Scandic continues its selective expansion in Germany by partnering with real estate investors to reposition existing assets in high-potential markets. In Freiburg im Breisgau, the Scandinavian group is joining forces with IREMIS, a pan-European real estate investment manager, which has acquired the asset from its current owner. Scandic, for its part, has signed a long-term lease on the property.
The new hotel marks Scandic’s entry into Freiburg im Breisgau, an attractive university and business city in south-west Germany, close to both France and Switzerland. Freiburg im Breisgau ranks among the country’s most dynamic hotel markets, underpinned by resilient tourism demand and a distinctive positioning in sustainability, research, healthcare and green urban planning.
A strategic location opposite the central station
The property enjoys a prime location directly opposite Freiburg im Breisgau’s central railway station and close to the Konzerthaus, the city’s main conference and events venue. It is also just a short walk from the historic old town, shops, restaurants and the city’s principal cultural attractions.
Scandic Freiburg im Breisgau is expected to establish itself as one of the city’s leading internationally branded conference hotels, serving a mix of business travellers, seminar attendees and leisure tourists.
Jens Mathiesen, President and CEO of Scandic Hotels Group, said the agreement represented an important step in the group’s continued development in Germany and a concrete example of how Scandic can create value alongside new real estate partners. He described Freiburg as a resilient and attractive city with sustained year-round demand, noting that the hotel’s location gives Scandic an excellent platform from which to establish itself in a new German destination, catering to both business and leisure guests.
A full renovation ahead of opening
The hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation to bring it up to Scandic’s standards. The repositioning will include a complete refurbishment of the guest rooms, a redesign of the food and beverage and bar areas, modernised meeting facilities, and renewed wellness and fitness spaces.
The property will comprise 219 rooms and around 480 sqm of flexible meeting space, complemented by dining areas, a bar and parking facilities. Scandic Freiburg im Breisgau is expected to open in autumn 2027, once the works are complete.
A deliberate real estate partnership strategy
The project also illustrates Scandic’s growing role as a partner to property owners and real estate investors across Europe. Through both new-build developments and the repositioning of existing assets, the group aims to support long-term value creation while strengthening its presence in Germany across selected markets.
Jesper Engman, Director of Development at Scandic Hotels Group, said the group remained open to partners who share its ambition to develop strong hotel assets in attractive destinations. He added that the project demonstrates how Scandic’s operating platform, brand strength and commitment to sustainability can transform an existing hotel into a competitive, future-proof product.
This approach forms part of a broader pattern of growth through partnerships for the Scandinavian group, which has stepped up development and asset-acquisition activity across Europe in recent months.
Nordic Swan Ecolabel-certified operation
Sustainability will be integral to the guest experience, with the hotel’s operations certified under the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. Scandic follows a resource-efficient approach to development, with a focus on energy performance and reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
The renovation will also enhance the guest experience through a room offering designed under Scandic’s Room Collection concept, combining interior design, comfort and functionality with a circular approach and more sustainable material choices.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Scandic partners with IREMIS to enter Freiburg, Germany
New destination: Scandic’s first hotel in Freiburg im Breisgau, southwestern Germany
Partner: pan-European real estate investment manager IREMIS acquires the asset; Scandic signs a long-term lease
Property: 219 rooms, approximately 480 sqm of flexible meeting space, restaurant, bar and parking
Location: directly opposite Freiburg’s main railway station, next to the Konzerthaus
Sustainability: operations certified under the Nordic Swan Ecolabel
Opening: expected autumn 2027, following full refurbishment
