Freising

Freising offers a variety of traditional Bavarian dishes that visitors must try. Popular local specialties include:

• Weisswurst: A traditional Bavarian sausage made from minced veal and pork back bacon. It is usually flavored with parsley, lemon, mace, onions, ginger, and cardamom. The sausages are traditionally served with sweet mustard and freshly baked pretzels.
• Obatzda: This is a Bavarian cheese delicacy made by mixing two thirds aged soft cheese and one third butter with spices like paprika, onions, and a small amount of beer. It is a common companion to the traditional pretzel.
• Leberkäse: Although translated as “liver cheese,” this dish actually contains neither liver nor cheese in most variations. It’s a type of meatloaf made from finely ground corned beef, pork, bacon, and onions then baked as a loaf in a bread pan until it has a crunchy brown crust.
• Knödel: German dumplings that come in several varieties including bread, potato or meat. They can be a meal on their own or served with gravy and other side dishes.

Sampling these dishes provides a delicious insight into the rich culinary heritage of Freising.

Freising boasts several markets and unique shops that reflect its local culture and provide shopping opportunities for tourists:

• Freising Weekly Market: Held in the Marienplatz every Wednesday and Saturday, this market features fresh produce, local handicrafts, and regional specialty foods. It’s a great spot to experience the local lifestyle and try some authentic food.
• Weihenstephan Brewery Shop: Located within the premises of the world’s oldest brewery, this shop offers an assortment of beers brewed on-site, souvenirs, and local delicacies.
• Freisinger Gartentage: An annual garden market that takes place around May. It showcases a wide variety of plants, garden tools, and decorations from regional sellers.

These venues are perfect for those looking to take a piece of Freising’s culture home.

Freising offers several outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers:

• Walking Tours: Explore the scenic routes around the city, including pathways along the River Isar or the historic streets of the city center.
• Beers Gardens: Freising is known for its beer, and what better way to enjoy it than in one of the local beer gardens. Weihenstephan Brewery has a beautiful beer garden with views over the city.
• Cycling: The city has developed biking paths that offer a sustainable way to see the sights. Rent a bike and explore the countryside or the nearby Erdinger Moos.
• Nordic Walking: Popular in the region, there are marked trails that offer both beginners and seasoned practitioners enjoyable routes.

These activities not only provide exercise but also a wonderful way to see and experience Freising.

Yes, Freising hosts several festivals throughout the year that welcome tourist participation:

• Freisinger Volksfest: Similar to Oktoberfest, this festival takes place in late summer and features amusement rides, traditional Bavarian music, and lots and lots of beer.
• Freisinger Frühlingfest: The spring festival in April offers a lighter version of the Volksfest with similarly festive amusements.
• Christkindlmarkt: During Advent, Freising’s Christmas market is a delightful experience with stalls selling crafts, seasonal treats, and warm beverages.

These festivals provide a rich taste of local customs and are a must-experience for visitors to Freising.

Freising is well connected by various public transportation options:

• Bus: The city’s bus network connects major points throughout Freising and nearby areas, making it convenient for travelers.
• S-Bahn (Suburban Train): S1 connects Freising directly to central Munich and its various suburbs, as well as Munich Airport, making it an excellent choice for tourists.
• Bicycle: Freising promotes cycling, with extensive bike lanes and bike rental facilities available throughout the city.

These modes of transportation provide efficient and affordable options for exploring Freising and the surrounding region.

For the best views of Freising, tourists can visit:

• Weihenstephan Hill: Located next to the famous Weihenstephan Brewery, this vantage point offers sweeping views of Freising and the northern outskirts. Perfect for a picturesque sunset.
• Freising Cathedral Hill: Another high point in the city, the area around the Freising Cathedral offers panoramic views over the cityscape and, on clear days, distant views towards Munich.

These spots are ideal for photographers and anyone who wants to capture the beauty of Freising from above.

Freising is full of hidden gems that often go unnoticed by tourists, including:

• Kardinal-Döpfner-Haus: Nestled on the Domberg next to Freising Cathedral, this historic building offers stunning architecture and panoramic views of the town and beyond. It also hosts small art exhibitions occasionally.
• Schafhof Europäisches Künstlerhaus: A cultural hub that often goes under the radar, featuring art exhibits, workshops, and a serene atmosphere away from the typical tourist paths.
• Weihenstephan Gardens: Located next to the Weihenstephan Brewery, this botanical garden features a variety of plants and is a tranquil spot for relaxation and a leisurely walk.

These places offer a more quiet, local experience away from the main tourist attractions.

Yes, Freising offers guided tours that cater to history enthusiasts, which provide insights into the city’s past and culture:

• Historical City Tours: These are available through local tourist offices and often led by knowledgeable guides who explain the rich history of Freising’s landmarks, including the Cathedral and the Weihenstephan Brewery.
• Brewery Tours: Given Freising’s reputation for beer, tours of the Weihenstephan Brewery are not only about the brewing process but also cover its history, which dates back to 1040, making it the oldest existing brewery in the world.

These tours are excellent for those who wish to delve deeper into the historical context of Freising.