Between the Future and Home

Tharini Shreek Kumar: Freiburg combines city life and nature in a special way.

The River Dreisam flows through the city, vineyards line the slopes, and the Black Forest begins right on the doorstep. Nestled between France and Switzerland, Freiburg is also ideally situated for exploring the surrounding area – Basel and Colmar are just a short drive away.

The surrounding region is full of treasures: Lake Titisee is perfect for a summer boat trip or a walk along the lakeshore. The Feldberg offers extensive panoramic walking trails in summer and ski slopes in winter. And the Hasenhorn toboggan run in Todtnau is great fun for young and old alike.

In spring, summer and autumn, the whole region seems to positively glow. And when it comes to cycling, Freiburg is hard to beat. The infrastructure is excellent, and cycling through the city and the countryside feels both safe and truly liberating. 

Tharini Shreek Kumar: I arrived in March 2024, just as spring was beginning – a perfect symbol of a new beginning. My colleagues at the Haufe Group gave me a very warm welcome. I was also particularly impressed by the cuisine of Baden, such as Flammkuchen, Schäufele and Black Forest gateau.

My tip for newcomers: at the start, say ‘yes’ to as many activities and events as possible and be open to meeting people! Take part in company events, look for university societies and browse Meetup.com for community meet-ups. Freiburg is a city that rewards the curious and open-minded.

Tharini Shreek Kumar: Some of the services really have made a difference. For example, the women’s night taxi and the Frelo bike-share scheme were

very helpful – it became my favourite way of getting about and exploring the city at my own pace. Sports clubs such as SC Freiburg, as well as group cycling and running activities, are very common in Freiburg.

For anyone new to Freiburg, I’d like to highlight a few key points of contact: 

• The Welcome Centre Freiburg offers advice on all aspects of living and working here and is a wonderful first point of contact. 
• The Citizens’ Office is the practical first step, as registration is compulsory within 14 days of arrival and enables you to take all further steps, including opening a bank account. 
• The University of Freiburg’s International Welcome Service is invaluable for researchers and academics. 
• And the RVF public transport network, with its trams, buses and regional S-Bahn, makes it really easy to get around the city and explore the wider Black Forest region.

Tharini Shreek Kumar: I remember a moment right at the very beginning, when I was walking through my neighbourhood near Vauban. A stranger smiled at me. Then another offered to show me the way, even before I’d asked for directions. A shop assistant had a friendly chat with me whilst I was buying something small. A neighbour wished me a good morning.

It sounds simple, and it was. But at that moment, Freiburg no longer felt just like a place to live, but like a home.

Tharini Shreek Kumar: One special moment was a walk on the Feldberg on a sunny autumn’s day, with views across the Black Forest. Another was a team-building event at the Haufe Group, where I realised that my colleagues had become real friends.

Tharini Shreek Kumar: I originally came to Freiburg for a job. Now I’m staying because of the people, the natural surroundings and the way of life. Freiburg has become a real home for me.