In 1457, Albrecht VI (Albert VI) of Austria (the country of which the city was a part at that time) founded the University of Freiburg, where, from the very beginning, theology, law and medicine were taught; students could also read “Artes Liberales” at the precursor of the modern Faculty of Humanities. In 1818, a substantial gift from Grand Duke Ludwig of Baden ensured the university’s continued existence. To thank him for this, the university’s name was changed from the Albertina to the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg.

The University of Freiburg is among the oldest higher education institutions in Germany and has one of the richest traditions. The humanities and social sciences have traditionally been an important part of its work. Outstanding achievements in philosophy, philology, historical research, economics and law are associated with the names and the publications of Freiburg academics such as Heidegger, Husserl, Weber, Eucken and the Nobel Prize winner von Hayek. In addition to this, the university offers a wide range of courses in the natural sciences and medicine. Famous professors such as the Nobel Prize winners Spemann, Staudinger, von Hevesy and Krebs have taught these disciplines at Freiburg. Through its Faculty of Applied Sciences and the disciplines of micro-system technologies and computer science the University of Freiburg has opened up new and innovative fields of study and research.

written by Dr. Dieter Speck - Head of the University Archives.