Freiburg: Acting tour “Witches, Torture, Stake” with Historix-Tours

Planning a visit to Freiburg and want to add a bit of spine-tingling history to your trip? Then the “Witches, Torture, Stake” tour by Historix-Tours might just be what you’re after. It’s a guided walk that combines storytelling, history, and a touch of drama, all led by a professional actor. This tour has been running since 1998, so it’s well-established and clearly popular.

What we love about this experience is how engaging the storytelling is—it’s not just a dry history lesson, but a lively, theatrical recounting of the city’s dark witch-hunt past. Plus, the stories about three women’s lives make the history feel personal and real. The only thing to keep in mind is that the tour is designed for adults or teens interested in history, and it deals with some heavy themes. If you’re curious about Freiburg’s past with a bit of a spooky twist, this tour is likely to suit you well.

One potential drawback? The tour doesn’t include access inside buildings, so if you’re after a more traditional museum or interior visit, this might not tick all those boxes. But if you enjoy stories told with passion and a dash of theatrical flair, you’ll probably find this tour both memorable and thought-provoking.

This is a great pick for anyone interested in history, especially those intrigued by the witch hunts and early modern persecution. It’s also suitable if you enjoy tours that combine storytelling with walking through the city streets, making history feel alive rather than just read about in a guidebook.

Key Points

• Engaging storytelling by a professional actor makes the history memorable
• Focus on personal stories of three women, adding depth to the history
• Tour covers multiple historic sites in Freiburg’s old town
• It’s cost-effective at just $18 per person for 1.5 hours
• The route emphasizes outdoor city views and atmospheric pedestrian zones
• Not suitable for children under 12 and doesn’t include interior visits

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

The “Witches, Torture, Stake” tour is designed to give you a sense of Freiburg’s darker past, specifically focusing on the witch hunts that occurred from the 16th century until 1751. The entire experience runs about an hour and a half, with a lively guide dressed in costume leading the way. It’s a walk that touches on real stories, dark deeds, and city landmarks that bear witness to those times.

Starting Point – Rathausplatz

You’ll meet your guide right outside St. Martin’s Church on Rathausplatz, opposite the tourist info. From here, the tour kicks off with a bit of history and a lot of storytelling. The guide’s costume and lantern really set the mood, making it feel like stepping back into the past.

Stops Along the Way

Each stop is carefully chosen to enhance the narrative. You’ll visit sites like the Gerichtslaube, where the city’s court proceedings once took place, and Am Predigertor, an old city gate connected to the events. Other stops include Schiffstraße 14, Münsterplatz, Martin’s Gate, Fischerau 24, and finally, the tour wraps up at Holzmarkt.

At each point, you’ll hear stories about the women accused of witchcraft, especially Catharina Stadellmenin, known as “The Witch of Freiburg.” The guide narrates their stories with enthusiasm, sharing details of their lives, accusations, and the brutal punishments they faced.

The Stories of Three Women

While Catharina’s story is front and center, the tour also touches on others affected by the witch hunts. These personal accounts make the history more relatable, and you’ll often hear how these stories reflect broader societal fears and superstitions of the time.

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Atmosphere and Viewpoints

The tour route passes through Freiburg’s atmospheric pedestrian zones, making it a pleasant walk with plenty of opportunities to admire the city’s architecture and street life. You won’t go inside buildings or museums, but the outside views and historical landmarks are enough to paint a vivid picture of the past.

The Value of the Experience

At just $18, this tour offers solid value—especially considering the lively narration and the chance to walk through the city’s historic streets. Travelers have noted that the guide’s enthusiasm really brings the stories to life, with many reviews praising the knowledgeable and engaging guides. One reviewer mentioned, “The tour guide was very enthusiastic and immersed us in history,” which highlights what makes this experience stand out.

Another reviewer appreciated how time flew by: “We got a lot of info, not too much, not too little. The 1.5 hours flew by.” That’s a good sign that the tour strikes a nice balance between storytelling and information without feeling rushed or overly dense.

Who Will Love It?

If you enjoy history with a theatrical twist, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect for adults and teenagers interested in the darker aspects of history, especially those curious about witch hunts and early modern societal fears. It’s also suitable for those who want a walking tour that’s more storytelling than sightseeing, and who appreciate a touch of atmospheric storytelling.

Considerations

Since the tour deals with some dark themes and portrayals from a bygone era, it’s not recommended for children under 12. Also, it’s a walking outdoor experience without interior access, so be prepared for weather considerations and comfortable shoes.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Rathausplatz – The Starting Point

This is where you meet your guide, and the atmosphere is set with the guide’s costume and lantern. It’s a good starting point to understand the context of the witch hunts in Freiburg.

Gerichtslaube

This historic court building is a significant site where many witch trials would have taken place. Your guide will explain how the city’s legal system once handled accusations of witchcraft, giving you insight into the judicial process of the time.

Am Predigertor and Schiffstraße 14

These streets and city gate spots are more than just scenery—they’re linked to the stories of accused women, including Catharina. The guide shares stories of suspicion, torture, and societal fears, making you feel like you’re walking through history.

Münsterplatz and Martin’s Gate

The tour continues through these iconic Freiburg landmarks, each with its own story to tell. Münsterplatz, with its impressive cathedral, is a backdrop for discussions about religious influence and witch hunts’ connection with social and spiritual fears.

Fischerau 24 and Final Stop at Holzmarkt

The last stops provide a reflective end to the tour, giving you time to process what you’ve heard while enjoying the city’s lively outdoor atmosphere.

Practical Details

• Duration: 1.5 hours, making it a manageable add-on to your day
• Price: $18 per person, a reasonable cost for a guided storytelling experience
• Language: The tour is led in German, but the narrative style makes it accessible even if your German isn’t fluent
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, which is a big plus for varied mobility needs
• Meeting Point: In front of St. Martin’s Church on Rathausplatz, opposite the tourist info

What’s Included

• Guided narration by an actor
• Insight into Freiburg’s city history
• External views of city landmarks
• Atmospheric walk through the pedestrian zones

What’s Not Included

• Interior visits—so if you’re after museum access, this won’t be the right fit

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

If you’re interested in a storytelling-based walking tour that brings a dark chapter of history to life with theatrical flair, this is a solid choice. It’s especially good if you enjoy stories about real people and want to see Freiburg through the lens of its most tumultuous times. The knowledgeable guides and the engaging narration make it stand out compared to more traditional city walks.

However, if you’re after a comprehensive museum experience or interior visits, you might find this tour a bit limited in scope. It’s also not suitable for very young children, given the mature themes.

This tour offers a unique and memorable way to explore Freiburg’s past—one that’s more about stories, atmosphere, and history than about guides simply showing you sights. It’s a particularly good fit for history buffs, fans of theatrical storytelling, and anyone curious about how societies have historically dealt with fear and suspicion.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 12, as it deals with dark themes related to witch hunts and historical punishments.

Do I need to speak German to enjoy the tour?
The tour is conducted in German, but the storytelling style and the guide’s enthusiasm help convey the story even if your German isn’t perfect.

Does the tour include interior visits?
No, the tour only covers outdoor city sites and landmarks. It doesn’t include inside visits or museum entries.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable activity for most schedules.

Is the tour stroller or wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible, and the route passes through atmospheric pedestrian zones.

What’s the cost of the tour?
$18 per person, which is quite reasonable for a guided theatrical storytelling walk.

Where do we meet the guide?
Right in front of St. Martin’s Church on Rathausplatz, opposite the tourist information office. The guide will be in costume and carrying a lantern.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are tips included?
Tipping is at your discretion—guides often appreciate it if you enjoyed the experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, especially if it’s rainy or cold, as it’s an outdoor route.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a history tour with a theatrical twist and don’t mind outdoor walking, the “Witches, Torture, Stake” experience is a smart choice. It offers a memorable glimpse into Freiburg’s past through captivating storytelling and engaging landmarks. Perfect for those curious about the darker side of history or seeking a different perspective on the city’s story.

You can check availability for your dates here: