Venue
How to Reach the Venue
To reach Freiburg
Nearest Airports:
Basel EuroAirport (EAP)
Karlsruhe (FKB)
Zurich (ZRH)
Frankfurt (FRA)
Stuttgart (STR)
Straßbourg (SXB)
From each of the above airports, both train or bus to Freiburg can be availed. From the Basel airport, a direct bus from the airport to Freiburg is available. Similarly, Flixbus offers a direct connection from Stuttgart Airport to Freiburg. For train, bus, or even shared car, the Freiburg Hauptbahnhof should be the preferred destination. The train station is effectively the center of the city.
Train station:
To arrive at the Fall School venue
The Intelligent-Machine Brain Interfacing Technology (IMBIT) building is approximately 3 kms from the main train station and can be reached by:
About Freiburg
By H.Helmlechner - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
The University of Freiburg
Founded in 1457, the University of Freiburg is one of the oldest German universities and is now one of Germany's leading research and teaching institutions, evidenced amongst others by it being one of the 23 members of the League of European Research Universities (LERU). It actively fosters interdisciplinary research (e.g., the Excellence cluster BrainLinks-BrainTools, which, amongst others, researches on deep learning for neuroscience), and it is one of the few universities offering world class research environments in the classical as well as in the modern disciplines. More than 24,000 students from over 100 nations are studying in 180 degree programs at 11 faculties.
The City of Freiburg im Breisgau
Freiburg was founded in the 12th century. The roots of the city are still visible in the old city center where parts of the medieval city wall are still standing. The Rathausplatz (town hall square) and the Münsterplatz let you experience the city as it was centuries ago. Freiburg borders the black forest and is one of the greenest, sunniest and most beautiful cities in Germany. As such it is the tourism hub of the region.
Most recently Freiburg was ranked 3rd in the category Top 10 Cities in "Best in Travel 2022" by lonely planet.
By Andreas Schwarzkopf - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Your time in Freiburg
Situated roughly in the centre of Europe at the heart of the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), home to the eponymous cake, sprawling vineyards and its wine, Freiburg embodies the leisure and charm of an old, prosperous European city with the buzzing, colourful, progressive vibe of a student city. As a consequence, Freiburg offers a full spectrum of possibilities.
To soak in the history of the city, a simple stroll around the city centre (Stadtheater), on the cobblestone road to Bertoldsbrunnen to watch the McDonald's sign on the 800-year-old Martinstor, one of the two gates to the old Freiburg is a must. Continuing the walk to the iconic 13th-century Münster is an easy route. The tallest structure in the city can guide one like a compass.
The fresh farmers market sits around the Münster every day till around noon where one could at least see and smell the local produce of flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheese, wine, meat and of course try some food trucks. The walk can continue to the other old gate to Freiburg, Schwabentor. If the arrival here coincides with the sunset hue in the sky, it is highly recommended to continue walking along Konviktstraße (legend says it is one of the prettiest streets in Freiburg).
A small climb up to Schlossberg from Schwabentor is one of the many vantage points for a picturesque view of the city. This view can be further enjoyed at the open-air beer garden Kastaniengarten and if lucky, live music. That is one of the many breweries to try the local beers from. Feierling and Martinsbräu are worth checking out too. If not a beer purist, give the Bananen weizen and the Freiburg Radler a try.
Being home to tens of thousands of internationals and inviting tourists all year, Freiburg offers cuisines from all around the world spanning from food trucks to Michelin star restaurants. One could drown in options from the world over at the Markthalle or try the local Baden cuisine at Kartoffelhaus. And of course, try the latest in the vegan restaurant market. In the end, some sweet self-love in the city's most famous bakery must be included in the itinerary!
Freiburg is one of the greenest cities in Germany and that is not just seen in the modern architecture such as the Rathaus and the Vauban neighbourhood but is ubiquitous in the lush green surroundings. Freiburg has multiple lakes (Seepark, Dietenbach, Opfinger) which are bordered by green fields, thronged by Freiburgers and visitors alike to do sports, swim, barbeque or simply relax in the sun. Freiburg is situated in a valley surrounded by the Black Forest hills, thus offering numerous short to medium hiking trails that lead to gorgeous views of the valley. The Eichhalde is a short 15-minute walk up from Herdern where a sprawling meadow hangs over a view of the city. An hour further up, would lead to the top of Roßkopf where the 4 iconic windmills are situated, seen from all over Freiburg. Other such hikes in and around Freibug includes Schauinsland, Kandel, Belchen, Kybfelsen, Zähringer Burg, Schneeburg, Titisee. Freiburg has much more to offer and one visit is certainly not enough!
Accommodation options
Motel One: https://www.motel-one.com/en/hotels/freiburg/
This hotel is close to the old city centre. It is directly next to the tram station "Europaplatz". With tram line 4 you can be at the venue in 20 minutes.
InterCity Hotel: https://www.intercityhotel.com/en/hotels/all-hotels/germany/freiburg/intercityhotel-freiburg
The InterCity Hotel is located close to the main train station. From that you can reach the venue in about 15 minutes if you take either line S1 or tram line 4.
We also booked rooms for the scholarship students in this Hotel.
AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.com/freiburg-im-breisgau-germany/stays
AirBnB offers cheap alternatives to classical hotels if you book your stay early enough.
Budget hotels and guest houses spread around the city.
Hostel options: Private rooms and dorms for travellers.
WG-gesucht: Shared and private apartments for short and long term basis.
The University of Freiburg also makes recommendations for accomodation here.