Staufen im Breisgau

Staufen im Breisgau is a medieval town in the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald region, sitting where the Münstertal valley opens toward the Rhine plain. The settlement spreads across gentle slopes with the Black Forest hills rising behind it.

The settlement has roots in Roman times and gained its name during the Hohenstaufen dynasty, when a castle was built on the hillside. This medieval fortress shaped the town's development for centuries.

The town connects to the Faust legend, with locals marking places linked to the scholar's final years here. Walking through the streets, you can spot references to this story in the townscape.

The town center is easy to explore on foot, with restaurants, shops, and lodging clustered around the historic town hall in a compact area. The pedestrian zones make walking the main way to see the place.

Since 2008, geothermal drilling has caused the town center to rise noticeably, damaging many buildings in unexpected ways. This rare geological shift makes the town a case study that interests both scientists and travelers.

Location: Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald

Location: Staufen-Münstertal GVV

Elevation above the sea: 284 m

Website: http://staufen.de

GPS coordinates: 47.88321,7.73293

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:21