Archeology around Freiburg
In the past, a Roman road ran along what is now the A3 motorway, connecting Augst, Switzerland, with Mainz. Even today, numerous Roman remains can be found along this route, testifying to the importance of this major thoroughfare. The Romans, too, appreciated the region’s mild climate and fertile soil. They also introduced viticulture to the area, and vineyards still surround the Kaiserstuhl region today. In the Middle Ages, the Black Forest’s natural resources became especially valuable, and Freiburg developed into a trading town and a key junction for travel between north and south, and west and east.
Scroll down to discover Julians selection of archeological spots around Freiburg!
Augst/Augusta Raurica
The remains of the ancient city of Augusta Raurica still reflect the wealth of its former inhabitants. The theater is particularly well preserved, and the forum and basilica can also be visited. The remains of a bath complex and a fountain house are located not far from the forum. The museum next to the theater is especially worthwhile, as it features a reconstructed urban villa that illustrates daily life in Roman times.
general information: https://www.augustaraurica.ch
picture source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Augusta_Raurica%2C_Switzerland_%289224037859%29.jpg/1280px-Augusta_Raurica%2C_Switzerland_%289224037859%29.jpg (28.04.2026).
Villa and castle of Heitersheim
A Roman villa was excavated slightly north of Augst and now serves as a museum. Beneath a protective structure, visitors can view the well-preserved remains of the Roman villa’s main building. A small model shows how magnificent the villa once was. On the former villa grounds, a medieval castle and monastic complex is situated.
Villa: https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/attraktionen/roemermuseum-villa-urbana-6eedad18ea
Schloss: https://schloss-heitersheim.de/2-oeffnungszeiten.html
picture source: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fviatorimperi.es%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F12%2Fvilla_urbana-1024×576.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=65dc5f74ac154adc31c76a4230bd347f17ac2f0cd70477113e73037f79122b09 (28.04.2026).
Riegel roman museum
The Roman settlement at Riegel also benefited from the north–south route. Situated on a hill, a large settlement developed beneath what is now the modern town of Riegel. Today, findings from this settlement can be viewed in the Riegel Museum. Part of the exhibition includes a reconstruction of the basilica, allowing visitors to crawl inside and view it from the inside.
general information: https://www.museum-riegel.org/
picture source: https://museum-riegel.org/images/R%C3%B6mer/600x305px-Fresque_Mithraeum_Marino.jpg (28.04.2026).
The vicus of Lahr
Directly along the ancient road running from south to north, a small settlement of Roman craftsmen developed. Today, the reconstruction of one of the so-called strip houses illustrates the simple conditions in which the artisans and their families lived and worked. This type of building is known primarily from Riegel, Lahr, Offenburg, and Strasbourg. It is unique within the entire Roman Empire. The vicus is primarily known for its ancient pottery workshops and the “Lahrer Ware” produced there, which has also been found in Riegel. This special type of pottery can also be viewed in the Lahr City Museum, which presents the entire history of the city of Lahr.
general information: https://stadtmuseum.lahr.de/
picture source: https://www.lahr.de/fm/12/thumbnails/Streifenhaus_%C2%A9Buck2019-06536.jpg.1136458.jpg (28.04.2026).
Schauinsland mining museum
South of Freiburg on the Schauinsland mountain, visitors can tour one of the many mining tunnels, some of which were used to extract silver until the modern era. Here, the former mine and its history from the Middle Ages to recent times can be experienced up close.
general information: https://www.schauinsland.de/museums-bergwerk/fuehrungen/
picture source: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fimg1.oastatic.com%2Fimg2%2F38766850%2Fmax%2Fmuseums-bergwerk-schauinsland.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=f04590d1138e2936e5b92ec98f9192082ffb279123b4609dee24cabe2d3a7f8b (28.04.2026).
