Freiburg's cathedral dominates the Münsterplatz and took over three centuries to build, from around 1200 to 1513. The 116-metre sandstone tower is one of the few major Gothic spires completed during the Middle Ages, and art historian Jacob Burckhardt once called it the most beautiful tower in Christendom. Climb the narrow spiral staircase for sweeping views over the city to the Black Forest and, on clear days, the Vosges mountains in France.
At street level, the daily market fills the square around the cathedral with local produce, flowers, and Freiburg's famous long red sausages served in a crusty roll. Look for the medieval gargoyles on the exterior -- some are deliberately rude.