Best attractions and places to see around Merzhausen, a municipality in the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, offers a mix of historical sites, cultural venues, and natural landscapes. Situated between Schönberg and the Black Forest, the area provides a picturesque setting. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, cultural centers, and various outdoor activities. The region is known for its access to hiking and nature paths.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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One of the beautiful old city gates that you should definitely see on a tour of Freiburg's city center. You'll almost automatically pass by it. Of course, you can also take the tram and drive through. 🙃
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Brief information on accessibility: Schwabentor is wheelchair accessible from Salzstraße and can be viewed from the outside. Accessible restrooms are located at Augustinerplatz. The tin figure hermitage in Schwabentor is not wheelchair accessible.
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Schwabentor, Freiburg im Breisgau The Schwabentor was built in the mid-13th century as a city gate within the fortifications to protect the citizens. Leaving the city walls behind must have been a real adventure in the Middle Ages: Unfamiliar forests and routes, and the constant fear of being attacked by robbers, created uncertainty for merchants and travelers alike. For all those not deterred by their own fear, the "Thorn Puller" warned against leaving the city. A tormented expression adorns the relatively large head of the small, neckless figure, which sits with crossed legs above the gateway of the defensive tower, pulling a thorn from its foot. Since antiquity, the thorn has been a symbol of sin and punishment, which is why historians assume that the small relief served as a warning not to stray from the right path. Those who nevertheless passed through the Schwabentor on the Salt Road could immediately cross the Dreisam Bridge and reach the most important trade routes of the Black Forest. A salt merchant from Swabia once traveled along one of these routes to Freiburg, having fallen in love with the city on his previous business trips. He intended to buy Freiburg with several barrels full of money, but the citizens only mocked and laughed at him, especially when he exuberantly opened the barrels and discovered that his miserly wife had taken precautions. Less enthusiastic about her husband's idea of spending all his money on a city, she had wisely traded the money for sand and stones before his departure. It is said that this legend gave the Schwabentor (Swabian Gate) its name. Therefore, the salt merchant and his wagon have adorned the inside of the city gate since the 17th century. On the outside, Freiburg's patron saint – St. George the dragon slayer – is prominently displayed. Text / Source: City of Freiburg, Rathausplatz 2-4, 79098 Freiburg https://visit.freiburg.de/attraktionen/schwabentor
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Freiburg's Münsterplatz - archaeology and history After an introductory overview of the state of research, Chapter 1, taking into account the latest excavations, examines the archaeologically tangible burials up to the abolition of the churchyard in 1515 and the renewed use as a military cemetery in the 17th and 18th centuries. This is followed by a discussion of the cemetery's furnishings and in particular the course of the churchyard wall, with Renn partially questioning the phases of the wall's development reconstructed by Ralf Burgmaier in 1996. Chapter 3 explains other functions of the churchyard as a legal and judicial place and as a meeting place. Chapter 4 is devoted to the buildings on and around the square. Renn can show that parts of today's Münsterplatz were built up until the 14th century and that the facades of the surrounding houses were not initially facing the churchyard. It was only when the choir was built in the 14th century that the houses on the square were demolished and the facades of the other houses turned towards the square and magnificently decorated. Although the associated upgrading of the square led to increased building activity, the churchyard wall initially remained standing - as described in Chapter 5 - although sales arbors were added to its outside. It was not until 1785 that the churchyard wall and the corn arbors were torn down and a "representative open space" created. Text / Source: Hypotheses https://oberrhein.hypotheses.org/1384
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Hikers should stop here to get some refreshment. Whether it's Brunner's sausage roasting shop, Meier's sausage stand, the organic sizzling stand, or Licht's sausage stand - the Lange Rote has long been a Freiburg institution: The grilled sausage without casing, which measures a full 35 cm, is on a par with the Münster, the Augustinermuseum or the Bächles on the Freiburgers' scale of attractions. So, go ahead and try Freiburg's crispiest landmark on Münsterplatz!
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A very beautiful and worth seeing place. The climb to the tower can be reached via a long and narrow wall staircase, and you will be rewarded with a magnificent view. The bellworks can also be viewed, which are also very loud at the right time.
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The Freiburg Minster "Our Lady" is today both the parish church and the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Freiburg. In addition, the Minster is a national cultural monument with one of the most beautiful towers on earth and is one of the few large Gothic churches that were completed in the Middle Ages and survived the numerous wars almost unscathed.
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The cycle path is very well developed, but every time I cycled there was a lot of traffic, and there were also a few cyclists on the road who did not know the traffic rules
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In Merzhausen, you can explore the historic Church of St. Gallus, first mentioned in 786, with its 'Old Church' section dating back to 1759-1760. Another notable site is the Alte Schloss (Old Castle) of Merzhausen, originally the Jesuitenschloss from 1666, which received its current appearance in 1727 and is located in the town center.
Yes, Merzhausen is home to FORUM | Merzhausen, a cultural and town house completed in 2012, which hosts concerts and exhibitions. The municipality also holds local events such as 'Merzhausen in December' concerts, a summer Dorfhock, and a Christmas market on the Marktplatz.
The area around Merzhausen offers 'breathtaking nature' with access to numerous hiking and nature paths. For impressive views, you can visit the Rosskopf Tower, offering 360-degree panoramas of the Black Forest, Freiburg, and the Vosges. Another excellent viewpoint is Schlossberg Tower, providing extensive views over Freiburg and its surroundings, including towards France. Further afield, the Schauinsland Observation Tower offers views into the Vosges and Swiss Alps on clear days.
Merzhausen is an excellent starting point for various hikes. The historic Bettlerpfad (Beggar's Path) begins here, connecting to Freiburg, Staufen im Breisgau, and Salzburg to Badenweiler. For family-friendly options, the Hexental Trail leads past streams and wooded areas, and the Steinkopf trail offers impressive views. You can find many easy hikes, such as the 'View of Freiburg – View of Freiburg Old Town loop' or 'Jesuit Palace Freiburg – View of Freiburg loop', by exploring the easy hikes around Merzhausen guide.
Yes, the region offers various cycling opportunities. The Dreisam bike path is a popular choice, running along the river with superb paving and mountain panoramas. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are trails around Merzhausen, including routes like 'View of Schneeburg loop'. Gravel biking options are also available, such as the 'Attilafelsen Vineyard Panorama' route. You can explore more options in the MTB Trails around Merzhausen guide or the Gravel biking around Merzhausen guide.
The best seasons for hiking and enjoying outdoor activities around Merzhausen are generally spring and autumn. During these times, the weather is typically pleasant for exploring the numerous hiking and nature paths, and the natural scenery is particularly picturesque.
Merzhausen offers several family-friendly options. The village has a swimming pool complex with a sauna, sunbathing area, and an outdoor pool for young children. Additionally, a wading pool is located at the renaturalized Dorfbach in the town center. For outdoor adventures, the Hexental Trail and Steinkopf trail are suitable for family outings, featuring streams, wooded areas, and playgrounds.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning panoramic views from various points like Rosskopf Tower and Schlossberg Tower, often extending to the Black Forest, Vosges, and even the Alps. The vibrant weekly market at Münsterplatz Freiburg is also highly praised for its fresh, regional produce and lively atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to relax after an activity.
Beyond Merzhausen, the most prominent religious building in the wider region is Münsterplatz Freiburg, known for its impressive Gothic architecture and historical significance. It has been a central point in Freiburg for centuries and is surrounded by a bustling weekly market.
Yes, Merzhausen provides several sports facilities. The VfR Merzhausen sports facilities, located near the border with Au, include tennis courts and a sports hall. There is also another sports hall in the middle of town, which features a beach volleyball arena.
Absolutely. The area around Merzhausen offers several easy hiking trails perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. Examples include the 'View of Freiburg – Au Village Center loop' and the 'View of Wittnau – Kreuzstein Panoramic View loop'. These trails typically have manageable distances and gentle gradients. You can explore more options in the easy hikes around Merzhausen guide.
The terrain around Merzhausen is quite varied, ranging from leisurely strolls through meadows and fields to steeper trails as you approach the Schönberg and the Black Forest. Many paths, like the Dreisam bike path, are well-paved, while others, such as the Hexental Trail, wind through wooded areas and along streams.


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