Scandic continues to grow selectively in Germany through partnerships with property investors to develop existing hotel assets in attractive markets. In Freiburg, Scandic is partnering with the pan-European property investor IREMIS, which has acquired the property from the current owner, whilst Scandic has signed a long-term lease. The project adds a new destination, strengthens Scandic’s presence in Germany and demonstrates the company’s ability to create value through refurbishment, operational expertise and sustainability-driven development.
The new hotel marks Scandic’s entry into Freiburg – an attractive university and business city in south-west Germany, close to both France and Switzerland. Freiburg is ranked as one of Germany’s leading hotel markets and is known for its strong appeal to leisure travellers, stable demand and distinct profile in sustainability, research, healthcare and green urban development.
The hotel will enjoy a prime location opposite Freiburg’s main railway station and directly adjacent to the Konzerthaus, the city’s leading conference and events venue. It is also within walking distance of Freiburg’s historic city centre, shopping, restaurants and key cultural attractions. Scandic Freiburg is expected to become one of the city’s leading international conference hotels, welcoming business travellers, conference delegates and leisure guests alike.
“This is an important step in our continued growth journey in Germany and a clear example of how Scandic can create value together with new property partners.” Freiburg is an attractive and resilient city with strong demand all year round, and the hotel’s location provides us with an excellent platform for establishing Scandic in a new German destination for both business and leisure guests,” says Jens Mathiesen, President and CEO of Scandic Hotels Group.
The hotel will undergo a complete refurbishment and upgrade to meet Scandic’s standards. The development work includes a complete refurbishment of all rooms, as well as new restaurant and bar areas, upgraded meeting facilities and refurbished wellness and fitness areas. The hotel will offer 219 rooms, approximately 480 square metres of flexible meeting space, a restaurant and bar, and parking facilities.
The project also reflects Scandic’s growing relevance as a partner for property owners and investors in Europe. Through new developments and the refurbishment of existing hotel properties in attractive locations, Scandic can contribute to long-term value creation whilst strengthening the brand’s presence in selected markets.
“We are open to collaborations with partners who share our ambition to develop strong hotel assets in attractive destinations. This project demonstrates how Scandic’s operational platform, strong brand, and focus on sustainability can help transform an existing hotel into a competitive and future-proof product,” says Jesper Engman, Head of Development at Scandic Hotels Group.
Sustainability will be an integral part of the hotel experience, and the property will be certified under the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. Scandic adopts a resource-efficient approach to growth, focusing on energy performance, long-term environmental standards and reducing the impact of its operations. The refurbishment will also enhance the guest experience through a range of rooms based on Scandic’s Room Collection concept, where design, comfort and functionality are combined with circular thinking and more sustainable material choices.
Scandic Freiburg is expected to open in autumn 2027 following completion of the refurbishment.
