Zum Roten Bären, on Oberlinden in Freiburg's old town, operates inside a building documented as Germany's oldest continuously running inn, with records tracing its operation back to 1120. The restaurant serves Baden regional dishes including Badischer Sauerbraten, a Freiburg-style onion tart, and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, giving diners a menu that matches the historical setting rather than a modern reinvention. The dining rooms retain centuries of character, with low beamed ceilings, thick walls, and a warm, historic atmosphere that draws travellers specifically interested in eating inside a genuinely ancient building rather than a themed recreation. It is open daily for both lunch and dinner, making it one of the more flexible historic dining options in Freiburg's Altstadt. Wine service includes Baden reds and whites that complement the Sauerbraten and other roast-forward dishes. Reservations by phone are recommended, particularly for dinner and during Freiburg's busy summer and Christmas market seasons, when the inn's historical reputation draws steady visitor traffic. Its Altstadt location just off the main Münsterplatz area makes it an easy stop while exploring Freiburg's medieval streets.
| Price | €€€ (mains €20–34 / $22–37) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, 6:00 PM–9:30 PM |
| Reservations | Recommended, book by phone |
| Address | Oberlinden 12, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany |
Signature dishes
- Badischer Sauerbraten
- Freiburg onion tart
- Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte
Good to know
- Known for
- Restaurant inside Germany's oldest documented inn, in continuous operation since 1120
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Oberlinden 12, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
47.9957, 7.8557 View on map
Highlights
- Housed in a building documented as Germany's oldest inn, operating since 1120
- Traditional Badischer Sauerbraten and Freiburg onion tart
- Centuries-old beamed dining rooms with authentic historic character
- Open daily for both lunch and dinner
- Central Altstadt location near Münsterplatz
Tips for visiting
- Book by phone ahead, especially for dinner and during summer or Christmas market season
- Try the Badischer Sauerbraten as the restaurant's signature regional dish
- Visit for the historic setting as much as the food, given the building's documented age
- Daily opening hours make it a flexible stop for either lunch or dinner
- Combine with a walk through the surrounding Altstadt streets near Münsterplatz
Accessibility
As a centuries-old building, some interior areas have level changes and low beams; the ground-floor dining room offers step-free entry.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How old is the building?
Records document the inn's operation back to 1120, making it one of Germany's oldest continuously running inns.
Is it open every day?
Yes, it serves lunch and dinner daily.
Should reservations be made in advance?
It is recommended, particularly for dinner and during Freiburg's peak tourist seasons.