Freiburg im Breisgau is the fourth-largest city in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, situated at the southwestern foothills of the Black Forest on the Dreisam River. It serves as a commercial and intellectual center for the Upper Rhine region and lies within the Breisgau, one of Germany's warmest areas in the south of the Upper Rhine Plain. The city acts as a tourist entry-point to the scenic Black Forest alongside Offenburg and is located near the borders of France and Switzerland.

Founded by Konrad and Duke Berthold III of the House of Zähringen in 1120 as a free market town, Freiburg evolved into an archiepiscopal seat and a hub for mining and trade. Its name translates to "free town," reflecting its early autonomy. The city gained significant wealth from silver mines on Mount Schauinsland and established its own currency in 1327. It purchased independence from local counts in 1368 and later came under Habsburg protection before becoming part of Baden in 1805.

The historic center features medieval and Renaissance architecture, dominated by the Freiburg Minster, a Gothic masterpiece built between c. 1200 and 1513. The old town is uniquely characterized by Bächle, small streams that run along most streets, fed by the Dreisam River. Key landmarks include the Schauinsland summit and the sustainable district of Vauban, developed on a former military site with a focus on low-car traffic and energy-efficient housing.

As an old university town since 1457, Freiburg is a center for solar energy research and sustainable urban development. The city has a high standard of living and is known for advanced environmental practices. Its culture is influenced by its history in Baden, with local dialects closely related to Alsatian and Basel German. The region is also part of the major wine-growing area of Baden, attracting visitors interested in scenic landscapes and historical heritage.

As of 2024, the city has a population of 237,460, with a built-up area of about 355,000. It is Germany's southwesternmost city with over 100,000 residents and holds the all-time German temperature record of 40.2 °C from 2003 to 2015. Accessible via Frankfurt or Zurich airports by train, Freiburg shares the EuroAirport with Basel and Mulhouse, facilitating international travel to this major regional hub.