Its built-up area has a population of about , , [ 3 ] while the greater Freiburg metropolitan area "Einzugsgebiet" has about , Freiburg is located at the southwestern foothills of the Black Forest , on the Dreisam River, a tributary of the Elz.
It is Germany's southwestern- and southernmost city with a population exceeding , Its city limits reach from the Schauinsland summit 1, metres 4, ft in the Black Forest to 3 kilometres 1.
The city is situated in the major wine-growing region of Baden and, together with Offenburg , serves as a tourist entry-point to the scenic Black Forest. According to meteorological statistics, Freiburg held the all-time German temperature record of An old university town and archiepiscopal seat, it was incorporated in the early 12th century and soon became a commercial, intellectual and ecclesiastical center for the Upper Rhine region.
Freiburg has a high standard of living , and is known for its advanced environmental practices, which is embodied by local housing projects such as the creation of the sustainable district of Vauban.
Frei means "free", and Burg , like the modern English word " borough ", was used in those days for an incorporated city or town, usually one with some degree of autonomy. Thus, it is likely that the name of this place means a "fortified town of free citizens".
