Breisach am Rhein: History, Münsterberg and Rhine Views

Breisach am Rhein combines a rich city history with art at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Münsterberg and views over the Rhine. Those exploring the city can focus on historic buildings, Jewish history and practical tour options.

City history told through remarkable buildings

The Radbrunnen stands in the centre of the upper town. The Blue House is the oldest house in Breisach to have survived intact in 1793 and 1945. The Jewish community purchased it in 1829 to use as a schoolhouse. The building thus tells several chapters of the city’s history.

The Blue House has permanent exhibitions titled “Jewish Life in Breisach in 1931,” “After the Shoah” and “Gurs 1940.” The individual presentations may change over time. The house also offers an audiovisual tour called “Jewish Life in Breisach” in German, English and French. A digital city tour with the same title can be accessed by smartphone. Before travelling, check the availability of digital services and the relevant access information.

The Rheintor was built in 1678 by French military engineer Tarade. It was intended to protect the Rhine bridge and also serve as a triumphal arch for Louis XIV. St. Stephen’s Cathedral contains important works of art; its high altar was created by Master H. L. (Hans Loi) between 1523 and 1526. The trilingual signs on historic buildings and squares also help visitors find their way around Breisach.

Münsterberg, views and tours

Münsterberg is an offshoot of the nearby Kaiserstuhl volcano. From here, the view stretches across the Rhine and Breisach’s town centre. On clear days, the view from Münsterplatz can reach as far as the Vosges and the Black Forest.

The official Münsterberg tour is listed as an easy 3.4-kilometre walk with 37 metres of elevation gain and a duration of 1 hour 30 minutes. These details help you gauge the distance and time involved; route data may change, so check it before planning. A smartphone tour of Münsterberg starts at Breisach-Touristik.

There are also several named routes for a cycling trip: EuroVelo 15, the Baden Wine Cycle Route, the Upper Rhine Roman Cycle Route and the Green Route pass through Breisach. The options range from a Münsterberg walking tour with specified distance and duration to cycle routes that include Breisach in their networks. Route information and signage may be updated; take the latest information into account when planning.

Sparkling wine and places to eat

Geldermann produces sparkling wine beneath Münsterberg using the traditional bottle-fermentation method in medieval vaulted cellars. If you are planning a cellar visit or tasting, check in advance whether one is available. Four restaurants on Münsterberg serve coffee, drinks, light meals, as well as homemade pastries and cakes. Businesses’ offerings may change; check what is currently being served before your visit.

Getting there and planning your accommodation

Travellers usually reach Breisach from Freiburg Central Station on an S-Bahn train operated by DB Regio. The EuroRegioBus runs from Colmar station to Breisach via Neuf-Brisach. These are two different ways to get there: by train from Freiburg or by bus from Colmar. Timetables and connections may change; check the times that apply to your travel date.

When looking for accommodation in Breisach, consider what you want to focus on during your stay: historic buildings and exhibitions, the Münsterberg tour or cycling one of the four routes that pass through Breisach. Your choice of where to stay thus becomes part of your trip planning and can reflect the experiences you want to prioritise.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sankt Peter Im Schwarzwald, March, Auggen, Heitersheim, Kirchzarten, Ballrechten-Dottingen, Hinterzarten, Münstertal/Schwarzwald.

Back to the main travel overview: Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald.