European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - February 13, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Freiburg Gateway to the Black Forest. And much More by Chuck Roberts staff writer it the Blu k Forest were a Castle Freiburg in Breis Gau would be its main Gate. Situated just off autobahn 5, Freiburg s location beside the mountains of the Black Forest makes the City of i 78,000 a Good starting Point for anyone planning a journey into the land of cuckoo clocks and pleasant skiing. The trip should begin with a visit to the Schwarzwald Black Forest information office at Rotteck ring 14. It is easy to find upon entering the City just follow the signs toward the stad Mitt and you la see signs for the information office. At the tourist office it s possible to plan a visit to Freiburg and a trip to other Black Forest destinations. There is plenty of material on sights nightlife and cultural activities available in English. Flo Tel reservations can also be made there. Irene Ulrich an information Center employee says Many americans pass through Freiburg on their Way to Titi see in the summertime for swimming and sailing and to Feldberg during the Winter for skiing. Other popular spots recommended by Ulrich Are Triberg and its Gaggle of cuckoo clocks plus the Small Mountain villages of Todt Nau Tod Moos Hinter arten and hoche Schwand. But she also urges tourists to Stop and visit Freiburg where she said Many germans want to live because of its pleasant climate and easygoing lifestyle. It is a City known for its soothing Thermal Baths excellent restaurants Lively wine festivals and cultural events. It is also the closest major City in Germany to the Point where Germany Switzerland and France meet giving it a somewhat cosmopolitan air. Freiburg founded in tin i 2th Century is a great City for walking. It is built on a level Plain and has Large pedestrian Only areas. The Cobblestone streets that run through the City Center Are often bordered by open channels used for drainage much As they have since the Middle Ages adding to the City s Charm. The Best Way to get the most out of a visit is to use the City walk map found in the Freiburg official Guidebook. The cover of the Book has a silhouetted picture of the Cathedral with the Sun beaming through a window. 1 he City s slogan printed on much of its tourist material is Quot where the Sun  the Book is available1 at the tourist office. The guided walk leads visitors from the tourist office1 along tur Strasse to the Rathaus Platz which has both the1 old and new City Halls and onto the Meinsler Platz. This Square dominated by the towering Cathedral Anel its colourful stained Glass windows is the focal Point of the1 e Ity. Construction of the Cathee Lral considered one of the great masterpieces of be thic architecture began around i 200 and Lee it a More than too years to Complete. I Siele Ere several impressive works of Art including the i 0th-e Century painting on the High altar and the altarpiece e Tor the University Chapel to its right. But the most spectacular part of the Cathedral is its Tho foot Tower. A walk up its Steps gives a grand View of the c Ity and a lose look at the old Bell c age with one of Germany s oldest bed is the Hosanna which was cast in 1258. The c Cathedral Tower is open to tourists from 10 . To 4 u . Tuesdays through saturdays and 1-t . On sundays and holidays. The Cost is 1.50 Marks for adults and 50 pfennig for it Hildren. Amy Mizelle liked what she saw while standing on old cobblestones outside1 the Cathedral with a group of fellow in tinned on in Nguc 4 above three statues line up in Harmony on the outside of the Cathedral. At left the Rathaus a one of the first stops on a walking tour of the  photos by Jim Derheim february i i iwo stripes Magazine 3