But then you meet Georg Ziegler; Hirzberg’s approachable owner who shows you to your shady pitch, surrounded by lush woodlands and open fields. Georg has certainly done his hosting homework. In the morning there’s a small breakfast buffet available with cereals, bread and jams to take-away. Indeed, clasping a hot cup of coffee, whilst taking in those serene countryside views is a wonderful way to start your Deutschland day.
The facilities here are modern, well maintained, but do get overcrowded in the summer months. A short walk from the tents is the new sanitary block, with free hot showers, toilets and a launderette (with washing machine & tumble dryer.) Take the short walk across the meadow and you'll discover Hirzberg’s secluded reading room, complete with a small library, and dozens of games to keep you busy whatever the weather.
Of course, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the local surroundings, too. Whether it be a rewarding stroll around the centre of Freiburg (only 20 minutes away by foot), or a traffic free bike-ride through the enchanting woodlands of the neighbouring Black Forest. While some parts of the forest (named after its dark canopy of evergreens – not the gateau!) burst with crowds, a modest walk from even the most populous spot will place you in the tranquil countryside, dotted with traditional farmhouses, slow-paced villages and grape bearing vineyards.
With the snake of motorhomes and string barriers forgotten, you can relax with a full-flavoured German beer and take in the sites warm, good-natured atmosphere. This unique and indescribable characteristic makes Hirzberg a truly special place to camp. You may even ponder that the ugly barrier isn’t about discipline or forbidden fun, but more to separate the busy, animated city below from this Shangri-La of a campsite. If this thought does cross your mind, we suggest you put that beer down, you’ve clearly had one too many.
Situated at the foot of the Black Forest’s woodlands is Freiburg, a cheerful, story-book city with an alluring array of cobblestone streets, charming town houses and cafe-packed plazas. With over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, Freiburg is officially Germany’s warmest city. While nearby hilltop towns are still shovelling snow, the trees in Freiburg are blooming, and the party-loving students have already began gathering for a canal-side beer. Freiburg’s 11th-century Münster (0049 761 202 790) is a red sandstone colossus that's one of the oldest and most impressive in all of Europe. Stand in astonishment in front of “the most beautiful tower in Christianity” as author and historian, Carl Jakob Burckhardt described it. Based at the tourist information office (0049 761 388 1880), Kultour offers 2 hour English walking tours of the Münster and the medieval Altstadt. Check their website for the latest schedule. In the unlikely event of rain, take shelter in the Museum für Stadtgeschichte (0049 761 201 ext. 2515.) This baroque town house now shelters an educational museum, which displays artefacts from Freiburg’s eventful past. For all you adrenaline junkies, spread your wings and fly away with DGFC (0049 761 476 6391), who can arrange awe-inspiring tandem flights over the Black Forest.
Every weekday and Saturday morning until 1pm, there’s a fabulous, open-air farmers market on the square adjacent to the church. Buy a Bratwurst mit Brötchen (Bratwurst in a bun) or a Currywurst from one of the many friendly vendors. The produce here is fresh, inexpensive and more importantly, delicious! You can also pick up fruit, wine and crafts. German cuisine goes way beyond beer and sausages, and the restaurants in Freiburg are testament to that. There’s a buzzing afternoon ambiance going on at Drexlers (0049 761 595 7203), a sleek style brasserie. They say the concept is simple "to provide uncompromising quality in food and wine that remains affordable." Besides typical Baden specialties, this varied menu offers dishes with distinct Italian and French influences. As well as their elegant restaurant, Enoteca (0049 761 389 9130) can cater for a party of up to 300 people, dishing up an authentic, Mediterranean feast. A visit to Freiburg's finest beer garden is a must. Hausbrauerei Feierling (0049 761 243 480) attracts summertime crowds to its microbrewery, serving huge schnitzels and (if you’re feeling brave) Ox tongue salad. The restaurant Zum Stahl (0049 7613 3402) next door has a shady, popular beer garden and offers various dishes and drinks. There’s also a small, onsite shop at Hirzberg that provides campers with the bare essentials. During the summer months, there's a breakfast buffet available with cereals, bread and jams; or treat yourself to a coffee/tea specials with cake. The onsite store provides a small stock of food & camping utensils all year round.
