In 1008 a document mentions Zähringen for the first time. This wasn’t the castle but a village. The Zähringen area near Freiburg has a rich history. It’s linked to the powerful Zähringen dynasty. They founded several cities including Freiburg itself.
Zähringen’s story is intertwined with the rise and fall of this noble family. Their ancestral seat Zähringen Castle stood proudly on a hilltop. Berthold II of Zähringen lived there until 1091. He then moved to Freiburg Castle. He felt it offered better commercial and strategic advantages.
Zähringen Castle witnessed its share of conflict. It was besieged and captured in 1146 during a feud. After the Zähringen family died out in 1218 the castle became an imperial fief. Later it was destroyed and rebuilt. Finally it was destroyed during the German Peasants’ War in 1525.
Today only a round tower remains from the 13th century. It has an observation deck. You can enjoy stunning views from there. There’s also a restaurant nearby. You can reach Zähringen by car. Just follow Pochgasse.
Zähringen itself became part of Freiburg on January 1 1906. Its history extends back long before that. The Reutebach stream flows through the suburb. Its name means “stream of cleared land”. Reutebach was also the name of an earlier village. Its church served as the parish church for several nearby villages. Much of the old Reutebach village is now part of Zähringen. Only a few farmsteads remain in Gundelfingen.
So next time you stroll through Zähringen remember the long history. This place has seen power struggles and peasant uprisings. It has also survived destruction. It’s a vibrant part of Freiburg’s story. A testament to resilience.