Vauban

Vauban is a car-free residential district in Freiburg im Breisgau built on a former military site. The area features pedestrian pathways, cycling routes, and communal gardens interspersed among the housing.

French military forces occupied the site following World War II for several decades. In the early 1990s, citizen groups began converting the abandoned military area into a modern residential neighborhood.

The neighborhood fosters community bonds through shared gardens and collective spaces where residents gather regularly. Daily interactions and collaborative activities shape how people experience life in this district.

The neighborhood is easily reached from central Freiburg by tram and public transportation. This convenient connection allows residents to manage daily life without a car while staying connected to the city.

The Solar Settlement section uses specially designed houses that generate more energy than residents consume. These buildings demonstrate how modern construction and renewable energy work in everyday housing.

Location: Freiburg im Breisgau

Inception: 1997

Elevation above the sea: 255 m

GPS coordinates: 47.97637,7.82360

Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:03