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Activities
Stammtisch meets on the last Sunday of the month. Please contact us for more information
Visit Freiburg
Contact us for information about upcoming travel to Freiburg
Getting Involved
Membership is free! learn more here
Madison's sister city relationship with Freiburg began in 1964, when the University of Wisconsin first sent students to Freiburg to enjoy the hospitality of Freiburgers and take advantage of academic programs at the University of Freiburg, established in 1460.
In 1984 leaders in both cities began exploring ways to expand the relationship. Madison's City Council passed a resolution establishing the Madison-Freiburg Sister City Committee in December 1985. Lord Mayer Rolf Boehme of Freiburg visited Madison the following year, and Mayor Joe Sensenbrenner returned the visit in 1987 to draw up a formal agreement. Delegations from both cities exchanged visits in 1988 to sign the agreement.
In the meantime, cultural exchange activities had already begun. Madisonians have provided home stays for visitors from Freiburg, and vice versa, enabling individuals to conduct research, apprenticeships, and youth exchanges. Read more
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Freiburg lies nestled in the valley of the Dreisam River, surrounded on three sides by the legendary Black Forest and on the fourth by bountiful vineyards. The delicately filigreed steeple of its Münster Cathedral, said to be "the most beautiful in Christendom," marks the city's center. You can mingle with the colorful market crowds on the cathedral square, or enjoy a meal at the oldest restaurant in Germany, "Zum Roten Bären". Freiburg's many theaters offer exciting shows, or you can catch some excellent music at the local Jazzhouse.
Both cities are environmental leaders. Madison has been named one of the top ten "green" cities in America. Freiburg is a model for regional solar energy development. Nowhere else are there so many enterprises, research institutes, organizations and associations, skilled trade business experts and engaged citizens who support the use of solar energy.
The people of Madison are used to enjoying the beautiful lakes and parks that surround our city. How about picturesque mountains or a meandering river? Our sister city has them both. While Freiburg, in southwestern Germany, may not share exactly the same natural beauties as Madison, nature is an integral part of both cities. So are two great universities, a farmers' market, and a lively cultural ambience. The two cities share other similarities as well. Both are similar in size; both are regional shopping centers; both encourage the same type of business and industrial development.