University of Wisconsin–Madison

Germany: Isabella Richter (Food in Freiburg)

People mill around a street filled with tents of vendors in between a street of houses on the left and a tall, dark cathedral with spires on the right.
Stalls at the market bordering the cathedral.

Upon arriving in Freiburg, I quickly realized that I moved to a region with some of the best German food! The regional dishes are unique and influenced by Freiburg’s proximity to France. The center of the city is the market next to the cathedral. It’s open 6 days of the week and has stalls selling food, flowers, and hand-carved wooden trinkets – the Madison farmer’s market may have competition! A classic at the market is the Lange Rote (a long sausage). I had never had this Freiburg staple before, but I love stopping for one between classes.

Flammkuchen – a kind of flatbread pizza – is very typical of the region. My fellow students on the Academic Year in Freiburg program love going out for flammkuchen together. A trademark of the area is Black Forest cake – and as I consider Freiburg the Black Forest’s capital, what better place could there be to have Black Forest cake?

A black plate full of dumplings topped with an orange and white sauce.
My favorite Afghan dumplings from the market hall!

Speaking of cake, Germans take their “Kaffee und Kuchen” (coffee and cake) very seriously. Some people even make time for this ritual every day. One time, I had my homework out in a cafe, and a customer next to me pointed out a sign that said “work-free zone.” That’s how I learned that in some cafes, socialization is valued so much that there are rules to enforce it. I appreciate the commitment to slowing down and enjoying yourself, and chatting with your friends over coffee and cake is a great way to do so!

There’s also a large indoor food market (the markthalle) where you can get anything from schnitzel to pad thai. The influence of immigrants from all over the world is reflected in the incredible food. The market is always busy despite being tucked away and easy to miss. It’s my favorite local spot, and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Freiburg!

 

Isabella smiles in front of a tan, brick building with narrow windows.

Isabella Richter

Hometown: Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Major: Political Science; History; German

Program: Academic Year in Freiburg