Located in northern Bavaria, this calm town centers around an 8th-century cathedral, now a UNESCO site. Medieval buildings line its streets, creating an authentic German atmosphere.
Located 45 kilometers north of Munich, Freising has shaped Bavarian culture since the Middle Ages. You can climb Cathedral Hill to see the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral, walk through streets lined with 15th-century buildings, and visit the Weihenstephan brewery, which has produced beer since 1040. The town's proximity to Munich Airport (10 km) makes it convenient for exploring Upper Bavaria.
Getting to Freising
Take the S-Bahn (S1 line) or regional train from Munich to reach Freising in 20-45 minutes. From Munich Airport, catch a bus for a 15-minute ride to the town center. If you're driving from Munich, follow the A92 motorway north - the trip typically takes 30-40 minutes during normal traffic conditions.
Exploring Cathedral Hill
Climb the steep path to the Romanesque Freising Cathedral, built between 1159 and 1205. Inside, you'll find the Bestiensäule (pillar of beasts) covered in detailed animal carvings. The four-nave crypt beneath contains stone columns and vaulted ceilings. In the 18th century, the Asam brothers added gold-leaf decorations and painted the ceiling frescoes. The Diocesan Museum, housed in the former Bishop's Residence, displays medieval manuscripts, Gothic sculptures, and religious paintings from 1200-1800.
The Weihenstephan Experience
At Weihenstephan Hill, you can tour the brewery that has operated since 1040. The guided tours explain the brewing process and end with tastings of their 12 beers, including their Hefeweissbier and seasonal brews. Next to the brewery, walk through the Technical University's botanical gardens, where you'll see over 7,000 plant species arranged in sections like the Alpine garden and herb collection.
Walking Through Medieval Freising
Begin at Marienplatz, where a stone column from 1674 marks the square's center. Local farmers sell fresh produce here on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Zierer-Haus displays intricate Rococo stucco patterns on its facade. Continue to the 1904 Town Hall with its high gables and decorated windows. Along the streets around Marienplatz, you can spot buildings with original 15th-century stone foundations.
University Life and Research
At the Freising-Weihenstephan campus, researchers work on environmental science, brewing technology, and agriculture. You can visit the innovation center to learn about current brewing experiments and farming research. The campus museums contain agricultural tools and brewing equipment dating back to the 12th century. Students lead tours through the research facilities and experimental gardens several times per week.
