Red Light District Walk

A guided walk through Freiburg's old town.

Overview

This two hour walk through Freiburg is a guided history tour of the city's former red light district, focused on the 70s, 80s and 90s but reaching back to the Middle Ages. A guide leads the group on foot, telling stories about the streets, bars and characters of that era. Despite the operator's name, the Black Forest Drag Queen Betty BBQ does not appear on this tour; the listing states plainly that a meeting with her is neither planned nor part of it.

The route begins in the upscale streets near the Schwabentor, an area where prostitution was known as a trade since medieval times. From there the guide moves through locations tied to the city's red light past, including the site of the Cafe Ruef, where policemen reportedly drank morning coffee with prostitutes, and the Arena Bar, said to have drawn Freiburg celebrities. Further along, the stories turn to Gina Wildkatze, the head of the Playboy Bar, remembered for stepping out of her limousine in a long white fur coat and for sewing white mink bikinis for her bar girls.

Reviewers describe the guide as funny and knowledgeable, full of anecdotes and historical detail. It suits German speaking travellers who want an unusual angle on Freiburg's history. It is not designed for bachelor or bridal parties, and party groups are not allowed.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at FranziskanerstraßeThe group gathers at Betty BBQ Meeting Point, Franziskanerstraße 11, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau. There is no pickup or hotel transfer; travellers make their own way there.
2. Start near the SchwabentorThe walk begins in the fancy suburbs not far from the Schwabentor, where the prostitution trade has been known since the Middle Ages.
3. Cafe Ruef storiesThe guide tells the story of the legendary Cafe Ruef, where policemen drank coffee with prostitutes in the morning.
4. Pass the Arena BarThe route continues past the Arena Bar, where Freiburg celebrities once met ladies at the bar.
5. Playboy Bar and Gina WildkatzeAt the other end of the city, the guide recounts how Gina Wildkatze, head of the Playboy Bar, arrived in a long white fur coat and sewed white mink bikinis for her bar girls.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the experience, so it helps to know them before booking.

• German only. The tour runs in German and is not offered in other languages. Travellers without solid German will struggle to follow the stories. The listing flags this clearly, so check the language before booking.
• Bring ID. The listing asks travellers to bring a passport or ID card. It is a simple thing to forget. Some of the pubs and bars visited are places where smoking is allowed, which is worth knowing for the route.
• Dress for weather. Tours run in all weather conditions, and the operator recommends dressing for the forecast. Comfortable shoes are sensible for a walk of this length. Some of the venues passed are places where smoking is allowed.
• Group size varies. Group size is not fixed, and reviews describe both ends of the range. One traveller had a near private tour with plenty of time for questions, while another found the group much too big. The guide's performance was praised in both cases.
• No party tour. Bachelor and bridal parties are not suitable, and party groups are turned away. Bringing your own alcoholic drinks is strictly prohibited. Costumes are allowed as long as the appearance is well groomed, though the tour itself is a history walk, not a costume event.
• Two hours on foot. The tour lasts two hours and covers ground across the city, from the Schwabentor area to the other end of town. It is not wheelchair accessible, so anyone with limited mobility should think twice. One reviewer found it was over far too quickly, which suggests the time fills easily with stories.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and pets are not allowed. Some of the pubs and bars on the route permit smoking, which matters for travellers sensitive to it. One reviewer reported a short notice cancellation, so it pays to keep an eye on messages before the start. Another felt the group was too large for comfort, though they still praised the guide. A reviewer would also have liked a look inside one of the pubs and a drink stop on a hot day, which the tour does not include.

Common Questions