Freiburg, Germany 🇩🇪
#503
47.99609, 7.8494
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Freiburg im Breisgau is a city in southwestern Germany, known for its medieval architecture and as a center for environmental sustainability. |
👥 Population | Approximately 230,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average 50 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering high-speed Wi-Fi. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; major banks include Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and local savings banks. |
🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Providers like Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 offer competitive prepaid plans. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Online banks like N26 and traditional banks such as Deutsche Bank are expat-friendly. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments, with average monthly rents around €900 for a 1-bedroom in the city center. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local agencies provide various short-term accommodation options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Funky Fandung offers beds starting at €20 per night. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mitarbeiter Café - a popular coworking space with good coffee and a friendly atmosphere. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kaffeekommune, known for its specialty coffee and a comfortable workspace. |
💼 Networking Events | Meetup events regularly held through platforms like Meetup.com focusing on various professional topics. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Freiburg Expats' offer regular meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Free Now is the preferable app for ride-hailing in Freiburg. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Nextbike offers bicycle rentals all around the city; scooters are available from providers like Lime. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Strandbad Freiburg is a popular local swimming area, while the nearest real beach is around an hour away at Lake Titisee. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Eurowings operates flights to various regional destinations. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Lufthansa offers international flights from the nearby EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. |
🛣️ Highway Access | A5 and A81 highways provide easy access to major cities like Stuttgart and Karlsruhe. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Freiburg Hauptbahnhof serves as the main transit station with connections to many regional and intercity trains. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes cost around €55 for unlimited travel within the city limits. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Freiburg to nearby towns and attractions efficiently. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Universitätsklinikum Freiburg is the main hospital with a wide range of medical services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogastudio Freiburg offers various yoga classes including workshops and teacher training. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Freiburg provides gym facilities with group classes starting around €30/month. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromat Waschsalon Freiburg is affordable, with washes starting at €4. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Lieferando is the most popular food delivery service in Freiburg. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Flammkuchen, a local specialty that is similar to pizza but with a thin crust. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Cafe is a popular spot for plant-based meals. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Blum offers a range of cakes and pastries, famously known for its Black Forest cake. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Freiburg Wochenmarkt offers fresh local produce every day except Sundays. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.de covers a wide range of online shopping options. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rewe and Edeka offer grocery delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center around Brauhaus Freiburg is known for vibrant nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Freiburger Brauhaus is the local brewery offering tours and tastings. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Weinstube zum Löwen offers an excellent selection of local wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Weekly street food markets are held at various locations in the city. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Storia offers authentic Italian cuisine and is a local favorite. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Freiburg Minster is a stunning Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum für Neue Kunst showcases contemporary art. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Town (Altstadt) is packed with historical buildings and cobblestone streets. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Augustinian Museum is a historical religious site notable for its architecture. |
🎉 Annual Events | Freiburg Christmas Market attracts locals and tourists every December. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The Vauban district is known for its ecological and sustainable urban development. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Staatstheater Freiburg hosts operas, plays, and concerts throughout the year. |
🛍️ Local Markets | The daily market at Münsterplatz is great for fresh produce and homemade goods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Jazzhaus Freiburg is a popular venue for local and international jazz artists. |
🎨 Street Art | The city features many murals, particularly in the Stühlinger district. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Kochschule Freiburg offers classes ranging from local to international cuisines. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Iragui displays contemporary art and photography. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Freiburg's Rathaus (Town Hall) showcases beautiful architecture and is open for visits. |
🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its strong environmental policies and commitment to sustainability. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Schauinsland mountain offers hiking and panoramic views of the Black Forest. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Black Forest National Park is easily accessible for outdoor enthusiasts. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Dreisam River offers scenic paths for cyclists and walkers alike. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Schlossberg provides stunning views of the city and surrounding area. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Freiburg's green spaces and parks attract various bird species, especially in the Merzhauser Wald. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain picnic areas in the Black Forest allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL, Hermes, and local services provide reliable parcel delivery options. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | MediaMarkt offers electronic device repairs and support. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers hold table tennis clubs, such as in the Fucine Sportcenter. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Volkshochschule Freiburg offers affordable German language courses for all levels. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Stadtbibliothek Freiburg is a spacious library with study areas and resources. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Kulturzentrum bei den den 2 is a hub for local cultural activities and events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameOn Freiburg provides a dedicated space for gamers to meet and play together. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Freiburg offers gaming options in a sophisticated atmosphere. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €140,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 15% on corporate income, with additional trade tax varying by municipality. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 26.375% (including solidarity surcharge). |
🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed based on worldwide income; there are also local taxes. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income over approximately €274,613. |
🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 19%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Germany has strict CFC rules. |
🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax is based on property value and local rates. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally 6.5% in Baden-Württemberg. |