A Year in Freiburg 2025

Throwback to the Year 2025 in Freiburg

  2025 brought with it yet another year filled with beautiful moments and unforgettable memories here in Freiburg. Once again, I had the chance to discover stunning new places in and around the city - whether through exciting hikes or the unique experience of a wine walk that was anything but ordinary. Along the way, I also indulged in countless delicious treats, whether lovingly home-cooked or discovered in Freiburg's many charming and diverse eateries. This city continues to surprise and delight me with its rich culinary scene. Freiburg has truly become my home - a magical place that never creases to enchant me. It draws me in time and time again, and I hope it will continue to do so for many years to come.

  The year began with a leisurely stroll through the Mundenhof, the largest animal park in Baden-Württemberg - a true green oasis teeming with life and diversity. Spread out across different areas themed by continent, the park feels like a miniature journey around the world. Alongside European residents such as Poitou donkeys, woolly pigs, steppe cattle, and pygmy goats, the Mundenhof is home to animals from far-flung corners of the globe. After watching the camels, the path led us through a tranquil Chinese bamboo garden and onward to the yak enclosure, evoking the vast steppes of Central Asia. Just next door, South American llamas could be observed, calmly surveying their surroundings. A little further on, we finally reached my favourite area of the Mundenhof - an exotic blend of Africa and Southeast Asia. Here, ostriches roam about, Javan monkeys and gibbons swing through the air and - my personal highlight - the ever-curious meerkats steal the show. Time and again, the Mundenhof proves to be a wonderfully idyllic escape, filled with a sense of lightness and joy. Surrounded by nature and so many fascinating animals, it's impossible to not to leave with a smile on your face.   

  The beginning of the year was all about spending quality time with my friends and - how could it be otherwise - indulging in plenty of good food with my fellow foodies. Among our culinary stops were Currify and Café bei Nino, my absolute favourite spot for Georgian cuisine. Sadly, we were told that Nino would have to close the restaurant, which meant that this visit was our very last chance to feast on its incredible Georgian delicacies. With heavy hearts but full plates, we made the most of it - savouring every bite while simultaneously planning our upcoming summer trip to Georgia. It felt like a small tribute to a place that had given us so many delicious memories. On top of that, we hosted another cozy cooking night - this time with me taking the lead as master chef, serving up Taiwanese specialities. As always, it turned into a wonderful evening filled with laughter, joy and fantastic food. The xiaolongbao dumplings and gua bao were especially outstanding. Beyond all the food adventures in the group, I spent a lot of time with Meliha - whether on long, peaceful walks through the Seepark or, once again over delicious meals. It was the perfect start to the year: slow, joyful and full of flavour.

  In February, I set off on a small cycling adventure to Waldkirch, a charming town about 20 kilometres from Freiburg. After arriving, I enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the picturesque old town, taking in the lively market square and the historic town hall. In the inner courtyard of the town hall, I discovered the famous Narrenbrunnen, a carnival fountain depicting all the traditional fool figures of the Waldkirch Fasnet. The impressive fountain was created in 1986 by the local sculptor Hubert Bernhard and beautifully reflects the region's deep-rooted carnival traditions. After a cozy coffee break, I continued uphill to Kastelburg Castle, which was built around 1250 by the Lords of Schwarzenberg. Even today, the ruins offer an enchanting, almost magical view over the valley below. Along the path to the castle ruin, knight statues and informative display boards line the trail, turning the hike into an engaging and educational experience. After exploring the castle grounds, climbing the observation tower and soaking in the breathtaking views over the Elz Valley, I began my journey back to Freiburg by hiking down to the town, taking my bike and making sure to arrive before darkness fell and the ride home turned into a night-time adventure.  

  On a lightly snow-dusted Sunday, another mystical adventure awaited me in Freiburg: the Skulpturenpfad Waldmenschen, tucked away at the edge of the woods above the Wiehre district. Created by sculptor Thomas Rees, this unique trail features figures that seem to grow directly out of the forest itself, many of them carved from linden and oak trees and carefully integrated into their natural surroundings. Right at the entrance, the first encounter is the Root Head. This former tree stump stands upside down at the gateway to the clearing where the other figures reside. Its face is framed by striking, almost wild hair, and here you can already see the artist's intention: the sculptures are meant to evolve over time in collaboration with nature. New plants and even young trees have begun to sprout from the head's hair, blurring the line between artwork and living forest. Just a few metres further along, I met The Hexenschuss. Carved from an approximately 120-year-old linden tree, it depicts a grinning witch shooting an arrow into the back of a man standing beneath her. Wandering through this idyllic woodland feels like stepping into a mystical fairytale. Around every corner, there's something new to discover: the Sleeping Giant, the Unicorn, the Forest Faces, or the Dragon's Nest - complete with a seven-metre-long dragon carved from a 200-year-old oak, guarding its nest and a single egg. All in all, this small walk was incredibly rewarding. A perfect choice for a slow, cozy Sunday, filled with wonder, imagination and touch of magic hidden among the trees.

  At the end of February, we set off on our first proper hike of the year - although it might be an overstatement, as it was still wonderfully relaxed and leisurely, more like an extended stroll trough the Glottertal. Together with Meliha, Aranza, Hussein, Maike and Andi, we began our walk with a gentle ascent, just enough to wake up our legs, before settling into a beautiful loop through the forest. Along the way, we were greeted by the season's very first blooming flowers, delicate splashes of colour that hinted at spring's arrival. Time and again, the trail opened up to reveal breathtaking views over the picturesque Glottertal, framed by rolling mountains and neatly line vineyards. This is where the sun-kissed Breisgau reaches out to meet the Higher Black Forest, creating a landscape that feels both serene and full of life. We savoured every step of this unique route - and as any perfect hike should, ended on a sweet note with a well-deserved slice of cheesecake at the Cafébar La Dolce Vita, the ideal finale to a gentle and joyful day outdoors.

  This year, I had the pleasure of welcoming my friends Maike and Max from Göttingen for a visit. Since it was their very first time in Freiburg, we kicked things off with the classic tourist program. I showed them all the city's most beautiful spots, starting with the charming old town. Of course, a visit to Freiburg Minster was a must, followed by the climb up the bell tower. The effort was well worth it - from the top, we were rewarded with a wonderful view over the Schlossberg and the rooftops of the city. Afterwards, we strolled through the bustling Minster Market, where we couldn't resist stocking up on some local and international treats: French cheese, a Lange Rote sausage and a sweet pastel de nata. Well supplied, we continued wandering through the picturesque streets of Freiburg, passing through the idyllic Gerberau before settiling down at Kolben Kaffee for a relaxed coffee break. Refreshed, we decided to head uphill once more and walk up to the Schlossberg Tower to see Freiburg from another perspective. We were incredibly lucky with the weather and the view from the top was nothing short of phenomenal - on that clear day, we could even see all the way to the Vosges in France. Filled with these impressions, we made our way back down to the city at an easy pace and stopped by Sweet Dunya for another well-earned break, enjoying tea, Turkish coffee and delicious baklava. In the evening, after a short rest, we headed out once more for cocktails and Flammkuchen at Brasil, the perfect way to round off a wonderful day in Freiburg.

  At the very beginning of spring, I booked a car from Grüne Flotte for a day trip through the idyllic Kinzig Valley, all the way to Freudenstadt, home to Germany's largest market square. The day started early in the morning as I set off from Freiburg toward Gengenbach. I had already been to Gengenbach during Advent season to see the spectacular town hall transformed into the world's largest Advent calendar and I had also visited the year before for Alex' and Mesi's wedding. However, I had never really taken the time to explore this gem among romantic half-timbered towns at a leisurely pace. From afar, the towers and gates invite visitors into the historic old town, while narrow alleyways lead into picturesque corners and hidden angles. At the heart of Gengenbach lies the historic market square, dominated by the magnificent town hall from the late 18th century. Its pink-hued Rococo facade is truly eye-catching and the market fountain from 1582 is crowned by the proud Stone Knight, an armoured heraldic figure symbolising the former pride of the Free Imperial City. On this Saturday morning, the market square was buzzing with life - but instead of lingering in the crowd, I let myself get lost in the quieter streets, soaking in the town's charm at my own pace. One of these magical lanes is the enchanting Engelgasse, lined with splendid half-timbered houses adorned with colourful flower boxes. Gengenbach is simply dreamy and almost invites you to start daydreaming.

  Still, more destinations awaited me for that day, so after this perfect start, I continued on to Haslach im Kinzigtal, where the painted facades of the town hall are a true highlight. Haslach experienced its first golden age in the 13th century, when it became the centre of an important silver mining region. From the 17th century onward, it developed into a thriving market town. Its unusually wide market streets and squares - remarkably preserved to this day - combine with narrow residential and craftmen's alleys to give the old town, made up almost entirely of Baroque half-timbered houses, a truly unique atmosphere. After a leisurely stroll through the historic centre, I decided that it was time to immerse myself in nature. High on my list for quite some time had been the Burgbach Waterfall - a hidden jewel and one of the most impressive natural sights in the Black Forest. With a free-fall height of 32 metres, it is among the tallest waterfalls in Baden-Württemberg. Thanks to the interplay of sunlight and water, it offers incredibly dynamic photo opportunities. Even the hike through the forest to reach the waterfall is a highlight in itself, with stunning views and the soothing sounds of nature: the roar of falling water, the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze and the season's first concert of bird's twittering. I would argue this was already the highlight of the day, even though more stops were still to come.

  Next, I made my way to the charming town of Freudenstadt, famous for its vast and lively market square. Over the centuries, Freudenstadt developed into an important trading hub in the Black Forest, thanks to its strategic location along major trade routes. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it flourished as a spa town, attracting distingueshed guests such as King George V of England and American entrepreneur John D. Rockefeller. Despite severe destruction during World War II, Freudenstadt managed an impressive reconstruction, later known as the Miracle of Freudenstadt. Here, it was finally time for a well-deserved break, enjoying a coffee and a delicious slice of Black Forest cake at Café Konditorei Bacher. Refreshed, I returned to the car and headed toward the final stop of the day: the rafting town of Schiltach. Half-timbered houses, a rich rafting heritage, vibrant history and picturesque squares awaited me here. Schiltach has always carefully preserved its traditions and cultural treasures, from rafting and sawmill crafts to the exhibits in its many museums, and proudly shares them with its guests. The heart of the old town is the market square with its town hall built in 1593, from which a well-signposted circular walking route begins. Historically, Schiltach gained importance as the town of rafters and tanners - and impressively, the tanning trade is still practiced here today. As it was getting late, I eventually decided to head back to Freiburg. Still, I'd love to return to Schiltach to explore the surrounding hiking trails in more depth. With countless beautiful impressions and memories, I arrived back in Freiburg in the early evening and enjoyed a calm, quiet end to a truly wonderful and unforgettable day.

  As spring slowly awakend, so did my sense of adventure. Eager to discover new activities around Freiburg, I set my sights on the Hochburg near Emmendingen, at the foothills of the Black Forest - one of the largest castle ruins in the Upper Rhine Valley. First built in the 11th century, the Hochburg is the second-largest castle complex in Baden, surpassed only by Heidelberg Castle. After a bus ride from Denzlingen followed by a short walk, we finally reached the Hochburg, and the sight of this colossal ruin immediately took our breath away. We wandered through every corner of the fortress and each turn revealed a new surprise. The most unforgettable moments were the spectacular views: looking down into the picturesque valleys below and up toward the highest peaks of the Black Forest. Bathed in warm spring sunshine, the scenery felt nothing short of magical. But it's not only the views that make the Hochburg so special. The site also offers fascinating insights into the history of the castle and fortress construction. Here in Emmendingen, the architectural evolution of large defensive structures from the 12th to the 17th century can be traced in exemplary fashion. Nearly 500 years of military architecture come vividly to life. The castle's heyday began in the 17th century, when Margrave Georg Friedrich of Baden transformed it into a fortress, adding seven star-shaped bastions in response to the growing military threats facing the margraviate. During the many wars that followed, the Hochburg was repeatedly conquered and destroyed. Even today, the sheer scale of the complex and its remaining structures bear impressive witness to its former importance. After this captivating exploration of the entire castle grounds, we decided to walk the roughly five kilometres down to Emmendingen. There, we rewarded ourselves with coffee and cake at Café Mahlwerkk - the cherry tart was absolutely delicious - before we finally made our way back to Freiburg, happily tired and full of springtime impressions.  

  The days were growing longer and the sun was making more frequent appearances - perfect conditions for rising spirits and an ever-stronger urge to spend time outdoors. Spring in Freiburg has always been my favourite season. Even though I suffer from pollen allergies and complain about them every single year, spring - with its blooming flowers, especially the cherry and almond blossoms in the Seepark and the Japanese Garden - is a true feast for the eyes. A breathtaking sea of blossoms and an impressive burst of colours sweeped over Freiburg, turning not only the Seepark but also the city's many other green oases into genuine havens of relaxation. Accompanied by the cheerful songs of the returning birds, life in the city slowly but surely came alive again. And with it, outdoor sporty and leisure activities could finally resume - meaning it was at last time for a long-awaited round of beach volleyball.

  One of the very first hikes I went on after moving to Freiburg in 2021 was a trip up to Feldberg. Since then, I hadn't returned to the highest mountain in Germany outside the Alps and I felt like it was finally time to change that. So I decided to organise a hike with my hiking group and give Feldberg another visit. This time, I had clearly learned from my mistakes on that first hike. Instead of showing up in nothing but a hoodie and shorts, I packed properly and was pleasantly surprised to find that, despite a few lingering patches of snow, the bright sunshine made the day feel far from cold. We began our hike by heading up to Seebuck and the Bismarck Monument, where we were rewarded with that must be one of the most stunning views imaginable: a breathtaking panorama of the Feldsee nestled in the valley below, surrounded by rolling hills and dense forest. After taking a short break to soak it all in, we continued on toward Feldberg itself, catching another spectacular view along the way - this time stretching all the way to the snow-covered Alps in the distance. At the summit, it was finally time for a well-deserved lunch break before we made our way down via Immisberg and the Baldenweger Hut, heading toward Feldsee. This part of the hike offered a perfect change of perspective: standing by the lake and looking back up toward Seebuck revealed an entirely new angle and even more incredible photo opportunities. All in all, it was a wonderfully successful hike, filled with breathtaking views, great company, plenty of fun and of course, growing anticipation for all the hiking adventures still to come.  

  I usually like to kick off the hiking season in spring with a walk through the Kaiserstuhl, as the trails here are generally relaxed and easygoing - perfect for easing back into longer adventures. After the big Feldberg hike, this traditional season opener was technically already off the table, but that didn't take away from the joy of organising yet another hike through the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl. This time, we started in the charming village of Schelingen. The day began with a light drizzle, but before long the weather decided to show its best side, making the hike all the more enjoyable. As we walked along the trails, we were treated to beautiful panoramic views stretching across the valleys and all the way to the French Vosges mountains in the distance. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, fresh spring air and great company, the hike quickly turned into another memorable experience. With its stunning scenery, peaceful paths and the unmistakable charm of the Kaiserstuhl, the day became yet another highlight of my time in Freiburg - and a wonderful reminder of why I love hiking here so much.

  I keep discovering new and fascinating corners of Freiburg that are well worth a visit - and the Waldsee was certainly one of them. Tucked away in the district that shares its name, this small, idyllic lake feels wonderfully peaceful and picturesque. From a nearby terrace, we were treated to a magical view across the water, framed by forest trees that made it easy to forget that we were still within city limits. The woods surrounding the Waldsee were perfect for a relaxed Sunday stroll, offering quiet paths and a calming atmosphere. Just a short walk away lies the Wasserschlössle in the Sternwald. Despite its fairytale appearance, it's actually a cleverly disguised water reservoir that has been supplying drinking water to the eastern part of Freiburg since 1895. Its castle-like facade, built from sandstone blocks and cast concrete, was designed to express appreciation for this vital resource. The architectural inspiration came from Freiburg's city seal dating back to 1245 - a design that can still be spotted today on manhole covers in the city centre. Beyond the charm of the Wasserschlössle itself, the walk is rewarded with peaceful, sweeping views over Freiburg, including a beautiful glimpse of the Freiburg minster rising above the rooftops. To round off the afternoon perfectly, we ended our stroll with a cozy Sunday coffee break at Bergäcker Café - a fitting and relaxed conclusion to a lovely day of exploration. 

  A true highlight of indulgence was the Freiamt Wine Hike. It was actually my very first wine hike and I was absolutely thrilled. Several people from my hiking group were eager to join, making it a wonderfully social experience right from the start. The hike itself felt much more like a leisurely stroll and after the first few glasses of wine, the idea of a serious hike quickly faded into the background anyway. Luckily, the weather was on our side, allowing us to enjoy regional delicacies in glorious sunshine. Alongside the wines and sparkling grape secco, cheese played a starring role and rounded out the tasting experience perfectly. Beyond the culinary delights, the wine hike turned out to be the beginning of new friendships - connections I truly cherished throughout the year. It was one of those days that combined great flavours, warm company and a relaxed atmosphere into an unforgettable experience.

  Even before summer had properly begun, Freiburg was already buzzing with early summer vibes. We spent countless hours outdoors, soaking up the sunshine - from delicious picnic afternoons at Seepark to the classic birthday barbecues in Dietenbachpark. One of the true highlights was our strawberry picnic at the beginning of June. Under the cheerful theme of strawberries, everyone brought along their own cakes and dishes, all inspired by the sweet red fruit - a feast in every sense. But the early summer days had plenty of more magic to offer: long, sun-drenched walks along the Dreisam, a surprise encounter with a majestic grey heron, and plenty of quality time with my friends, always accompanied by great food.

  After my trips to Georgia and Sweden, it finally felt like the right time to plan another hike. I had been meaning to do the circular walk around the small and charming village of Muggardt for quite a while, so this relaxed August hike was the perfect opportunity. Together with my hiking group, we travelled via Müllheim to just outside Muggardt, where we set off on our walk. The roughly 12 kilometres route led us mostly along sun-soaked vineyards before continuing through peaceful stretches of forest. We stopped for lunch at a small castle ruin that we discovered quite spontaneously in a quiet forest clearing - one of thise unexpected moments that make a hike memorable. Since we still had plenty of time before our bus departure, we decided to continue on to Britzingen, where we passed the time at the Dorfladen & Café Britzingen, enjoying a well-deserved coffee and cake. All in all, the hike was wonderfully easy and relaxed - the perfect way to ease back into hiking after the busy travel months of June and July and exactly what I needed at that moment. 

  August turned out to be full of beautiful and memorable moments spent with my friends. It all began with a small hike up to Schneeburg, where I set out with Jonas, Jasmin and Chetna to watch the sunset. Armed with snacks, a bottle of wine and Exploding Kittens, we made our way uphill and were rewarded with a truly breathtaking sunset. The drifting clouds gave the sky the shape of a dragon, making the whole scene feel almost magical. It was one of those indescribable moments that stay with you and I can't only hope to witness many more sunsets like this in and around Freiburg. Of course, a summer in Freiburg wouldn't be complete without a picnic by the Dreisam. Together with Arife, I enjoyed a relaxed afternoon filled with snacks and wine, soaking in the easygoing summer atmosphere. Since I also love discovering new places, I cycled up to Lehener Bergle one day and treated myself to a panoramic view over Freiburg. The little adventure ended with a visit to the Blumencafé, a true hidden gem of the city that I sincerly hope will remain just that and not become overcrowded.

  Beyond my wonderful moments in Freiburg, I also collected beautiful summer memories in Karlsruhe, Göttingen and Hannover. In mid-August, Angela, Claudia and I travelled to Karlsruhe. After a short coffee stop and a stroll through the Botanical Garden, we continued on to the Georgian restaurant Ambe. There, we met up with Ronny, Sofía and Alfredo for our Georgian Revival reunion. With glasses of wine, delicious Georgian food and fantastic company, we spent a lovely evening together before heading home, full and happy. Another annual highlight is the bachelor-party revival weekend in Hannover with Jerome, Valentin, Mike, Johnny and Henrik. The evening before, I had already travelled to Göttingen to meet Valentin and Tina, where we spent a cozy night at Vietal Village. The next morning, Valentin and I set off early for Hannover to meet the others. What followed was a wonderfully laid-back day filled with a few beers, plenty of junk food and a round of billiards. Sadly, summer once again passed far too quickly - but all these beautiful memories will definitely stay with me forever.

  Summer seemed to fly by, and before long, the vibrant colours of autumn began to appear - often glowing under beautifully sunny skies. During this golden season, Freiburg revealed itself in an entirely new light. Autumn walks along the Dreisam, through Seepark, or up to the Kanonenplatz on Schlossberg had a very special kind of charm, each with its own quiet magic. This year, the changing seasons felt especially vivid: after the sea of blossoms in spring and the sun-soaked days in summer, the colder and darker days slowly but surely began to return. Thankfully, autumn wasn't overly rainy and still invited me to spend plenty of time outdoors, enjoying the crisp air and the last warm rays of the sun.

  One of the most unforgettable experiences of this year was the Gaia Exhibition at St. Blasien Cathedral. For five weeks, Gaia, the breathtaking artwork by British artist Luke Jerram, floated beneath the cathedral's dome, transforming St. Blasien into a place of pure wonder. Created using original NASA imagery, the installation is a stunning, true-to-scale, three-dimensional representation of Earth. Seeing our planet rendered with such precision and beauty was nothing short of magical. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view Earth as it is usually only seen from space. Watching the slowly rotating globe from different angles and perspectives was mesmerising and quietly humbling, offering a powerful sense of just how vast, diverse and extraordinary our planet really ist. Afterwards, I treated myself to a cozy break at Café Rosalie. A slice of quiche, a piece of plum cake and a cappuccino were exactly what I needed before heading back to Freiburg. And as if the day hadn't already been perfect enough, I was rewarded with a beautiful rainbow while waiting for the bus - an almost cinematic ending to an already dreamlike day.

  The final hike of the year took me and a few friends through the magical Bannwald and all the way to the majestic Zweribach Waterfalls. Our 14-kilometre route from St. Peter to St. Märgen offered countless stunning viewpoints and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the raw, untouched nature of the Black Forest. This was already my second hike to the Zweribach Waterfalls. I had visited them once before in winter, hiking through fresh snow - a beautiful but rather demanding experience. This time, withouth snow, the trail felt much more pleasant and technically easier, which allowed me to truly enjoy the hike and the surroundings at a more relaxed pace. The Zweribach Waterfalls themselves are a spectacular natural sight. Hidden deep within the idyllic Bannwald, the water cascades powerfully down into the valley, leaving you in awe as you stand and watch. To me, the Zweribach Waterfalls are a true natural wonder and one of the absolute highlights of the Black Forest - especially because they are far less crowded than more famous spots like the Todtnau Waterfall. After successfully completing the hike, we rewarded ourselves in St. Märgen with hot drinks and a well-deserved slice of cake - the perfect and cozy ending to a memorable final hiking adventure of the year.

  To escape the stress of work in November, I took the opportunity one Wednesday afternoon to leave work early and head out on a walk to the Schlossberg Tower with a friend. Once we reached the top, we were rewarded with a spectacular sunset over Freiburg, bathing both the city and the surrounding forests in warm, glowing light. On this particularly clear evening, we could even make out the silhouettes of the Vosges in the distance. In that moment, I was simply grateful to be outside, surrounded by nature being able to recharge and find a bit of new motivation. After watching the sunset for about an hour, we made our way back down toward Schwabentor at a relaxed pace and rounded off the evening with a well-deserved beer at Feierling - the perfect ending to a midweek escape.

  The year had so much to offer and throughout autumn and winter, I once again spent a wonderful amount of time with my friends. We made the most of the last warm, golden days - playing beach volleyball, enjoying picnics along the Dreisam and even squeezing in a small personal milestone: baking my very first Kirschwähe. I finally worked my way through many cafés and restaurants that had been sitting patiently on my must-visit list. One evening, Matthias and I went to Spicetrails, where I ordered a Burmese noodle bowl that turned out to be an unexpectedly delicious surprise. Another long-anticipated highlight was a breakfast at Mohrentopf Café with the Coffee Picnic Group. The waffles were absolutely divine, which made it all the more bittersweet to hear that Mohrentopf would soon be closing it doors. We continued our Freiburg breakfast explorations with another Coffee Picnic Group meet-up at Café Jolie - lovely in its own way, though Mohrentopf still held a special place in my heart for the delicious waffles.

  Of course, our beloved cooking nights remained a constant. Tuesdays were dedicated to the kitchen, where Johanna, Meity, Tom and I cooked our way through Asia: sushi, Korean burgers, dumplings, hot pot and ramen. Every single dish was a hit and with each meal, my wanderlust for Asia grew stronger. That longing was only intensified by Mohit's Indian cooking night and two restaurant visits to Currify and Unkai City, where we were spoiled once again with incredible flavours. As the year drew to a close, it was time to say goodbye to Cris and Silvio, who moved to Zurich. Still, every farewell marks the beginning of something new - and with a visit to the Blumencafé, a wonderful new friend group was born: the Goodische Zeitung. December, of course, wouldn't have been complete without a trip to the Christmas market with all my friends, combined with celebrating Naman's, Bela's and Najmeh's birthdays. It was also officially cookie-baking season. I dedicated an entire evening and the following Saturday to baking an impressive assortment of Christmas cookies. Most of them disappeared quickly at our annual Hyde Park Christmas Party, while the last few found their way into a cozy cinema night with Donika and me. Looking back, I can only say how grateful I am. I've found the best friends - people I laugh with, travel through life with and most importantly, share my passion for cooking and especially eating with. 

  During the Christmas season, I once again found myself in Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed Christmas capital. At first, the odds were not exactly in our favour: the train from Offenburg to Strasbourg was cancelled, leaving Valerie and me stuck waiting in Offenburg for an hour. Our mood understandably dipped and for a moment, we even considered turning around and heading straight back to Freiburg. Thankfully, we decided to wait it out - and were richly rewarded. As soon as we arrived, we were swept up in Strasbourg's festive atmosphere, surrounded by beautifully illuminated Christmas decorations. Eveyrthing sparkled and shimmered, creating a magical ambiance that was crowned by the gigantic Christmas tree in the city centre, truly stealing the show. In addition to wandering through the many Christmas markets, we paid a visit to one of the city's renowned patisseries. Unfortunately, Patisserie Kubler was closed on Mondays, so we had to choose another spot - but even there, the bûche de Noel was absolutely delicious. From now on, this will definitely become a tradition for me: travelling to Strasbourg during the Christmas season to stock up on festive treats. Despite the initial travel chaos, the evening turned into an incredibly enchanting experience. Strasbourg once again proved why it deserves its festive reputation and why it will always be worth the journey, especially at Christmas.