Haus zum Walfisch: A Freiburg Icon
Discover the Haus zum Walfisch in Freiburg: a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, rich history, and cinematic fame in the heart of the Old Town.
The Haus zum Walfisch, or Whale House, is a stunning late-Gothic bourgeois house in Freiburg's Old Town, dating back to the early 16th century. Built by Jakob Villinger von Schönenberg, a wealthy merchant, its Renaissance architecture stands out with intricate ornamentation, including pilaster strips, decorated windows, and a triangular pediment adorned with Fortuna. The house gained fame as a temporary residence of Erasmus von Rotterdam in the 1530s and later as a filming location for the horror classic 'Suspiria'. Today, it houses a branch of Sparkasse Bank, blending architectural grandeur with modern function. A visit offers a glimpse into Freiburg's rich history and architectural heritage, making it a must-see landmark. Don't miss the monkey biting a sour apple on the rear side, a local symbol.
A brief summary to Haus zum Walfisch
- Franziskanerstraße 5, Freiburg im Breisgau, Mitte, 79098, DE
- Visit website
Local tips
- Look for the small monkey biting a sour apple on the building's rear side (facing Gauchstrasse), a local symbol with a humorous meaning.
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate details of the facade and the building's architectural features.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Freiburg's Altstadt to explore other historical landmarks and soak in the city's atmosphere.
Getting There
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Walking
From Freiburg's city center (e.g., Rathausplatz or Bertoldsbrunnen), the Haus zum Walfisch is easily reachable on foot within 5-10 minutes. Head east along Kaiser-Joseph-Straße, then turn right onto Franziskanerstraße. The Haus zum Walfisch will be on your left. The walk is through the pedestrian zone.
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Public Transport
If arriving by tram, the closest stops are 'Bertoldsbrunnen' or 'Oberlinden'. From either stop, walk along Franziskanerstraße to reach the Haus zum Walfisch. A single ticket within Freiburg (Zone A) costs €2.50.
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Driving
Parking in the immediate vicinity is limited. Consider using the Park & Ride options outside the city center and taking the tram into the Altstadt. Alternatively, use city center parking garages like 'Konzerthausgarage' or 'Tiefgarage am Bahnhof'. Hourly parking rates range from €2.20 to €3.00, with daily rates around €30.00. Be aware of the 'green zone' restrictions if driving within the city center.
Discover more about Haus zum Walfisch
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