Gottingen or Freiburg
 

Hey all. I am thinking of doing a goethe institute program for 2 months in germany and thought Gottingen and Freiburg may be nice. I've been to Freiburg and loved it but never to Gottingen. Basically, I'm looking for a youthful town where there is a lot of nature around. What do people think?

Freiburg is the place. Will be there again in May for business and count down the days ... Very lively student scene. Don't miss the side trips to the Black Forest mountains, France (Colmar/Alsace) and Switzerland (Basel, Jura mountains).

Hi! Lived in Freiburg for 3 years and loved it!! (One of my flatmates was from Gottingen... :-)) Nice university town, lots of nightlife, close to nature (Black Forest, etc.). If you do end up there, make sure somebody takes you to a "Straussenwirtschaft", ie, a small, family-run wine "pub" open only seasonally. Specifically, go to the "Griestalstrausse" in Opfingen (a part of town).

Gottingen should also be nice - have not been, but it is close to the Harz mountains and the former border. Should make for some interesting daytrips!

quebec- though most people will vote for Freiburg as it is more "touristy" - I'd vote for Gottingen. 1)It is very much a "University Town. 2)It is smack dab in the center of Germany. As you will be studying German it would be nice to be only 1-1/2 hours from Berlin, and only a few hours from Dresden, Munich, Hamburg, etc. 3)It is very close to the Harz Mountains which is just as idyllic as the Black Forest with numerous hiking trails and picturesque small towns. Einbeck (though not in the Harz) is an absolute gem and only about 20 minutes from Gottingen. Either Freiburg or Gottingen, you can't go wrong. Have a wonderful time!

hey quebec,

i also am thinking of doing a goethe institute program for 2 months. when are you planning on doing it? i was leaning towards mannheim - heidelberg.

i was in heidelberg last thanksgiving and loved it. have you made your decision yet?

Hey, Baser. I'm actually doing the program in Freiburg this August.

Just to complicate your life: Check if the Goethe Institut in Prien/Chiemsee is still operating. Prien is a scant hour's trip by train from Munich as well as Salzburg. There are frequent trains to these cities. Prien can also be the gateway for other trips into the German/Austrian alps, either by train or bus. Prien itself does not have much of a night life, but the accessibility of the other locations, plus the tours arranged by the Goethe Institut, might make up for this, depending on what you are interested in.