Friz B&B

An Ancient Barn Comes Alive with Mid-Century Design

This listed barn near Freiburg in Germany is home to a collection of unique self-catering apartments, and we're very pleased to present three of them here. 

Located at the entrance to the famous Black Forest, the former farm building dates back to 1843 and its interiors still proudly display original features like truss walls, wooden beams and quarried stone. However, the space has been given a modern, industrial makeover, using materials like exposed concrete, and decorated with mid-century furniture and a treasure trove of characterful found objects collected by the owners over the years. These include an intriguing assortment of vintage signs from railroads, English towns with curious names, and bygone industries. Don't be surprised to find a wooden kayak above your head, with paddles left leaning intriguingly against the wall.

Serving as a hang-out spot for the apartments is the Friz Lounge. At the front of the building, it's a vintage shop where guests can browse art and mid-century furniture that's available for purchase. Visit, chat to owner Ron, and enjoy coffee made on a Faema E61 espresso machine that dates back to 1963. Expect to see items like an Eames fiberglass rope chair or an old streetlight from Sweden that's been converted into a floor lamp. The store is open Saturdays and on request. It's a great way of taking a little bit of the B&B's vibe home with you.

Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, an open-plan living room with dining area, a bathroom with walk-in shower, and a double bedroom with natural mattresses made locally by a family-run business. All apartments are non-smoking (no e-cigarettes).

Friz 5 is a loft apartment on the former threshing floor that is suitable for two guests. With its high ceilings and large windows, it's a bright and airy open-plan space that leads directly into the garden. There's a large table that seats six, two original Eames lounge chairs, and a double bed on a raised platform.

Friz 7 is a family-sized space on the first floor, that sleeps up to six guests. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a covered terrace with access to the garden.

Friz 8 - Art Apartment is a space for up to six guests in the middle of the property's art collection, with a vast panoramic window and access to the terrace and garden. It has two bedrooms, each with a double bed, plus an open gallery with two single beds. There is a bathroom on each of the two levels, as well as a spacious kitchen and large dining table for up to 10.

There's also a secluded garden that's shared with other residents. This is a great collection of vacation homes for rent in Germany for any configuration of guests.

Around

Gundelfingen im Breisgau is directly north of the city of Freiburg in southern Germany. Nearby Freiburg is the main entry point to the Black Forest, famous for its trails, water sports and other outdoor activities, and the city boasts the sunniest climate in Germany. It's a beautiful historical town with central squares, an imposing cathedral, the Bächle (a water channel that flows through the city streets), and the Schlossberg cable car, which runs 2.2 miles to the nearby Schauinsland mountain.

The owners of Friz B&B have partnered with FreiburgBikes to offer trail, mountain, e-bikes and children's bikes that can be picked up at Freiburg's main station, just 7 minutes by S-Bahn or Regionalbahn from Gundelfingen station. Alternatively, join a mountain biking tour under the guidance of Die Trail Experten, who'll bring the bikes to you and start the tour at Friz B&B.

For fitness options like cross training and yoga, Friz B&B partners with Bodyfactory Gundelfingen. For those who want to be pampered, Kosmetikinstitut Schoonheid is close by and offers treats like facials, manicures and pedicures. Ask about special tours and scavenger hunts just for kids. The SchwarzwaldCard, offering admission to over 190 attractions, is available for purchase.

Location

Gundelfingen im Breisgau, Germany. Nearest airports: Freiburg (35 miles), Strasbourg (36 miles).

Best time to visit

Spring through fall for best weather