The sun is no stranger to this part of Germany. Freiburg, the “capital” of the southern Black Forest, is the sunniest city in Germany. Thanks to its Mediterranean atmosphere and Baden-style joie de vivre, it is a very pleasant and relaxing place to visit. Its picturesque centre around the famous cathedral, the Münster, is virtually free of cars - an ideal place to stroll along winding alleyways and shop. From the 116-metre-high cathedral spire, there is a marvellous view of the city and its surroundings.

Many miniature canals originally designed to supply service water and double as sewers criss-cross the city. They are called Bächle and are a typical Freiburg feature. The local dialect is quite close to Swiss German, while the cuisine is influenced more by neighbouring Alsace. The Kaiserstuhl is a group of volcanic hills near Freiburg where prize-winning wines are grown in terraced vineyards that trap the sun. It is also a fruit-growing area, and a walk amongst vineyards and flowering fruit trees is a very pleasurable way to pass the time.