A timeless quality of life...

When one strolls round the centre of Freiburg, one sound soon becomes familiar and contributes to the unique ambience of this lovely town, the sound of water running down its open-air gutters (known as "bächle"), designed in the Middle Ages to supply the drinking water tanks and the fire brigade. The town is often referred to as the capital of the Black Forest and its architecture and environment make it particularly sensitive to fire, which further explains the city's acute awareness of ecological issues. As early as the Middle Ages, it was totally forbidden to dirty the "bächle" which naturally cooled the air of the streets of the town, popularly held to be the warmest in Germany. Today, Freiburg has lost nothing of this ecological spirit, to which it owes the presence of many likeminded companies and whose philosophy it upholds by the construction of large numbers of low-energy homes.

The town's resulting quality of life is understandably exceptional, all the more so as it has made it a point of honour to preserve both its historic and natural heritage. The historic town centre in the vicinity of the Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria is depicted by a maze of narrow medieval streets, lined with opulent, colourful houses. The Haus zum Walfisch (Whale House), built in 1515, is emblematic of this outstanding architectural legacy both by its colour and by its portal bay, as is the Historisches Kaufhaus (Merchants' Hall) that bears witness to the economic prosperity of this "free" town.

The Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria is perfectly at home in this pleasantly harmonious setting by way of its history, its architecture and its location, but also by its "green" dimension; the hotel was ranked among the most environmentally-friendly establishments in Germany several years in a row, in particular due to its wood fuelled boiler. The property itself, characteristic of old Freiburg houses, boasts the traditional elegantly proportioned noble facade. Its handsome balcony and finely worked wrought-iron balustrade and its glass canopy that extends far into the avenue cannot fail but catch the eye. Indoors, two rooms in particular contribute to the distinctive character of the establishment. First is the wainscoted breakfast room that boasts a magnificent Hungarian stitch parquet floor and crystal chandeliers. The second is the former vaulted cellar, now home to a bar, whose authentic character is enhanced by a ceiling over 6 metres high. The guestrooms are equally endowed with architectural features in keeping with the establishment's rank and period, such as generous proportions, immense windows and high ceilings, all of which make them particularly welcoming and comfortable.

The house stands opposite Colombi Park, where the Castle of the same name was built just a few years before the hotel in 1875. The hotel's windows overlook the park's woodland and also afford glimpses of the famous glacis vineyard that is so well situated in terms of sunshine. From the hotel, you can hear the 16 bells of the red sandstone Cathedral close by (in particular, Hosanna, the oldest 0bell that hasn't ceased ringing since 1258!) and the birdsong. Freiburg is one of those lovely old European towns that owe their prosperity and influence to a combination of politics, trade, science and religion, further reinforced and enhanced by the town's own inimitable Art de vivre. The vineyards that encircle the town, for example, are among the most renowned of Germany, among which Schlossberg, Henkenberg and Winklerberg. The region is equally well endowed in gastronomic delights, such as the legendary Black Forest Cake, Tuniberg asparagus (the "royal vegetable") and delicious shoulder of smoked ham.

The Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria owes its name to the success it encountered early in the early 19th century with British travellers, who appreciated its dedication to authenticity without forgoing any of the outer trappings of elegance or comfort. Today's international clientele, ever loyal to the hotel, continues to enjoy that same quality of life.

Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria

Eisenbahnstrasse 54, Freiburg, DE, Freiburg, Germany - 79098

Phone: +49 (0) 761 207 340 Fax: +49 (0) 761 207 34 444