Freiburg set a long-term goal of becoming a sustainable city in 1970, way before it was urban de rigueur. Today, the rewards of that forward-thinking are joyously embraced by its locals, who breathe clean air (#21) and spend 2,000 sunny hours a year in some of Europe’s best green spaces (#28). Four hundred solar panel installations take advantage of Freiburg’s glorious climate, and 40% of the city is forested, much of it designated for nature conservation. The Black Forest lies to its south, thatched with trails and getaway hotels alike, and premier German viniculture happens here, the products savoured on storybook streets where Bächle – the city’s signature, miniature canals – babble happily. It’s not rare to see children racing boats down these little streams, just one moment of fun in a city that’s a generous host for families. The ever-expanding Europa-Park theme park is a train ride away, and the city centre boasts a Gothic Cathedral. Take note, architecture enthusiasts.
Citizens are hard-working, ranking #31 for Labour Force Participation and #19 for Unemployment Rate. This compact metro is feeling its size, but the city hopes to stretch its legs with the new Dietenbach District, which plans 6,900 new homes in a new district in west Freiburg.