Brennergasse 1, Freising
Brennergasse 1, 85354 Freising, Germany
Old Prison Freising | Wine Tavern & Exhibitions
Between Marienplatz and Domberg, one of the most characteristic buildings of the Freising old town hides at Brennergasse 1: the Old Prison. Today, the historic complex combines three experiential worlds under one roof: a prison museum with original cells and a clear focus on the local wizard boy trials of the 18th century, changing art exhibitions in the former living quarters of the prison director, and a cozy wine tavern on the ground floor. Those who want to combine culture with culinary delights will find an atmospheric place with high recognition value here – from the view through bars over baroque walls to the courtyard ambiance. Thanks to its central location, the house can be reached on foot through the alleys of the old town; parking is available in the nearby parking garage at Wörth or in designated spaces in the Lower Old Town. The rooms are operated by a volunteer association that has carefully restored the building since 2005 and further developed it as a vibrant cultural venue. Visitors can participate in public tours seasonally, discover free exhibitions, and unwind in the wine tavern in the evening – an authentic Freising experience that combines history, art, and enjoyment.
Wine Tavern, Opening Hours, and Menu: Enjoyment in Historical Walls
The wine tavern in the Old Prison is more than just a culinary stop – it is part of the special experience that this house offers. On the ground floor, where the everyday life of the institution's management used to be closer to the functional areas, the wine tavern now has its home. Officially, it is leased to the Kubik family; reservations and inquiries regarding gastronomy are therefore handled directly through the operators. The opening hours are clearly structured: Wednesday to Saturday, the wine tavern opens at 4 PM, on Sunday already at 12 PM; it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This time window creates ideal transitions: Those who visit an exhibition in the afternoon or view the baroque cells in the museum can then switch to the harmonious atmosphere of the wine tavern without haste. The room benefits from the historical substance – thick walls, visible traces of the history of use, and details like door frames and window openings that create a distinctive setting for sociable evenings. On the menu, as is customary for a classic wine tavern, selected wines and matching small dishes are offered; the specific offerings may vary seasonally and are the responsibility of the tavern's team. Those who want to inform themselves in advance about the current menu or secure a table for a larger group should contact the wine tavern directly. Practical for openings: During exhibitions, glasses and drinks can be provided in coordination with the host; a short line of communication between the exhibition organization and gastronomy facilitates the process on opening nights. Tip for planning: Due to the central location and frequently well-attended cultural events, a reservation is particularly recommended on weekends. This way, the visit to the Old Prison can be rounded off stress-free with culinary accents – from a glass of wine in the historic ground floor to a small snack after the exhibition tour.
Exhibitions and Events: Program, Opening Hours, and Formats
On the first floor – the former apartment of the prison director – artists and Freising cultural associations present their works in regular rotation. The exhibition rooms are rented weekly, resulting in a lively sequence of painting, photography, crafts, or thematic presentations. A look at the current exhibition calendar shows that the dates are precisely indicated with durations and opening hours; for example, in spring 2026, the exhibition 'Dolce Vita in Prison – Sigrun Lenk' was scheduled with daily opening from 11 AM to 6 PM, including an opening with musical accompaniment and expert introduction. Numerous formats are created in partnership with local actors: The cultural association Modern Studio Freising e. V., the artists' association Freisinger Mohr, textile artist groups, or the city archive regularly use the rooms for exhibitions or thematic series. In addition, the cultural history of the house shows that readings, cabaret evenings, small theater projects, or a charming flea market have also taken place here – events that consciously utilize the spatial proximity of art and audience. For visitors, this means short distances: The exhibition visit can be flexibly integrated into a city stroll, while openings often begin in the early evening. Important to know: Many exhibitions are free of charge; details can be found in the respective event entry. Those planning their own projects benefit from the clearly defined rental periods (each Tuesday to the following Monday) and support from the association – for example, in setting up lighting, providing tables and chairs, or communication on the website. Planners can check the booking plan online to avoid collisions and secure the best time early. This creates a dynamic sequence of regional and supra-regional artistic positions that anchors the Old Prison as a creative stage in the old town.
Guided Tours and Museum: Baroque Cells, Witch Tower, and Wizard Boy Trials
The prison museum on the second floor makes the history of the building's use directly experienceable. Original baroque cells in the so-called witch tower, a more modern cell from around 1940, and an interrogation room with historical instruments can be seen. The focus is on the so-called wizard boy trials in Freising: between 1715 and 1717 and 1721 and 1723, mostly juvenile defendants were imprisoned and convicted – a local manifestation of early modern witchcraft and superstition debates, whose historical processing becomes tangible in the museum. The tours are intentionally organized to be accessible: From May to October, interested parties can participate without registration on Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Outside of this season or for groups, it is possible to arrange individual appointments by phone. Admission is intentionally low-threshold: Adults pay 2 euros, reduced (children, teenagers, people in school/training) 1 euro; association members have free admission, and donations are welcome. The museum has been continuously expanded since its opening in 2014; additionally, a bathhouse illustrates the activities of historical 'barbers' who once performed medical tasks such as cupping or tooth extraction alongside hairstyling. Those who want to delve deeper into history will find information about the building and usage history in the vicinity of the house: Originally, the prison was located in the old town hall; later, the 'Eisenfrohnveste' was built, and finally – with a view to the child witch trials – the distinctive witch tower. After secularization, the administration continued to use parts of the complex until the cell block was finally closed in 1965. Today, this multifaceted history lends its charm to the museum visit: The transition between narrow cells, corridors, and exhibition niches, combined with a compact mediation program, ensures a condensed, atmospheric experience that connects to concrete living environments and regional events. For families, school classes, and history enthusiasts, the museum is thus a well-planned component of a Freising day.
Directions, Parking, and Accessibility: How to Reach Brennergasse 1
The Old Prison is located in the heart of the Freising old town at the intersection of Brennergasse and Fischergasse – exactly between Marienplatz and Domberg. This location makes the visit particularly pleasant: From the parking garage at Wörth or from the Lower Old Town, it is only a few minutes on foot through the alleys. Those arriving by train should follow the path from the station towards Obere Domberggasse and thus conveniently reach the house. Important for planning: There are no parking options directly on site. The parking garage at Wörth, the Kammergassen parking lot, and the parking garage in the Lower Old Town are recommended; the footpaths are short, while the immediate area around the building remains traffic-calmed, preserving the historical character. For groups, it is advisable to coordinate travel in advance and allow enough time for the walk. Another practical note concerns accessibility: The exhibition rooms on the first floor are unfortunately not barrier-free accessible. Those who rely on step-free access should consider this when planning the program and inquire directly with the association about which areas are accessible or what alternatives exist (e.g., digital insights, guided formats on the ground floor, or special mediation offers in cooperation with municipal institutions). For openings, readings, or small concert formats, the rooms are close together, making it easier for visitors to orient themselves. Signs at Brennergasse and information in the entrance area lead to the respective zones (wine tavern on the ground floor, exhibition rooms on the first floor, museum on the second floor). Overall, the Old Prison can be very well integrated into a stroll through the old town; those who want to visit the wine tavern in the evening can conveniently park in the garage and stroll back through the alleys – a harmonious Freising experience where paths are short and impressions are large.
Christmas Market and Seasonal Highlights: Advent in the Old Town
During the Advent season, the Freising city center traditionally transforms into a network of small, atmospheric markets and events. In official announcements from the city, in addition to larger squares, 'small Christmas markets like in the Old Prison' are specifically mentioned. For culture enthusiasts, this means: In addition to regular exhibitions, additional program points around the house can take place during the Advent season – such as small sales stands, musical contributions in an intimate setting, or thematic tours. Since these formats are highly seasonal and partner-dependent, it is advisable to check the city's information channels and the Old Prison's website in late autumn. The mix of illuminated old town facades, short distances, wine tavern ambiance, and occasional cultural offerings makes the charm of these weeks. Those looking for gifts will find unique items from artisans at the temporary markets; those seeking atmosphere will experience the contrast between festive flair and rough prison history. In addition to Advent offerings, special formats are interspersed throughout the year by local cultural partners: from thematic evenings with city history to readings, cabaret, or a flea market that transforms the courtyard area into a small treasure trove. Thus, the Old Prison remains a place that responds to the seasons: In summer, the central location facilitates combined city walks with the museum and wine tavern; in winter, the thick walls and intimate room sequence provide concentrated art moments. Those planning Advent visits should best consider the opening hours of the wine tavern (Wed–Sat from 4 PM, Sun from 12 PM) as well as possible special openings of the exhibitions. Through the intertwining of civic engagement, cultural calendar, and gastronomy, a fine, old town-near trinity emerges that makes Freising appear great in small.
Support Association, Rental, and Room Plans: How History Becomes Present
That the Old Prison is now experienceable as a cultural venue is largely due to the support association Altes Gefängnis Freising e. V. Since its founding in 2005, the association has gradually restored the long-unused building, established formats, and secured its use as a trinity of museum, exhibition, and wine tavern. Around 400 members support this work; tours, smaller renovation work, and the management of changing exhibitions are largely carried out on a voluntary basis. For artists, the clearly defined rental conditions are a plus: The entire director's apartment on the first floor is rented out weekly (Tuesday 10:00 AM to Monday 6:00 PM as the regular rental period), with a decreasing rent from the second week. The provided equipment details are practical: hanging ropes and hooks (without drilling or gluing into walls, ceilings, floors), adjustable rail spotlights, microphone and amplifier for speeches, a flat screen for video works, up to four folding tables, two standing tables, and some wooden chairs, as well as cleaning devices. Those who want to combine the opening with a drink can obtain wine and water through the tavern's host and use existing glasses; arrangements with the host simplify logistics and return. An online booking plan supports the choice of dates, while a room plan (with floor plan and wall elevations to scale 1:100) prepares the hanging logistics. Curatorially, a coherent path can be developed through the sequence of five rooms and the connecting corridors – from the introductory position to content deepening to the conclusion. For supporters and the curious, the association provides membership forms; not all members conduct tours themselves in the museum, many contribute to the vibrancy of the house through contributions and visits alone. Thus, the place connects cultural programs with civic engagement – a model that works in a grown old town and proves how monument preservation and contemporary culture can jointly create an identity-forming offer.
Photos, Impressions, and Planning Tips: What You Should Know Before Your Visit
Pictures often say more than words in a former prison: The view through the bars into the corridor, rustic doors, embedded locks, and the compact sequence of rooms are among the motifs that particularly fascinate visitors. Official pages and city portals regularly show current exhibition views; in addition, event entries transparently document opening hours, openings, and accompanying programs – for example, when an exhibition is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM or indicates 'free admission'. For personal planning, it is advisable to consider three points: First, the seasonality of the museum tours. Those who have time on Saturdays between May and October can come without registration; groups should best coordinate individual appointments by phone. Second, the old town location. It offers short distances but requires parking planning in the parking garage at Wörth or in the Lower Old Town; spontaneous stops with the car directly at the house are not possible. Third, the connection with the wine tavern. Those attending an opening can end the evening with a glass of wine; those choosing the wine tavern as the main destination should pay attention to the opening days (Wed–Sat from 4 PM, Sun from 12 PM). For exhibitors, it is important to check the booking plan early, study the room plan, and plan the hanging in a way that is gentle on the hanging ropes. Sound or audio needs a short light and technical rehearsal to ensure that the existing rail spotlights and the amplifier work optimally. In communication, precise information about duration, opening hours, and possibly accompanying programs (laudation, music) helps. In winter, it is worth checking the city's Advent announcements to combine the visit with smaller Christmas market activities around the Old Prison. This creates a rounded overall impression – from the photographic detail in the museum to the quiet moments of an exhibition to the sociable round in the wine tavern.
Sources:
- Museum | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Wine Tavern | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Contact & Directions | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Exhibitions | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Dolce Vita in Prison – Exhibition Entry (Opening Hours, Admission)
- City of Freising – Advent Magic in the City Center (Christmas Markets)
- Tourism Freising – Exhibition 'FREISINN' in the Old Prison
- Wikipedia – Old Prison (Freising): History and Use
- Rental & Booking Plan | Old Prison Freising – Conditions & Room Plan
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Old Prison Freising | Wine Tavern & Exhibitions
Between Marienplatz and Domberg, one of the most characteristic buildings of the Freising old town hides at Brennergasse 1: the Old Prison. Today, the historic complex combines three experiential worlds under one roof: a prison museum with original cells and a clear focus on the local wizard boy trials of the 18th century, changing art exhibitions in the former living quarters of the prison director, and a cozy wine tavern on the ground floor. Those who want to combine culture with culinary delights will find an atmospheric place with high recognition value here – from the view through bars over baroque walls to the courtyard ambiance. Thanks to its central location, the house can be reached on foot through the alleys of the old town; parking is available in the nearby parking garage at Wörth or in designated spaces in the Lower Old Town. The rooms are operated by a volunteer association that has carefully restored the building since 2005 and further developed it as a vibrant cultural venue. Visitors can participate in public tours seasonally, discover free exhibitions, and unwind in the wine tavern in the evening – an authentic Freising experience that combines history, art, and enjoyment.
Wine Tavern, Opening Hours, and Menu: Enjoyment in Historical Walls
The wine tavern in the Old Prison is more than just a culinary stop – it is part of the special experience that this house offers. On the ground floor, where the everyday life of the institution's management used to be closer to the functional areas, the wine tavern now has its home. Officially, it is leased to the Kubik family; reservations and inquiries regarding gastronomy are therefore handled directly through the operators. The opening hours are clearly structured: Wednesday to Saturday, the wine tavern opens at 4 PM, on Sunday already at 12 PM; it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This time window creates ideal transitions: Those who visit an exhibition in the afternoon or view the baroque cells in the museum can then switch to the harmonious atmosphere of the wine tavern without haste. The room benefits from the historical substance – thick walls, visible traces of the history of use, and details like door frames and window openings that create a distinctive setting for sociable evenings. On the menu, as is customary for a classic wine tavern, selected wines and matching small dishes are offered; the specific offerings may vary seasonally and are the responsibility of the tavern's team. Those who want to inform themselves in advance about the current menu or secure a table for a larger group should contact the wine tavern directly. Practical for openings: During exhibitions, glasses and drinks can be provided in coordination with the host; a short line of communication between the exhibition organization and gastronomy facilitates the process on opening nights. Tip for planning: Due to the central location and frequently well-attended cultural events, a reservation is particularly recommended on weekends. This way, the visit to the Old Prison can be rounded off stress-free with culinary accents – from a glass of wine in the historic ground floor to a small snack after the exhibition tour.
Exhibitions and Events: Program, Opening Hours, and Formats
On the first floor – the former apartment of the prison director – artists and Freising cultural associations present their works in regular rotation. The exhibition rooms are rented weekly, resulting in a lively sequence of painting, photography, crafts, or thematic presentations. A look at the current exhibition calendar shows that the dates are precisely indicated with durations and opening hours; for example, in spring 2026, the exhibition 'Dolce Vita in Prison – Sigrun Lenk' was scheduled with daily opening from 11 AM to 6 PM, including an opening with musical accompaniment and expert introduction. Numerous formats are created in partnership with local actors: The cultural association Modern Studio Freising e. V., the artists' association Freisinger Mohr, textile artist groups, or the city archive regularly use the rooms for exhibitions or thematic series. In addition, the cultural history of the house shows that readings, cabaret evenings, small theater projects, or a charming flea market have also taken place here – events that consciously utilize the spatial proximity of art and audience. For visitors, this means short distances: The exhibition visit can be flexibly integrated into a city stroll, while openings often begin in the early evening. Important to know: Many exhibitions are free of charge; details can be found in the respective event entry. Those planning their own projects benefit from the clearly defined rental periods (each Tuesday to the following Monday) and support from the association – for example, in setting up lighting, providing tables and chairs, or communication on the website. Planners can check the booking plan online to avoid collisions and secure the best time early. This creates a dynamic sequence of regional and supra-regional artistic positions that anchors the Old Prison as a creative stage in the old town.
Guided Tours and Museum: Baroque Cells, Witch Tower, and Wizard Boy Trials
The prison museum on the second floor makes the history of the building's use directly experienceable. Original baroque cells in the so-called witch tower, a more modern cell from around 1940, and an interrogation room with historical instruments can be seen. The focus is on the so-called wizard boy trials in Freising: between 1715 and 1717 and 1721 and 1723, mostly juvenile defendants were imprisoned and convicted – a local manifestation of early modern witchcraft and superstition debates, whose historical processing becomes tangible in the museum. The tours are intentionally organized to be accessible: From May to October, interested parties can participate without registration on Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Outside of this season or for groups, it is possible to arrange individual appointments by phone. Admission is intentionally low-threshold: Adults pay 2 euros, reduced (children, teenagers, people in school/training) 1 euro; association members have free admission, and donations are welcome. The museum has been continuously expanded since its opening in 2014; additionally, a bathhouse illustrates the activities of historical 'barbers' who once performed medical tasks such as cupping or tooth extraction alongside hairstyling. Those who want to delve deeper into history will find information about the building and usage history in the vicinity of the house: Originally, the prison was located in the old town hall; later, the 'Eisenfrohnveste' was built, and finally – with a view to the child witch trials – the distinctive witch tower. After secularization, the administration continued to use parts of the complex until the cell block was finally closed in 1965. Today, this multifaceted history lends its charm to the museum visit: The transition between narrow cells, corridors, and exhibition niches, combined with a compact mediation program, ensures a condensed, atmospheric experience that connects to concrete living environments and regional events. For families, school classes, and history enthusiasts, the museum is thus a well-planned component of a Freising day.
Directions, Parking, and Accessibility: How to Reach Brennergasse 1
The Old Prison is located in the heart of the Freising old town at the intersection of Brennergasse and Fischergasse – exactly between Marienplatz and Domberg. This location makes the visit particularly pleasant: From the parking garage at Wörth or from the Lower Old Town, it is only a few minutes on foot through the alleys. Those arriving by train should follow the path from the station towards Obere Domberggasse and thus conveniently reach the house. Important for planning: There are no parking options directly on site. The parking garage at Wörth, the Kammergassen parking lot, and the parking garage in the Lower Old Town are recommended; the footpaths are short, while the immediate area around the building remains traffic-calmed, preserving the historical character. For groups, it is advisable to coordinate travel in advance and allow enough time for the walk. Another practical note concerns accessibility: The exhibition rooms on the first floor are unfortunately not barrier-free accessible. Those who rely on step-free access should consider this when planning the program and inquire directly with the association about which areas are accessible or what alternatives exist (e.g., digital insights, guided formats on the ground floor, or special mediation offers in cooperation with municipal institutions). For openings, readings, or small concert formats, the rooms are close together, making it easier for visitors to orient themselves. Signs at Brennergasse and information in the entrance area lead to the respective zones (wine tavern on the ground floor, exhibition rooms on the first floor, museum on the second floor). Overall, the Old Prison can be very well integrated into a stroll through the old town; those who want to visit the wine tavern in the evening can conveniently park in the garage and stroll back through the alleys – a harmonious Freising experience where paths are short and impressions are large.
Christmas Market and Seasonal Highlights: Advent in the Old Town
During the Advent season, the Freising city center traditionally transforms into a network of small, atmospheric markets and events. In official announcements from the city, in addition to larger squares, 'small Christmas markets like in the Old Prison' are specifically mentioned. For culture enthusiasts, this means: In addition to regular exhibitions, additional program points around the house can take place during the Advent season – such as small sales stands, musical contributions in an intimate setting, or thematic tours. Since these formats are highly seasonal and partner-dependent, it is advisable to check the city's information channels and the Old Prison's website in late autumn. The mix of illuminated old town facades, short distances, wine tavern ambiance, and occasional cultural offerings makes the charm of these weeks. Those looking for gifts will find unique items from artisans at the temporary markets; those seeking atmosphere will experience the contrast between festive flair and rough prison history. In addition to Advent offerings, special formats are interspersed throughout the year by local cultural partners: from thematic evenings with city history to readings, cabaret, or a flea market that transforms the courtyard area into a small treasure trove. Thus, the Old Prison remains a place that responds to the seasons: In summer, the central location facilitates combined city walks with the museum and wine tavern; in winter, the thick walls and intimate room sequence provide concentrated art moments. Those planning Advent visits should best consider the opening hours of the wine tavern (Wed–Sat from 4 PM, Sun from 12 PM) as well as possible special openings of the exhibitions. Through the intertwining of civic engagement, cultural calendar, and gastronomy, a fine, old town-near trinity emerges that makes Freising appear great in small.
Support Association, Rental, and Room Plans: How History Becomes Present
That the Old Prison is now experienceable as a cultural venue is largely due to the support association Altes Gefängnis Freising e. V. Since its founding in 2005, the association has gradually restored the long-unused building, established formats, and secured its use as a trinity of museum, exhibition, and wine tavern. Around 400 members support this work; tours, smaller renovation work, and the management of changing exhibitions are largely carried out on a voluntary basis. For artists, the clearly defined rental conditions are a plus: The entire director's apartment on the first floor is rented out weekly (Tuesday 10:00 AM to Monday 6:00 PM as the regular rental period), with a decreasing rent from the second week. The provided equipment details are practical: hanging ropes and hooks (without drilling or gluing into walls, ceilings, floors), adjustable rail spotlights, microphone and amplifier for speeches, a flat screen for video works, up to four folding tables, two standing tables, and some wooden chairs, as well as cleaning devices. Those who want to combine the opening with a drink can obtain wine and water through the tavern's host and use existing glasses; arrangements with the host simplify logistics and return. An online booking plan supports the choice of dates, while a room plan (with floor plan and wall elevations to scale 1:100) prepares the hanging logistics. Curatorially, a coherent path can be developed through the sequence of five rooms and the connecting corridors – from the introductory position to content deepening to the conclusion. For supporters and the curious, the association provides membership forms; not all members conduct tours themselves in the museum, many contribute to the vibrancy of the house through contributions and visits alone. Thus, the place connects cultural programs with civic engagement – a model that works in a grown old town and proves how monument preservation and contemporary culture can jointly create an identity-forming offer.
Photos, Impressions, and Planning Tips: What You Should Know Before Your Visit
Pictures often say more than words in a former prison: The view through the bars into the corridor, rustic doors, embedded locks, and the compact sequence of rooms are among the motifs that particularly fascinate visitors. Official pages and city portals regularly show current exhibition views; in addition, event entries transparently document opening hours, openings, and accompanying programs – for example, when an exhibition is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM or indicates 'free admission'. For personal planning, it is advisable to consider three points: First, the seasonality of the museum tours. Those who have time on Saturdays between May and October can come without registration; groups should best coordinate individual appointments by phone. Second, the old town location. It offers short distances but requires parking planning in the parking garage at Wörth or in the Lower Old Town; spontaneous stops with the car directly at the house are not possible. Third, the connection with the wine tavern. Those attending an opening can end the evening with a glass of wine; those choosing the wine tavern as the main destination should pay attention to the opening days (Wed–Sat from 4 PM, Sun from 12 PM). For exhibitors, it is important to check the booking plan early, study the room plan, and plan the hanging in a way that is gentle on the hanging ropes. Sound or audio needs a short light and technical rehearsal to ensure that the existing rail spotlights and the amplifier work optimally. In communication, precise information about duration, opening hours, and possibly accompanying programs (laudation, music) helps. In winter, it is worth checking the city's Advent announcements to combine the visit with smaller Christmas market activities around the Old Prison. This creates a rounded overall impression – from the photographic detail in the museum to the quiet moments of an exhibition to the sociable round in the wine tavern.
Sources:
- Museum | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Wine Tavern | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Contact & Directions | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Exhibitions | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Dolce Vita in Prison – Exhibition Entry (Opening Hours, Admission)
- City of Freising – Advent Magic in the City Center (Christmas Markets)
- Tourism Freising – Exhibition 'FREISINN' in the Old Prison
- Wikipedia – Old Prison (Freising): History and Use
- Rental & Booking Plan | Old Prison Freising – Conditions & Room Plan
Old Prison Freising | Wine Tavern & Exhibitions
Between Marienplatz and Domberg, one of the most characteristic buildings of the Freising old town hides at Brennergasse 1: the Old Prison. Today, the historic complex combines three experiential worlds under one roof: a prison museum with original cells and a clear focus on the local wizard boy trials of the 18th century, changing art exhibitions in the former living quarters of the prison director, and a cozy wine tavern on the ground floor. Those who want to combine culture with culinary delights will find an atmospheric place with high recognition value here – from the view through bars over baroque walls to the courtyard ambiance. Thanks to its central location, the house can be reached on foot through the alleys of the old town; parking is available in the nearby parking garage at Wörth or in designated spaces in the Lower Old Town. The rooms are operated by a volunteer association that has carefully restored the building since 2005 and further developed it as a vibrant cultural venue. Visitors can participate in public tours seasonally, discover free exhibitions, and unwind in the wine tavern in the evening – an authentic Freising experience that combines history, art, and enjoyment.
Wine Tavern, Opening Hours, and Menu: Enjoyment in Historical Walls
The wine tavern in the Old Prison is more than just a culinary stop – it is part of the special experience that this house offers. On the ground floor, where the everyday life of the institution's management used to be closer to the functional areas, the wine tavern now has its home. Officially, it is leased to the Kubik family; reservations and inquiries regarding gastronomy are therefore handled directly through the operators. The opening hours are clearly structured: Wednesday to Saturday, the wine tavern opens at 4 PM, on Sunday already at 12 PM; it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This time window creates ideal transitions: Those who visit an exhibition in the afternoon or view the baroque cells in the museum can then switch to the harmonious atmosphere of the wine tavern without haste. The room benefits from the historical substance – thick walls, visible traces of the history of use, and details like door frames and window openings that create a distinctive setting for sociable evenings. On the menu, as is customary for a classic wine tavern, selected wines and matching small dishes are offered; the specific offerings may vary seasonally and are the responsibility of the tavern's team. Those who want to inform themselves in advance about the current menu or secure a table for a larger group should contact the wine tavern directly. Practical for openings: During exhibitions, glasses and drinks can be provided in coordination with the host; a short line of communication between the exhibition organization and gastronomy facilitates the process on opening nights. Tip for planning: Due to the central location and frequently well-attended cultural events, a reservation is particularly recommended on weekends. This way, the visit to the Old Prison can be rounded off stress-free with culinary accents – from a glass of wine in the historic ground floor to a small snack after the exhibition tour.
Exhibitions and Events: Program, Opening Hours, and Formats
On the first floor – the former apartment of the prison director – artists and Freising cultural associations present their works in regular rotation. The exhibition rooms are rented weekly, resulting in a lively sequence of painting, photography, crafts, or thematic presentations. A look at the current exhibition calendar shows that the dates are precisely indicated with durations and opening hours; for example, in spring 2026, the exhibition 'Dolce Vita in Prison – Sigrun Lenk' was scheduled with daily opening from 11 AM to 6 PM, including an opening with musical accompaniment and expert introduction. Numerous formats are created in partnership with local actors: The cultural association Modern Studio Freising e. V., the artists' association Freisinger Mohr, textile artist groups, or the city archive regularly use the rooms for exhibitions or thematic series. In addition, the cultural history of the house shows that readings, cabaret evenings, small theater projects, or a charming flea market have also taken place here – events that consciously utilize the spatial proximity of art and audience. For visitors, this means short distances: The exhibition visit can be flexibly integrated into a city stroll, while openings often begin in the early evening. Important to know: Many exhibitions are free of charge; details can be found in the respective event entry. Those planning their own projects benefit from the clearly defined rental periods (each Tuesday to the following Monday) and support from the association – for example, in setting up lighting, providing tables and chairs, or communication on the website. Planners can check the booking plan online to avoid collisions and secure the best time early. This creates a dynamic sequence of regional and supra-regional artistic positions that anchors the Old Prison as a creative stage in the old town.
Guided Tours and Museum: Baroque Cells, Witch Tower, and Wizard Boy Trials
The prison museum on the second floor makes the history of the building's use directly experienceable. Original baroque cells in the so-called witch tower, a more modern cell from around 1940, and an interrogation room with historical instruments can be seen. The focus is on the so-called wizard boy trials in Freising: between 1715 and 1717 and 1721 and 1723, mostly juvenile defendants were imprisoned and convicted – a local manifestation of early modern witchcraft and superstition debates, whose historical processing becomes tangible in the museum. The tours are intentionally organized to be accessible: From May to October, interested parties can participate without registration on Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Outside of this season or for groups, it is possible to arrange individual appointments by phone. Admission is intentionally low-threshold: Adults pay 2 euros, reduced (children, teenagers, people in school/training) 1 euro; association members have free admission, and donations are welcome. The museum has been continuously expanded since its opening in 2014; additionally, a bathhouse illustrates the activities of historical 'barbers' who once performed medical tasks such as cupping or tooth extraction alongside hairstyling. Those who want to delve deeper into history will find information about the building and usage history in the vicinity of the house: Originally, the prison was located in the old town hall; later, the 'Eisenfrohnveste' was built, and finally – with a view to the child witch trials – the distinctive witch tower. After secularization, the administration continued to use parts of the complex until the cell block was finally closed in 1965. Today, this multifaceted history lends its charm to the museum visit: The transition between narrow cells, corridors, and exhibition niches, combined with a compact mediation program, ensures a condensed, atmospheric experience that connects to concrete living environments and regional events. For families, school classes, and history enthusiasts, the museum is thus a well-planned component of a Freising day.
Directions, Parking, and Accessibility: How to Reach Brennergasse 1
The Old Prison is located in the heart of the Freising old town at the intersection of Brennergasse and Fischergasse – exactly between Marienplatz and Domberg. This location makes the visit particularly pleasant: From the parking garage at Wörth or from the Lower Old Town, it is only a few minutes on foot through the alleys. Those arriving by train should follow the path from the station towards Obere Domberggasse and thus conveniently reach the house. Important for planning: There are no parking options directly on site. The parking garage at Wörth, the Kammergassen parking lot, and the parking garage in the Lower Old Town are recommended; the footpaths are short, while the immediate area around the building remains traffic-calmed, preserving the historical character. For groups, it is advisable to coordinate travel in advance and allow enough time for the walk. Another practical note concerns accessibility: The exhibition rooms on the first floor are unfortunately not barrier-free accessible. Those who rely on step-free access should consider this when planning the program and inquire directly with the association about which areas are accessible or what alternatives exist (e.g., digital insights, guided formats on the ground floor, or special mediation offers in cooperation with municipal institutions). For openings, readings, or small concert formats, the rooms are close together, making it easier for visitors to orient themselves. Signs at Brennergasse and information in the entrance area lead to the respective zones (wine tavern on the ground floor, exhibition rooms on the first floor, museum on the second floor). Overall, the Old Prison can be very well integrated into a stroll through the old town; those who want to visit the wine tavern in the evening can conveniently park in the garage and stroll back through the alleys – a harmonious Freising experience where paths are short and impressions are large.
Christmas Market and Seasonal Highlights: Advent in the Old Town
During the Advent season, the Freising city center traditionally transforms into a network of small, atmospheric markets and events. In official announcements from the city, in addition to larger squares, 'small Christmas markets like in the Old Prison' are specifically mentioned. For culture enthusiasts, this means: In addition to regular exhibitions, additional program points around the house can take place during the Advent season – such as small sales stands, musical contributions in an intimate setting, or thematic tours. Since these formats are highly seasonal and partner-dependent, it is advisable to check the city's information channels and the Old Prison's website in late autumn. The mix of illuminated old town facades, short distances, wine tavern ambiance, and occasional cultural offerings makes the charm of these weeks. Those looking for gifts will find unique items from artisans at the temporary markets; those seeking atmosphere will experience the contrast between festive flair and rough prison history. In addition to Advent offerings, special formats are interspersed throughout the year by local cultural partners: from thematic evenings with city history to readings, cabaret, or a flea market that transforms the courtyard area into a small treasure trove. Thus, the Old Prison remains a place that responds to the seasons: In summer, the central location facilitates combined city walks with the museum and wine tavern; in winter, the thick walls and intimate room sequence provide concentrated art moments. Those planning Advent visits should best consider the opening hours of the wine tavern (Wed–Sat from 4 PM, Sun from 12 PM) as well as possible special openings of the exhibitions. Through the intertwining of civic engagement, cultural calendar, and gastronomy, a fine, old town-near trinity emerges that makes Freising appear great in small.
Support Association, Rental, and Room Plans: How History Becomes Present
That the Old Prison is now experienceable as a cultural venue is largely due to the support association Altes Gefängnis Freising e. V. Since its founding in 2005, the association has gradually restored the long-unused building, established formats, and secured its use as a trinity of museum, exhibition, and wine tavern. Around 400 members support this work; tours, smaller renovation work, and the management of changing exhibitions are largely carried out on a voluntary basis. For artists, the clearly defined rental conditions are a plus: The entire director's apartment on the first floor is rented out weekly (Tuesday 10:00 AM to Monday 6:00 PM as the regular rental period), with a decreasing rent from the second week. The provided equipment details are practical: hanging ropes and hooks (without drilling or gluing into walls, ceilings, floors), adjustable rail spotlights, microphone and amplifier for speeches, a flat screen for video works, up to four folding tables, two standing tables, and some wooden chairs, as well as cleaning devices. Those who want to combine the opening with a drink can obtain wine and water through the tavern's host and use existing glasses; arrangements with the host simplify logistics and return. An online booking plan supports the choice of dates, while a room plan (with floor plan and wall elevations to scale 1:100) prepares the hanging logistics. Curatorially, a coherent path can be developed through the sequence of five rooms and the connecting corridors – from the introductory position to content deepening to the conclusion. For supporters and the curious, the association provides membership forms; not all members conduct tours themselves in the museum, many contribute to the vibrancy of the house through contributions and visits alone. Thus, the place connects cultural programs with civic engagement – a model that works in a grown old town and proves how monument preservation and contemporary culture can jointly create an identity-forming offer.
Photos, Impressions, and Planning Tips: What You Should Know Before Your Visit
Pictures often say more than words in a former prison: The view through the bars into the corridor, rustic doors, embedded locks, and the compact sequence of rooms are among the motifs that particularly fascinate visitors. Official pages and city portals regularly show current exhibition views; in addition, event entries transparently document opening hours, openings, and accompanying programs – for example, when an exhibition is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM or indicates 'free admission'. For personal planning, it is advisable to consider three points: First, the seasonality of the museum tours. Those who have time on Saturdays between May and October can come without registration; groups should best coordinate individual appointments by phone. Second, the old town location. It offers short distances but requires parking planning in the parking garage at Wörth or in the Lower Old Town; spontaneous stops with the car directly at the house are not possible. Third, the connection with the wine tavern. Those attending an opening can end the evening with a glass of wine; those choosing the wine tavern as the main destination should pay attention to the opening days (Wed–Sat from 4 PM, Sun from 12 PM). For exhibitors, it is important to check the booking plan early, study the room plan, and plan the hanging in a way that is gentle on the hanging ropes. Sound or audio needs a short light and technical rehearsal to ensure that the existing rail spotlights and the amplifier work optimally. In communication, precise information about duration, opening hours, and possibly accompanying programs (laudation, music) helps. In winter, it is worth checking the city's Advent announcements to combine the visit with smaller Christmas market activities around the Old Prison. This creates a rounded overall impression – from the photographic detail in the museum to the quiet moments of an exhibition to the sociable round in the wine tavern.
Sources:
- Museum | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Wine Tavern | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Contact & Directions | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Exhibitions | Old Prison Freising - Official Website
- Dolce Vita in Prison – Exhibition Entry (Opening Hours, Admission)
- City of Freising – Advent Magic in the City Center (Christmas Markets)
- Tourism Freising – Exhibition 'FREISINN' in the Old Prison
- Wikipedia – Old Prison (Freising): History and Use
- Rental & Booking Plan | Old Prison Freising – Conditions & Room Plan
Upcoming Events
Photo Exhibition Together – Kunstverein Freisinger Mohr e. V.
An evening for sense and senses at the Old Prison Freising: Together presents touching photography about closeness and community. 08.05.2026, free admission. Experience art, engage in dialogue, open horizons. #FreisingCulture
AHH!! 2026 Don't fool yourself - you don't make art. Art makes you!
A strong artistic experience in the Old Prison Freising: AHH!! 2026 connects glass, textile, ceramics, and paper in an inspiring exhibition. #Art
Family KREATIV and Friends - Opening
We are creative and ambitious to develop artistically - and that in a family. We found this unusual and in stimulating conversations, the idea for several exhibitions came about. Additionally, this time we invited friendly artists to enrich our exhibition with their works. This is the fourth exhibition and we are showcasing paintings, mosaics, photography, sculptures, and plastics. Opening: 04.06.2026, 5 PM Opening hours: daily (except 04.06.2026) 1 PM to 6 PM Contact for information for interested parties: magnus.bauer@web.de
Multiverse of Art
Step into a world where art transcends boundaries - with Karina Wizart, Chiara Engl, Claudia Kleber, Daniel Beulecke & Manuela Eschba...
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviews
Randi Schmidt
16. December 2023
Watch out for cookie Karen! Let me explain - I've been here multiple times and enjoyed it. I was really looking forward to taking friends here to show them the nice atmosphere and good food. However, this time was very disappointing. The service was extremely slow, not just for us, but also for our elderly neighbors at the table next to us, who had to go find the waitress after 15 minutes of waiting. Some of our order was never delivered. This would have been a three-star review, but our final, very special experience upon leaving changed that. Where you exit/enter the restaurant, there were cookies placed out with tongs and napkins. There was also a Christmas event with Glühwein and snacks. All very inviting. When we attempted to take said cookie, which a waiter informed us we could take, a very angry Cookie Karen promptly swooped in, snatched the tongs from our hands, and scolded us severely! It was so weird and the level of anger about the cookies so disproportionate to the "crime," it was almost comical. After spending a significant amount of money, it was also just rude. If you go, remember, "Put that cookie down, NOW!"
Marcel van Schooten
31. December 2022
We only had the option to visit the small Christmas market. Which was nice and we bought some awesome products from vendors. Maybe next time we will be able to see the rest of the building.
Le Sommelier Otaku
24. September 2023
A unique experience full of surprises!
Carrie
4. July 2025
We had our girls' night here today. The atmosphere is beautiful, the drinks were delicious, and the waitress and manager were very friendly. We'll definitely be back and are happy to have found our new favorite place in Freising! Thank you for this!
René Meibaum
5. February 2026
Beautiful atmosphere. The service is incredibly friendly and attentive. The food was simply fantastic. A real hidden gem! 🤫