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Germany
Baden-Württemberg
Freiburg District

Schwabentor (Freiburg im Breisgau)

Highlight • Historical Site

Schwabentor (Freiburg im Breisgau)

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    Best Hikes to Schwabentor (Freiburg im Breisgau)

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    1. Freiburg: Freiburger Altstadt Tour

    2.29km

    00:35

    10m

    10m

    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Easy

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Moderate

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Moderate

    Tips

    July 13, 2024

    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.

    Translated by Google •

      March 21, 2024

      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: Unknown forests and routes and the constant fear of being attacked by robbers made traders and travelers alike unsafe. For all those not deterred by their own fear, the "Thorn Puller" warns against leaving the city.
      A tormented expression adorns the relatively large head of the small, neckless figure, which sits with crossed legs above the gate of the defensive tower, pulling a thorn from its foot. This has been a symbol of sin and punishment since ancient times, which is why historians assume that the small relief served as a warning not to stray from the right path.
      Anyone who nevertheless entered the Schwabentor via the Salt Road could immediately cross the Dreisam Bridge and reach the most important trade routes in the Black Forest. A salt merchant from Swabia once came to Freiburg via one of these routes. He had fallen in love with the city on his previous business trips. He intended to buy Freiburg with several barrels full of money, but he was met with only ridicule and laughter from the townspeople, especially when he exuberantly opened the barrels and noticed that his stingy wife had made provisions. Not particularly enthusiastic about her husband's idea of spending all his money on buying a city, she had wisely exchanged the money for sand and stones before his departure.


      It is said that this legend gave the Schwabentor its name. Therefore, the salt merchant and his wagon have adorned the inside of the city gate since the 17th century. Freiburg's patron saint – the dragon slayer St. George – is emblazoned on the outside. Text / Source: City of Freiburg, Rathausplatz 2-4, 79098 Freiburg
      visit.freiburg.de/attraktionen/schwabentor

      Translated by Google •

        July 13, 2024

        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. 🙃

        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 350 m

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          Wednesday 12 November

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          Location: Freiburg District, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

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