Staatsarchiv Freiburg

Staatsarchiv Freiburg: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Staatsarchiv Freiburg, located in the heart of Freiburg im Breisgau, serves as a vital gateway to the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage. As a cornerstone of the Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg, it preserves a wide spectrum of documents—from medieval charters to contemporary records—that illuminate the evolution of southwestern Germany. Whether you’re a researcher, genealogist, student, or curious traveler, the Staatsarchiv offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration, research, and engagement with Freiburg’s storied past.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for your visit, including opening hours, ticketing policies, accessibility, directions, and highlights of the archive’s collections, events, and digital initiatives.

Historic Staatsarchiv Freiburg building with classic architectural features

Exhibition Perlen im Hinterhof exploring Freiburg's history

Historic building of Staatsarchiv Freiburg with classic architecture under clear sky

Historic courtyard with old buildings in Freiburg

Portrait of Prinzessin Louise von Thurn und Taxis wearing elegant attire

Historical Overview and Significance
Institutional Structure and Development
Visitor Information
Collections and Research Opportunities
Events and Community Engagement
Modernization and Digital Access
Plan Your Visit: Tips and Nearby Attractions
FAQs
Conclusion
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Overview and Significance

The Staatsarchiv Freiburg is the principal state archive for the Freiburg region and southwestern Baden-Württemberg. Its origins trace back to the medieval era, reflecting centuries of administrative, legal, and cultural evolution—from the Zähringen dynasty and Habsburg rule to the present-day state of Baden-Württemberg. The archive’s collections are essential not only for understanding local governance and law but also for appreciating the broader historical context of the region (Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg).

A highlight of the Staatsarchiv’s holdings is the 1516 Treaty of Perpetual Peace, which ended hostilities between Switzerland and France after the Battle of Marignano. Recognized by UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, this treaty underscores the archive’s global significance (UNESCO Memory of the World).

The archive acts as both a guardian of Freiburg’s documentary heritage and a cultural memory bank, supporting research, education, legal inquiries, and the collective identity of the region’s citizens.

Institutional Structure and Development

Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg

The Staatsarchiv Freiburg operates under the Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg, a network of regional archives that ensures the preservation and accessibility of the state’s historical records. Other notable branches include the Hauptstaatsarchiv Stuttgart and the Generallandesarchiv Karlsruhe (Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg).

Collections and Digital Transformation

Holdings range from medieval official records and private archives to photographs, maps, and manuscripts. In recent years, the Staatsarchiv has invested in digital transformation, making thousands of documents accessible through platforms like friXplore, and launching ongoing digitization campaigns.

Public Engagement

The Staatsarchiv fosters transparency and public participation through exhibitions, lectures, educational programs, and collaborations with universities and local organizations. Its commitment to outreach ensures that historical knowledge is accessible and relevant to the wider community.

Visitor Information

Location and Access

Address: Colombistraße 4, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
Easily accessible by public transport and within walking distance of Freiburg’s main railway station and Old Town. Parking is available nearby for visitors arriving by car (Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg - Staatsarchiv Freiburg Location and Services).

Opening Hours

Monday: 13:30 – 17:00
Tuesday: 08:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 08:00 – 17:00
Friday: 08:00 – 12:00
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Check the official website for holiday or special schedule changes.

Tickets and Entry

Admission is free for all visitors. Special exhibitions or guided tours may require advance registration or a nominal fee.

Accessibility

The archive is fully wheelchair accessible, with facilities and staff support for visitors with disabilities.

Collections and Research Opportunities

Scope and Highlights

Official Records: Documents from local and state authorities, courts, and public institutions, dating from the 13th century onwards.
Private Archives: Personal and family papers, organization records, and business collections, providing valuable perspectives on social history (Bodleian Libraries guide).
Photographic Collections: Notable for the Willy Pragher collection and rare colorized images from the early 20th century.
Maps and Plans: Historical maps and urban plans documenting Freiburg’s development.
Manuscripts: Unique memoirs and unpublished works, such as those featured in the “Bibliotheca Otolandana.”
Legal Documents: Treaties and charters, including the UNESCO-recognized Treaty of Perpetual Peace.

Research Facilities

Reading Rooms: Open during regular hours for on-site research; prior registration may be required for specific collections.
Expert Support: Archivists provide research assistance for scholars, genealogists, and the general public.

Digital Access

friXplore Platform: Browse and download digitized documents, maps, and images (friXplore).
Online-Informationssystem: Search inventories and digitized materials remotely (Online-Informationssystem).

Events and Community Engagement

Regular and Special Events

Exhibitions: Rotating displays of archival treasures, such as the Willy Pragher photographs and historic legal documents.
Guided Tours: Available for individuals, groups, schools, and universities (book in advance).
Public Lectures: Covering genealogy, regional history, and archival research methods.
Workshops and Training: Professional development for archivists and information professionals.

Community Initiatives

Heritage and Family History: Support for genealogical research using church book duplicates and other resources (Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek).
Archival Donations: Community members can contribute private archives and photographs (fribourg.ch).
Volunteer Opportunities: Occasional roles for cataloguing and exhibition preparation.

Collaborative Projects

Academic Research: Partnerships with the University of Freiburg and local societies.
Notable Projects: Editions of legal sources on the Freiburg witch trials (fr.ch), and disaster preparedness drills with local archives.

Modernization and Digital Access

Preservation and Digitization

The Staatsarchiv Freiburg is committed to long-term preservation, transitioning to acid-free, ISO 9706-compliant packaging for paper documents and expanding digital collections to increase accessibility.

Online Engagement

Digital Exhibitions: Explore highlights and thematic displays remotely via the Discovery Fribourg-Freiburg portal.
Social Media and Newsletters: Stay informed on new acquisitions, events, and digitization projects (fribourg.ch).

Plan Your Visit: Tips and Nearby Attractions

Insider Tips

Plan Ahead: Request documents in advance, as some are stored off-site.
Combine Visits: Explore nearby sites like Freiburg Minster, Augustinermuseum, and the Old Town (ExploreCity Freiburg).
Public Transport: Recommended due to limited parking in the city center.
Bring ID: Required for accessing certain archival materials.

Nearby Attractions

Freiburg Minster: A Gothic cathedral and city landmark.
Augustinermuseum: Regional art and cultural history.
Schlossberg Hill: Offers panoramic city views.

FAQs

Q: What are the Staatsarchiv Freiburg’s opening hours?
A: Monday 13:30–17:00, Tuesday & Thursday 08:00–17:00, Friday 08:00–12:00, Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday closed. Verify times on the official website.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, general admission is free. Fees may apply for special events or guided tours.

Q: How do I book a tour or research visit?
A: Contact the archive by phone or email at least one week in advance.

Q: Are facilities accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, including accessible entrances and staff support.

Q: Can I access materials online?
A: Many documents are digitized and available through friXplore and the Online-Informationssystem.

Q: How can I donate materials to the archive?
A: Contact staff for consultation regarding private archives or photographs.

Conclusion

The Staatsarchiv Freiburg is not only a repository of historical documents but also a vibrant center for research, public engagement, and cultural preservation. Its diverse collections, free public access, and commitment to digital innovation make it an essential destination for anyone interested in Freiburg’s past. By participating in its programs, exploring exhibitions, or delving into its digital resources, visitors become part of the ongoing story of the city and region.

For the most up-to-date information, event schedules, and research opportunities, consult the official Staatsarchiv Freiburg website and follow them on social media. Download the Audiala app for personalized visitor guides and interactive maps, and explore further articles about Freiburg’s rich heritage.