A Hammer's Guide To Freiburg, Germany

This will not be the first time West Ham United has played in Freiburg, as the two teams met each other in the group stages of the Europa League. The one difference this time around is that fans will be allowed to travel - but the journey will not be easy.

Due to national railway strikes on the day of the game, Hammers fans are having to take flights from London to Basel and make the rest of the way into Germany. The journey should be a rewarding one, though, as the city of Freiburg offers a lot to see in a short space of time.

QUICK FACTS - GERMANY

WHERE IS FREIBURG?

Freiburg (officially known as Freiburg im Breisgau) is located in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. With a population of 231,000 and 41 districts, it is located on the edge of the infamous Black Forest.

The city is known for its scenic views due to its close proximity with Schlossberg, a tree-covered hill on the outskirts of the city. It is also in the heart of one of Germany's most predominant wine regions, with over 39,000 acres of wineries covering the state. Schauinsland, a mountain in the Black Forest, is a 30-minute drive away from the city and often used for hiking or day trips.

WHAT CAN I DO THERE?

Colombischössle Archeological Museum

The Colombischössle Archeological Museum was built in 1983 as a way to preserve the prehistoric importance of the area. The museum was created inside of a manor house, and a public park is located nearby for locals to use.

Arboretum Freiburg-Günterstal

The University of Freiburg owns a large botanical garden in the city. It was first formed in 1896 after a series of Douglas Firs were planted, and many large-scale trees were planted over the next 100 years. The university's botanical department and the owners of the Freiburg Botanical Garden jointly look after the area, and they are responsible for maintaining the condition of the 1,300 tree species.

Dietenbachpark

Constructed in 1974 and opened to the public in 1986, Dietenbachpark is a large urban green space. It has public sports grounds, tennis courts, and a picnic area. It has even been use as a community vegetable patch - an idea which was formed thanks to a citizen's interest in gardening.

WHAT IS THE STADIUM LIKE?

Europa-Park Stadion

Europa-Park Stadion is one of the newer stadiums in the Bundesliga. It was constructed because SC Freiburg's old stadium - Dreisamstadion - no longer met the modern requirements of a Bundesliga stadium due to the pitch's dimensions being too small. The city's residents voted in favour of a new stadium being built, and ground was broken in November 2018. The stadium opened in late 2021.

Freiburg Airport and a neighbouring airfield are located close to the stadium. It is predicted that aircraft will be allowed to land next to the stadium in the future, which will be useful if you have a private jet lying around!

HOW TO GET THERE

By Tram The stadium is next to Freiburg, Europa-Park Stadion tram stop. The stop is on Line 4 (purple) of the city's tram network.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE I GO?

Ensure That You Insure

If you plan to rent an e-scooter to get around the city, you will need to present a valid driver's licence and obtain temporary insurance. The latter is mandatory for all electronic vehicles in Germany. It is illegal to ride e-scooters on public pathways, and you must adhere to speed limits.

Be Wary Of Protests

Like many other European countries, Germany experiences protests from time to time. Many demonstrations are non-violent, but they can become volatile with little warning. Avoid large gatherings and walk in a different direction if you must.

Im(pass)portant

You do not have to carry your passport on you at all times. Having said that, the police may ask to see it if they stop you for whatever reason. If you do not have the passport on you, you will be escorted to the place where you keep it.