quebec

I will be studying at the Goethe Institute in Freiburg this August and would like to buy a used bike to explore the area. From what I've read, the French "border" is only 3 km away. Has anyone cycled around this area before? I just think its cool that I can bike to France for lunch or something. Danke!

PalQ

Colmar, France is within bike shot of Freiburg and from each side of town runs the Alsace Wine Strasse, wine road going along the foot of the Vosges mountains and thru many quaint villages - one of Europe's classic bike routes. Otherwise hop a train into the Black Forest and then largely coast back down to Frieburg!

quebec

Thanks. Have you cycled that Alsace Wine Strasse?

PalQ

Yes I have. It's really neat - try to stay in a youth hostel en route and check out the wine houses for tastings along the way. Colmar is a most beautiful canal-laced old town; very colorful.

quebec

How long of a bike ride do you think it is from Freiburg to France?

Did you cycle the wine strasse?

PalQ

It's about 15 km to the border via the road to Colmar - only bridge over Rhine by Freiburg. yes i cycled the wine strasse - the best part goes north from Colmar to Selestat, via Riquewhr and Ribeauville and St. Hippolyte well known names to Alsace wine afficianados. this is about a 30 km stretch of road at Selestat you can put your bike on a train and return to Colmar. Get Michelin map #69 which includes Freiburg and Colmar and then #49 for the wine strasse to Selestat. these cost a few bucks and can be bought at cafes, supermarkets, gas stations, etc. Or www.michelin.com

chtiet

The border at Breisach is more like 30km away - so you can't really "go to France" for lunch.

When you're there, definitely go to a "Straussenwirtschaft", which describes a seasonal private pub/restaurant type of place that is typical of Baden. You can get locally produced wine and food in a great setting, usually outdoors and in the vineyards. Specifically go to the Griestal-Strausse, which is the "suburb" of Opfingen, a nice 20-30 min bikeride away! It's a great place for a warm afternoon.

PalQ

Yes it's about 30 km, i meant to say 15 miles but said km.

quebec

Another quick question....will the month of August be empty in Freiburg? I have heard that this is vacation month for most Germans.

Fernweh

Don't know about "empty", but the state's school vacation is in August (7/28-10/9). The adjoining areas i.e. Black Forest and Alsace should be very busy with vacationers.

chtiet

More like 7/28 to 9/10, right? Jul 28 to Sep 10, not Oct 9.