In Bavaria, you’ll find many beautiful old towns worth a day trip, whether it’s the diverse town of Füssen or the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Often, however, you have to put up with travel times of more than two hours each way from Munich, which can be a hassle. Yet it’s not at all necessary to travel long distances to visit charming little towns. We often have picturesque little towns right under our noses without even realizing it. Freising is an example of such a town—just a short S-Bahn ride away, yet not everyone takes notice of it. A day trip here is definitely worth it.
The cathedral city on the Isar
The Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Corbinian, also known as the Mariendom, is the landmark of Freising and towers over the city from the Gelehrtenberg. Today, it is regarded as a symbol of Freising’s former cultural and spiritual heyday. In the Middle Ages, the city became the cultural, artistic, and religious center of Old Bavaria, which is why it also bears the nickname “the heart of Old Bavaria.” The Romanesque building underwent a Rococo makeover by the Asam brothers and makes a powerful impression both from the outside and the inside. It was here that former Pope Benedict, who hailed from Freising, was ordained a priest.
In addition to the cathedral on Gelehrtenberg, Freising is also known for the Benedictine monastery on Weihenstephaner Berg. This is home to the world’s oldest brewery, which is still in operation today. At the same time, it is likely also the most modern, as innovative brewing techniques are developed here in collaboration with TUM. Behind the monastery, you’ll find the Weihenstephan Viewing Garden, a 5-hectare area with free admission that transforms into a sea of flowers in the spring. If you’re craving even more nature, visit the Weltwald forest near Freising, where you’ll find exotic trees as well as St. Clemens Church.
Freising and the Bear
Before you leave Freising to head back to the Weltwald, however, you should definitely take a stroll through the old town. Here, colorful townhouses line Marktstraße, showcasing elements of Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo architecture. In the center is Marienplatz and the town hall, whose carillon plays a melody by the Freising composer Philipp Weigl daily at 11:55 a.m. and 4:55 p.m.
You’ll also keep running into a bear in the city. Berlin isn’t the only city that features the animal in its coat of arms; it also adorns Freising’s coat of arms. According to legend, Saint Corbinian was attacked by a bear on his journey to Rome. The bishop successfully defended himself and ordered the beast to carry his belongings all the way to Rome. The bear obeyed and has been the city’s symbol ever since. So during your visit, keep your eyes open and see how often you can spot the brown bear.
