Freising is celebrating: The keystone for the new city center on December 17th!

Freising is celebrating: The keystone for the new city center on December 17th!

Freising's city center has undergone an exciting transformation over the last ten years, and now the crowning achievement is just around the corner. On December 17, 2025, the ceremonial laying of the keystone will take place in Untere Hauptstrasse, which will ceremoniously seal the extensive construction work to redesign the city center. This event, organized by the city of Freising and the city marketing association Aktive City, promises to be a real festival for the entire population.

The construction work, which has been underway since 2009, included the renewal of all utilities such as water, electricity and fiber optics as well as extensive greening of the city center. Mayor Tobias Eschenbacher sees the laying of the keystone as an important sign for the future of the city and emphasizes that the challenges during the renovation period for residents, businesses and the administration should not be underestimated. But the reward for patience and perseverance is a win for everyone, as Max Kirchmaier, chairman of the city marketing association, states: “The quality of stay and visitor frequency have improved.”

A celebration for everyone

The ceremony begins at the market fountain at 2 p.m. Mayor Eschenbacher will symbolize the end of the construction work with an engraved keystone. The ceremony is accompanied by an ecumenical blessing led by Pastor Daniel Reichel and Dean Christian Weigl, with the Freising City Band providing musical accompaniment throughout the afternoon. Things get colorful and lively when the “Frisinga Fratzen” parade through Untere Hauptstraße in a traditional Perchtenlauf from 3:30 p.m. Culinary stands invite visitors to fortify themselves with mulled wine and hot soups and enjoy the atmosphere.

The day ends in style with the illumination of the house fronts as darkness falls. Please note that on the day of the event, the pedestrian area on Untere Hauptstrasse between Marienplatz and District Court Lane will be closed to motorized traffic from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. This means all guests can enjoy the party safely and carefree.

A symbol of citizen participation

The redesign of Freising's city center is a prime example of successful citizen participation. Over the years, the public has been actively involved in the process, ensuring broad acceptance and support within the population. Urban development, which is characterized by comprehensive planning and changes, takes into account not only structural, but also social, economic and ecological aspects. Topics such as climate change and social integration are the focus in order to improve the quality of life of citizens in the long term. A specific example of the importance of citizen participation is the “participation paradox,” which illustrates the importance of involving citizens early in planning processes.

This means that the newly created urban landscape will not only be more beautiful, but also more functional and livable for all Freising residents and visitors. Be there at the big ceremony and celebrate the future of the city center with us!