Freiburg Schlossberg

The Schlossberg is the forested hill that rises directly above Freiburg's old town, and it is the quickest way to get a high view of the city without leaving the centre. You can walk up a few steps from the lanes near the Schwabentor, or ride the Schlossbergbahn railway from the Stadtgarten, which takes you most of the way up the slope. At the top, the main viewpoint offers a 360 degree panorama over the red roofs and the openwork spire of the Münster, across the Rhine plain and towards the Vosges mountains in France. A lookout tower built in 1906 stands on the hill, and waymarked adventure routes lead through the woods and past the ruins of the former fortress, with information boards and three dimensional models explaining how the castle was built, besieged and finally dismantled. Access to the hill is free at any time, which makes it ideal for an early walk, a sunset or a quick escape from the old town crowds.

Start with the view. The best-known spot overlooks the cathedral, and on a clear morning you can trace the roofs of the old town, the Dreisam river and the vineyards on the edge of the plain. Sunset is popular, so arrive a little early if you want a good place to stand.

The hill is also much used by locals for jogging and dog walking, which gives it a pleasant, lived-in feel rather than a tourist-park atmosphere. Paths are surfaced and signposted, but some are steep, so wear comfortable shoes, particularly in wet or frosty weather when the surface can be slippery.

The history of the hill is a good reason to look beyond the main viewpoint. Freiburg's fortifications here were extended over centuries, and the forests now hide tunnels, bastions and fragments of walls. The adventure routes promoted by the city's tourism office, including a discovery tour and a fortress tour, link these features with information boards and 3D showcases that make the story easy to follow without a guide. Allow an extra hour if you want to follow one of these routes rather than simply admire the view.

For food and drink, plan a stop on the way down. The city's tourism site suggests a regional, home-style restaurant nearby, and the old town below has a dense choice of cafes and wine bars. In summer, bring a bottle of water and a picnic, as there are benches and open lawns at the top.

The railway is a pleasant way to avoid the climb, particularly for visitors with limited mobility or small children, though you should check its operating season and hours on the day, as it may not run in poor weather. Some paths on the hill are not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

The Schlossberg slots easily into a Freiburg day. Walk up in the morning after the market, descend into the old town for lunch and then visit the Münster and the museums. Combine it with the Schauinsland cable car on a second day if you want a bigger mountain, or use it as a light option when the cable car is closed. Allow one to two hours for the hill, or half a day with a route and lunch.