Freiburg: English Tours of the Old City - Practical Tips for Visitors

We Rank The 9 Best Tours & Experiences In Freiburg

Discover the best ways to explore Freiburg with walking tours, themed acting adventures, Black Forest drives, and more. Find your perfect experience here.

Freiburg is a city that rewards curiosity. Its mix of medieval charm, vibrant street life, and stunning natural surroundings makes it an ideal destination for a variety of tours and experiences. Whether you’re wandering through historic streets, exploring stories of witches and ghosts, or venturing into the Black Forest, Freiburg offers something for every traveler. We especially enjoy the Freiburg City Tour with visit to the Freiburg Minster for its blend of local insights and architectural marvels, and the Black Forest private tour for its scenic drive and off-the-beaten-path sights.

From engaging guided walks to immersive acting tours, Freiburg’s tours give you a chance to see the city through different lenses. Our favorites include those that combine storytelling, history, and local culture, ensuring an authentic experience. Below, you’ll find a detailed rundown of each, helping you find exactly the right fit for your interests.

1. Freiburg City Tour: with visit of the Freiburg Minster

Freiburg City Tour: with visit of the Freiburg Minster

At number 1, the Freiburg City Tour: with visit of the Freiburg Minster is a fantastic way to get to know Freiburg’s historic core. Running from about 1.5 hours, this walking tour takes you beyond the usual tourist spots to discover lesser-known streets and corners of the Old Town. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore iconic sights like the Haus zum Walfisch and the Münsterplatz, where the stunning Freiburg Minster dominates the skyline.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of historical insight and a relaxed pace. The guide’s knowledge brings the city’s stories to life, including details about the cathedral’s intricate façade and the history behind the Altes Kaufhaus. Practical and engaging, it’s perfect for first-time visitors who want a deep dive into Freiburg’s rich heritage without feeling rushed. The tour’s reviews—4.8 out of 5 from 52 reviews—highlight its quality, with many mentioning the guide’s local expertise and the chance to see parts of Freiburg that aren’t on the typical tourist trail.

Bottom Line: If you want a rundown of Freiburg’s historic center with a personal touch, this tour offers excellent value and memorable sights in just 1.5 hours.

2. Freiburg: English Tours of the Old City

Freiburg: English Tours of the Old City

Second on our list is the Freiburg: English Tours of the Old City, offering a 105-minute casual walk through the city’s most iconic landmarks. This tour covers the Freiburg Cathedral, Farmers’ Market, Medieval city gates, and the historic Palaces along Konviktstraße. Led in English, it’s a great option for international visitors seeking a clear, friendly introduction to Freiburg’s highlights.

The tour’s popularity is reflected in over 114 reviews with a 4.5-star rating. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guide, John, who shares humorous anecdotes and lesser-known facts, making history lively and accessible. The route includes notable stops like the Merchants’ Hall and Schwabentor, giving you a well-rounded picture of the city’s storybook streets and architecture.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers with limited time, this tour offers a friendly, informative stroll through Freiburg’s most significant sights, making it perfect for families or history enthusiasts.

3. Freiburg: Acting tour “Witches, Torture, Stake” with Historix-Tours

Freiburg: Acting tour "Witches, Torture, Stake" with Historix-Tours

Number 3 is the Witches, Torture, Stake acting tour, running for 1.5 hours and led by a professional actor. Since 1998, this tour has brought to life the dark chapters of Freiburg’s past, focusing on the true stories of women accused of witchcraft and the terrifying punishments they endured. It’s a gripping experience that combines storytelling with theatrical flair, making history visceral and memorable.

The tour’s uniqueness lies in its lively narration and the chance to hear about Freiburg’s witch trials through the eyes of those who experienced them. Reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5-star rating from 9 participants. Expect to visit sites like Rathausplatz, Gerichtslaube, and Schiffstraße, with the actor’s storytelling weaving a vivid picture of medieval fears and social upheaval.

Bottom Line: This experience is perfect for those interested in darker history told with theatrical storytelling, adding an emotional dimension to your visit.

4. Freiburg: Acting tour “Cathedral, gates, city legends”

Freiburg: Acting tour Historix tour "Cathedral, gates, city legends"

Next, the Freiburg acting tour “Cathedral, gates, city legends” offers an engaging 105-minute narrative experience with a professional actor in costume. Covering the main sights like the Münsterplatz, the University of Freiburg, and the Schwabentor, this tour provides a sweeping overview of the city’s most important landmarks, combined with entertaining stories based on original research.

What makes this tour special is its theatrical approach, which makes history come alive through energetic storytelling. It’s ideal for visitors who enjoy a lively, immersive experience rather than a traditional guided walk. The reviews, averaging 4.8 from 10 participants, emphasize the engaging narration and the detailed stories about Freiburg’s legends and legends behind the city’s gates.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a dynamic, theatrical take on Freiburg’s main sights, this tour offers a memorable alternative to standard city walks.

5. Freiburg: Ghost walk with Historix-Tours “Murderers, graves, and ghosts”

Freiburg: Ghost walk with Historix-Tours "Murderers, graves, and ghosts"

For a taste of the spooky side, number 5 is the Ghost walk “Murderers, graves, and ghosts”, a 105-minute tour led by a professional actor in costume. This is Germany’s first ghost walk, running since 1998, and it visits the Old Cemetery along with haunted locations in the city center.

The stories focus on legends, demons, and revenants, giving a chilling flavor to Freiburg’s darker history. The tour is suitable for those intrigued by legends and ghost stories, and reviews note the lively and theatrical narration. Expect to encounter tales of Freiburg’s most haunted spots along with a visit to the Old Cemetery, adding a touch of mystery to your sightseeing.

Bottom Line: If you’re interested in the eerie side of Freiburg, this ghost walk offers a fun, spine-tingling experience with a theatrical twist.

6. Best of Freiburg: Private Walking Tour with a Local

Best of Freiburg: Private Walking Tour with a Local

Number 6 on our list is the Best of Freiburg: Private Walking Tour, which can be tailored to your interests and lasts from 2 to 6 hours. Led by a friendly local, this flexible tour allows you to explore the city at your own pace, focusing on hidden spots, local stories, or specific neighborhoods.

What sets this apart is the customization factor. Your guide can highlight anything from lesser-known cafes to secret viewpoints, making this the best choice if you want an personalized experience. Reviews are generally positive, with a 4.2-star rating, praising the guide’s friendliness and local knowledge. This tour is suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed, personalized approach or those with specific interests.

Bottom Line: For visitors seeking a customized Freiburg experience, this private tour offers flexibility and local insights, perfect for those who love tailor-made travel.

7. Freiburg im Breisgau: Hero’s Journey Private Nature Day Trip

Freiburg im Breisgau: Hero's Journey Private Nature Day Trip

For a different kind of experience, the Hero’s Journey Nature Day Trip combines personal development with outdoor adventure. Over 10 hours, you’ll practice yoga, meditation, and martial arts amid Freiburg’s scenic surroundings, guided by a coach who helps you explore your inner hero.

This tour is ideal for those interested in self-discovery and wellness, pairing outdoor activity with introspective coaching. It’s a unique way to connect with nature and yourself, making it a great option for travelers looking for meaningful experiences. Reviews rate it at 4.7 out of 5, emphasizing the transformational potential of the day.

Bottom Line: If personal growth is your goal, this immersive outdoor experience offers a chance to relax, reflect, and uncover your inner strength.

8. Freiburg: Private Black Forest Tour by car

Freiburg: Private Black Forest Tour by car

Number 8 is the Black Forest private tour by car, which takes about 4 hours. This personalized trip combines the best of the Black Forest’s highlights—like the cuckoo clock area, castle ruins, and farmland markets—with some hidden spots that travelers often overlook.

Led by a local driver, you’ll have the flexibility to explore at your own pace and enjoy tastings of Black Forest specialties. The itinerary includes scenic drives, photo stops, and visits to quaint towns, making it ideal for those who want an intimate look at the region without joining a large group. The reviews, averaging 4.5 stars, praise the driver’s knowledge and the mix of popular and offbeat sights.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a customized, scenic day in the Black Forest, with the comfort of private transportation and local insights.

9. Freiburg: Guided walking tour on National Socialism, world wars, and dictatorship

Freiburg: Guided walking tour on National Socialism, world wars, and dictatorship

Finally, number 9 offers a sober, reflective exploration of Freiburg’s role during darker times with the Walking Tour on National Socialism, World Wars, and Dictatorship. This tour is more serious in tone, aimed at inspiring thought about democracy, history, and morality.

While the duration isn’t specified, the tour covers lesser-known facts about Freiburg’s experience during the Nazi era and the influence of figures like Josef Mengele. It’s ideal for history buffs or travelers interested in understanding the city’s complex past in a respectful, narrative style.

Bottom Line: This tour offers a meaningful, thought-provoking look at Freiburg’s history, suitable for travelers interested in history with a reflective approach.

How to Choose the Perfect Tour in Freiburg

When selecting a tour, consider your timeframe, interests, and energy level. If you want a quick, rundown, the Freiburg City Tour or the English Old City Tour are excellent choices. For a more immersive, theatrical experience, the Witches Tour or the City Legends Tour fit the bill. Interested in a spooky story? The Ghost Walk is a fun pick. For those who want a personalized experience, the Private Walking Tour offers flexibility, while nature lovers can try the Hero’s Journey.

Budget, time, and personal interests will drive your choice. Remember to book early for popular tours, especially in peak seasons, and check availability to match your schedule. Some tours, like the Black Forest drive or private experiences, offer a deeper connection to Freiburg’s surroundings.

Freiburg’s diverse range of tours ensures you’ll find something that sparks your curiosity and fits your travel style. Whether you prefer a lively storytelling adventure, a reflective walk through history, or a scenic drive through the Black Forest, this city has it all. Booking in advance is wise, especially for specialized or private tours—don’t miss out on creating your perfect Freiburg experience.