highways:

• Via the B28: From Stuttgart/Horb am Neckar (A81) directly to the city center.
• Via the B294: From the direction of Pforzheim through the romantic Enz valley or from the south via Offenburg/Schiltach.
• Via the B500 (Black Forest High Road): The scenic panoramic route leads from Baden-Baden via the main ridge of the mountains directly to Freudenstadt.
• Parking: Large parking garages (e.g., Tiefgarage Marktplatz) with fair hourly rates are available around the market square.

By train and bus

Freudenstadt has two important railway stations: the main station and the centrally located Freudenstadt Stadt station.

• The Murg Valley Railway connects the city with Rastatt and Karlsruhe.
• The Gäu and Kinzig Valley Railway offers convenient connections towards Stuttgart and Offenburg.

Travel for free with the KONUS guest card

An unbeatable advantage for all holidaymakers: When you stay overnight in Freudenstadt, your host will give you the KONUS guest card . This allows you to use buses and regional trains throughout the Black Forest completely free of charge for the duration of your stay . This saves you parking fees and lets you plan your hikes as easy, linear routes!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Freudenstadt