Battles & Campaigns · 1644
Battle of Freiburg
Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
What happened
A French army under the Grand Condé and Turenne attacked a Bavarian army under Franz von Mercy and Johann von Werth. Mercy's Bavarians had taken Freiburg and held strong positions on the hills outside it. Over several days the French attacked again and again. Finally Mercy, short of food and ammunition, learned Turenne was moving behind him and withdrew.
Why it matters
The heavy losses persuaded Bavaria's ruler to open peace talks. The French went on to take control of most of the northern Upper Rhine.
What came next
The French took Philippsburg in September, and peace talks began in November 1644.
Did you know?
Condé personally led the attack on the Schönberg hill despite his officers' protests.
Timeline
- 28 Jul 1644Mercy captures Freiburg.
- 3, 5 and 9 Aug 1644Battle of Freiburg.
- 12 Sep 1644Philippsburg surrenders to the French.
- Nov 1644Peace talks begin.