Freiburg, Germany 🇩🇪
#503
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Freiburg is a vibrant city in southwestern Germany, known for its medieval old town and as a hub for sustainability and education. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 230,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 100 Mbps; fiber optics widely available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; widely accepted methods include card payments and cash. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; Freiburg prides itself on excellent drinking water quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz; uses Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telekom, Vodafone, and O2; prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Bank accounts can be opened with Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and online banks like N26 and Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and serviced apartments through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely; however, some local businesses may prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Freiburg offers affordable dormitory and private room options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town (Altstadt) offers proximity to attractions, restaurants, and historical sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Viertel district is popular among digital nomads for its cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Makerspace Freiburg is a favorite for freelancers and entrepreneurs, featuring reliable internet and a creative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kaffeekommune offers excellent coffee and a conducive atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups and events are held through platforms like Eventbrite and Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and the Expats Freiburg group facilitate community gatherings and social activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Free Now (formerly myTaxi) is the most popular ride-hailing service in Freiburg. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Nextbike offers bike-sharing services; electric scooters are also available through various apps. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest accessible beach is Lake Constance, approximately 70 minutes away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Germanwings operates from nearby EuroAirport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and EasyJet provide services to major hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A5 and A81 highways connect Freiburg to other major German cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Freiburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) connects regional and international rail services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for the local tram and bus system cost around €70. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains connect Freiburg to cities like Basel, Strasbourg, and Stuttgart. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Universitätsklinikum Freiburg is the leading healthcare facility in the region. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogaloft Freiburg offers a variety of classes for all skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | McFIT and FitX are popular national gym chains with branches located throughout the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat Freiburg offers self-service washing and drying facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Lieferando dominates the food delivery scene in Freiburg. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Flammkuchen, a delicious Alsatian-style tart, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie House Freiburg is known for its diverse vegetarian and vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Blum offers a wide range of local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Wochenmarkt Freiburg is a weekly market offering local produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon DE and eBay are the most popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rewe and Edeka offer grocery delivery services in Freiburg. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Die Kiste and The Hinterhof are popular nightlife spots for locals and expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Freiburger Brauhaus offers tasting tours and a wide selection of locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Weinhaus Riegraf is known for its selection of regional wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food trucks gather at outdoor events, especially during the summer. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Asia Wok offer diverse international food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Freiburg Münster Cathedral is a stunning piece of Gothic architecture and a landmark of the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Augustinermuseum is an exceptional art museum featuring a mix of historic and contemporary art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Schwarzwaldhaus and the old city gates are key historical attractions in Freiburg. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Freiburg Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure, is notable for its architecture and history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Freiburg Christmas Market is a highlight, attracting tourists and locals each December. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Stadtgarten district is home to many cultural institutions and green spaces. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater Freiburg showcases a rich program of performances ranging from drama to opera. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The weekly farmers' market at Münsterplatz is essential for local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Die Zeltmusik offers live music events across various genres throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Freiburg has a vibrant street art scene, particularly in the areas of Haslach and St. Georg. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | La cucina offers cooking classes featuring traditional German and international cuisines. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kunstverein Freiburg showcases contemporary art exhibitions in various media. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Rathaus Freiburg is renowned for its richly decorated facade and historical significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Freiburg's commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly policies showcases its heritage and modern values. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Black Forest offers hiking trails and stunning landscapes just on the city's outskirts. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Southern Black Forest Nature Park is easily accessible and perfect for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous cycling paths wind through the city and surrounding areas, particularly near the Dreisam River. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Schlossberg hill offers panoramic views of Freiburg and the surrounding landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The extensive wetlands around the Dreisam River are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The local parks, particularly the Seepark, allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Hermes provide reliable delivery and collection services throughout Freiburg. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | The IT-Service Freiburg offers comprehensive tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Courts at various parks, such as Stühlinger Park, are available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Goethe-Institut Freiburg offers German language courses for expatriates and tourists. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Freiburg City Library is a quiet place for reading and studying, equipped with free Wi-Fi. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Kulturzentrum Kiz provides various community activities and programs for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On! Freiburg offers a space for video game enthusiasts to meet and play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Freiburg provides a variety of gambling options along with dining facilities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €232,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% federal corporate tax plus local trade tax, average 14%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 26.375% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Germany imposes strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on local assessed value; varies by municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Possibility of tax deductions for remote workers and freelancers. |