Once upon a time, hazel bushes thrived here. Now let’s explore Haslach in Freiburg im Breisgau. This district’s name comes from the Old German “Hasala” for hazel bush and “Aha” for stream. Today those hazel bushes are rare.
Haslach’s story stretches back to 786. A deed of donation mentions “Haslaha” as land given to the Abbey of Saint Gall. Although older than this record suggests, its true age is unknown.
Freiburg’s founding in 1120 nearby shaped Haslach’s path. The market in Freiburg boosted Haslach’s economy. In 1890 Haslach joined Freiburg. Lord Mayor Otto Winterer expanded it with worker housing. Inspired by the Garden City movement, Haslach’s garden city emerged. Terraced houses with large self-sufficiency gardens became landmarks.
The parish of Haslach appeared in records in 1261. St Michael’s parish church was built in 1909. It has been expanded since then. The Thirty Years’ War devastated Haslach in 1633. It was completely destroyed.
Since the 1960s Haslach has grown as a residential area. It now features schools, a swimming center and shops. Buses and trams serve Haslach well.
The Haslach village well reminds residents of the 1890 annexation. The city of Freiburg donated it in 1892. Three roads from Freiburg, St Georgen and Opfingen once met here. The well has three sides. Haslach’s crest and an eagle adorn the well column. Inscriptions mark the annexation in 1890, the well’s construction in 1892 and the water line in 1894.
The area around the well was once triangular. It became rounded in 1908 to ease traffic on Gutleutstrasse. In 1969 the well moved to Carl-Kistner-Strasse and Uffhauserstrasse. It was in the way of road widening. Carl-Kistner-Strasse is central to Haslach.
Haslach’s fire department is on Eschholzstrasse. It houses the professional fire brigade. Volunteers and fire protection offices are also there. The integrated control station operates from there.
Haslach has Freiburg’s only comprehensive school. It is named for Nobel winner Hermann Staudinger. Built in 1970 a modern building is planned by 2025. The Haslach indoor garden pool is south of the school. It opened in 1976.
Since 2016 Haslach-Schildacker has hosted an initial reception center for asylum seekers. It occupies the former police academy.
Today Haslach thrives. It blends historical roots with modern living. It has evolved over centuries into the vibrant district we see today.