The Old Cemetery in Freiburg, where not only prominent figures from Freiburg but also numerous famous visitors found their final resting place between the 17th and 19th centuries, is today an impressive park that, in addition to its remarkable natural diversity, captivates visitors above all with its cultural and historical significance, as it is one of the few preserved German gems where the diverse changes in funerary art over the centuries can be traced. During a guided tour of Freiburg’s Old Cemetery, you’ll not only discover the fascinating, sometimes heavily weathered gravestones—which nonetheless unmistakably reflect the elegance and splendor of bygone eras—but you’ll also learn numerous exciting and often little-known details about Freiburg’s city history, which make this historic site an extraordinary experience.
When you begin your tour of the Old Cemetery in Freiburg, you’ll enter the grounds through the entrance on Stadtstraße, where you’ll immediately be greeted by the special atmosphere of this historic site, which features over 1,100 gravestones and was transformed into an impressive park after it ceased to serve as a cemetery in the late 19th century. As you stroll along the well-maintained paths, you’ll learn that the preservation of the cemetery—which served as the main cemetery for the city of Freiburg between 1683 and 1872— is primarily due to the dedication of the Freiburg architect and artist Johann Christian Wentzinger, whose grave is also located on the grounds and is a must-see on any guided tour, as it strikingly illustrates the connection between art, history, and personal legacy.
The multitude of imposing stone monuments, artistically designed metal crosses, and simple wooden crosses mark the final resting places of numerous notable figures and tell the story of how burial customs have changed over the centuries. No less impressive is St. Michael’s Chapel, which you can admire from the outside during your tour and which is considered an example of the restoration of historic buildings after World War II, making it just as much a part of a visit to the Old Cemetery as the mighty Lothar plane tree and the memorial stone commemorating the revolutionaries of 1848–1849, which brings the site’s turbulent history to life.
Of course, every themed guided tour of Freiburg’s Old Cemetery also takes you to what is arguably the most famous grave—that of the mysterious “Sleeping Girl”—whose symbolism and legends spark the imagination and have fascinated visitors for generations. During your stroll, you’ll discover the exciting stories behind butterflies, rosebuds, a depiction of Freiburg Cathedral, a toad, and a skull with a nail—all of which can be found on the tombstones and offer surprising insights into the past. Even a grave that no longer exists has an interesting story to tell, underscoring the complexity of this special place.
The mix of spooky, heartbreaking, and romantic stories that come to life during the guided tour makes a visit to Freiburg’s Old Cemetery an extraordinary experience that vividly reflects not only the city’s history but also the diversity of human destinies.
Old Cemetery (Google Maps)
Professional tour guides will show you a hidden gem just outside Freiburg im Breisgau’s Old Town. The Old Cemetery, in particular, is a true treasure of the city, even if it’s perhaps not quite as famous as the cathedral and the Freiburg Bächle.
