Planetarium Freiburg | Program & Tickets

Located directly at the northern end of Freiburg's main train station, the Planetarium Freiburg makes the view into the cosmos experienceable right in the city. Under a 13-meter dome, the dome hall with 140 seats invites you to dive into constellations, planetary journeys, and impressive 360-degree projections. The modern fulldome system with high-performance projectors and the central star projector from ZEISS project a realistic sky onto the dome – from the Milky Way to distant nebulae. Thanks to barrier-free access, hearing aids, and optional translations via headphones, the visit is as comfortable as it is inclusive. Those arriving by car can conveniently park in the underground garage directly beneath the building; the tram and trains make the journey short anyway. Tickets can be easily reserved online or purchased on-site at the box office, which opens 45 minutes before the show starts. This page consolidates the most important information for your visit: current program today and upcoming events, tickets and prices, opening hours and admission, directions and parking, child-friendly offers, as well as vouchers and special formats.

Program today and upcoming events at the Planetarium Freiburg

The Planetarium Freiburg relies on a curated mix of child-friendly presentations, family programs, and evening formats for adults and teenagers. The official schedule is continuously updated and shows you daily which shows are taking place today and in the coming weeks. For the period from February to May 2026, a detailed program flyer is available, which includes classics such as “Journey Through the Night” and “Planets – Expedition into the Solar System,” as well as popular themed evenings on black holes, galaxies, or the current night sky. Visual music and art formats, as well as special events, regularly complement the schedule. The overviews list the next dates for each show, so you can quickly see whether afternoon or evening performances are planned on the desired date and whether there are additional special events.

Practical: Each program tile on the website links to a detail page with description, age recommendations, and specific performance dates. From there, you can directly access online reservations. Reservations are usually possible up to four weeks in advance. For last-minute visits, it’s worth checking the schedule on the respective day, as freed-up seats or additional dates will be visible there. Note that no admission is allowed after the show starts – plan your arrival accordingly and use the information that the box office opens 45 minutes before the start. This leaves enough time to pick up tickets, enter the hall, and orient yourself calmly before the projection. The typical duration of a presentation is about 60 minutes. If you want to prepare thematically, you can find keywords about the content in the program flyer and thus select child-friendly stories, scientifically deepening formats, or audiovisual art accordingly.

Seasonally changing focuses are also reflected in the program: In the winter and spring months, the constellations of the northern hemisphere and current celestial events are often the focus; on weekends and holidays, children's and family shows increase. Additionally, there are always special formats such as readings, concerts, or puppet theater, which are listed in the “Special” section. Since different prices may apply for such events, it’s worth checking the respective show page. For current information – “What’s on today?” – the digital schedule is the most reliable source, while the periodic PDF flyer provides a practical overview over several months.

Tickets and prices: Reservation, box office, and discounts

The easiest way to get tickets is through online reservation: Choose the desired show in the schedule, check the available dates, and secure your seats with just a few clicks. Reserved tickets must be picked up at the box office at least 20 minutes before the start; uncollected reservations go into general sale. Additionally, purchases can be made directly on-site: The box office opens 45 minutes before the show starts. This allows for spontaneous visits, provided that remaining tickets are available. Payment can be made in cash or by card. Important to know: No admission and no re-admission is allowed after the show starts – therefore, plan your ticket pickup and hall access accordingly.

Ticket prices are clearly structured. For regular shows, the price is: €9.00 regular and €6.00 reduced. Families benefit from two models: Family Ticket I (one adult and up to two children) costs €12.00, Family Ticket II (two adults and up to two children) costs €21.00; each additional child on the family ticket costs €2.00. Groups of 20 or more can attend regular shows for €6.00 per person. Special prices apply for music programs (€12.50 regular, €9.00 reduced). For special formats such as concerts, readings, or puppet theater, different admission prices may apply; these are specified on the respective event page. Discounts are available for children and teenagers under 16, students, apprentices, pensioners, people with disabilities (accompanying person free if noted on the ID), unemployed individuals, and citizens receiving social benefits – each against proof. With the Freiburg Pass, a 50% discount is granted, and the Freiburg Family Card additionally reduces selected family rates. Prices and conditions are transparently communicated; please pay attention to the notes on the show pages if an event falls into the “Special” category.

Vouchers are available as value vouchers and can be used at the box office for any ticket combinations. They are sold on-site in the administration (Monday to Friday 08:30–12:00, additionally Wednesday afternoons) or during box office hours. The validity is three years and ends at the end of the year (example: purchase on 16.03.2025, valid until 31.12.2028). Online sales of vouchers are currently not possible. For companies, associations, or large groups of about 50 people, the planetarium also offers special screenings outside of public times upon request – here, it is advisable to contact directly via email or phone during office hours to clarify availability, content, and conditions.

Opening hours and admission: What you should know on-site

As a planetarium operates based on a program, the visiting times are oriented according to the schedule. This means: There are no continuous public opening hours like in a museum, but time windows around the performances. The following key points are reliable: The box office opens 45 minutes before the start of a show; reserved tickets must be picked up 20 minutes before the start. After the show starts, no admission or re-admission is allowed – this serves the safety in the dark hall and the undisturbed viewing experience of all guests. Therefore, plan enough buffer time for arrival, ticket pickup, cloakroom, and orientation in the building. The typical duration of a presentation is about 60 minutes. Additionally, the administration of the planetarium is available as a service point Monday to Friday mornings from 08:30 to 12:00; on Wednesdays, there is also an afternoon time to discuss organizational questions such as group reservations, educational offers for schools, or voucher purchases.

For international guests and inclusive visits, the house offers helpful services: At selected events, translations into various languages are available via headphones; up to 40 people per performance can follow the moderation this way. Additionally, hearing aids are available. Families with small children should pay attention to the clearly communicated age limits: Children under 5 years are not admitted. Children's programs are designated for children aged 5, 6, or 7; family programs are aimed at children from about 8 years as well as teenagers and adults; evening programs are content-wise designed for adults and interested teenagers from about 12 years. This age logic helps to choose the appropriate format and allows all visitors to have a concentrated experience. For special events such as concerts or readings, special procedures and pricing regulations may apply, which are noted on the event page.

Directions and parking at the Planetarium Freiburg

The location could hardly be more convenient: The planetarium is located in the building complex at the northern end of Freiburg's main train station, Bismarckallee 7g. Those arriving by train or public transport have short distances: Regional and long-distance trains stop at the main station; the VAG tram lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 serve the stop “Hauptbahnhof” on the tram bridge, and line 5 stops at “Fahnenbergplatz.” Several city bus lines – including 11 and 14 – also lead to the train station or the ZOB. The entrance to the planetarium is slightly set back from Bismarckallee between two building sections and is accessible without barriers – both from the train station building and platform 1 as well as from the combined foot and bike path at the railway underpass. These access options are helpful if you are traveling with a stroller, wheelchair, or luggage.

For those arriving by car, two nearby options are available: First, the paid underground garage directly beneath the planetarium with access via Bismarckallee. From there, you can conveniently take the elevator to the 3rd floor, where the planetarium is located. Second, there are additional paid parking spaces in the northern extension of Bismarckallee on Stefan-Meier-Straße. Both options are mentioned in the official program flyer and on the planetarium's information page. Those choosing a combination of train and car can get off at the main station and reach the entrance in just a few minutes on foot. The train station area also offers numerous parking options for bicycles. Tip for time planning: Since the box office opens 45 minutes before the start and no admission is possible after the show starts, it is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start – this leaves time for ticket pickup, a quick look at the city map in the foyer, and the way to the hall.

Children, family programs, and age recommendations

The Planetarium Freiburg has been a place for decades where children and teenagers are inspired by astronomy. Accordingly, the child-friendly offerings are broad. Children's programs are usually designed for children aged 5, 6, or 7 and are always accompanied by at least one adult. Family programs bridge the gap between child-friendly design and content depth: They are suitable for children from about 8 years and also address teenagers and adults. As an introduction, “Journey Through the Night” or “Planets – Expedition into the Solar System” are often recommended – titles that tell entertainingly while remaining astronomically correct. Evening programs are linguistically and didactically intended for adults and offer interested teenagers from about 12 years exciting insights – for example, into black holes, the formation of stars, or current space research.

Important for families: Children under 5 years are not admitted. There are good reasons for this – the darkness, surround sound, and longer sitting duration of about 60 minutes can often be exhausting for very small children. The age limits are clearly communicated to ensure all visitors have a concentrated experience. For inclusive visits, hearing aids are available; additionally, the house offers multilingual translations via headphones at selected performances – up to 40 seats per performance are provided for this. Overall, accessibility is exemplary: An elevator connects the ground floor and the underground parking garage with the 3rd floor, where the planetarium is located; a stair lift bridges the steps at the entrance to the dome hall; a wheelchair-accessible toilet is available. Families arriving with strollers benefit from the central location at the train station and the short distances. For educational groups – from daycare to secondary school – there are specific formats and booking pathways; teachers will find detailed information on topics, age recommendations, and presentation durations in the informational materials.

The Olchis and other highlights for children

Among the most popular children's titles are regularly humorous and imaginative stories that retain a scientific reference. “The Olchis” are an example of such a crowd favorite – here, children experience an entertaining, visually strong journey with the well-known characters under the starry sky. Also, “A Constellation for Flappi,” “The Robber Hotzenplotz and the Moon Rocket,” or “Charlie’s Secret” are among the recurring children's highlights that appear in the program flyer and schedule. These productions are specifically designed to engage children aged 5 to 7 without overwhelming them: The visual language is clear, the narrative voice guides through the action, and the projections utilize the panoramic view of the dome, allowing young visitors to feel right in the middle of the action.

For families wanting to accommodate multiple age groups, family programs are ideal. They address topics such as the planets of our solar system, the discovery of the cosmos, or phenomena like the northern lights – the show titles alternate between educational and poetic. A practical advantage: In family-oriented formats, the balance between illustrative communication and content depth is chosen so that adults also discover something new. If you are planning your first visit, you can refer to the program flyer and decide based on the age recommendations. Also, note that there may be different prices and occasional additional rules for music or special formats. It’s best to check the respective show page for dates and notes – this way, you can quickly find out whether the desired children's or family show is running today or on the weekend and whether reservations have already been released.

Vouchers, groups & special formats

Gift vouchers are a simple way to give “time under the stars.” They are value vouchers that you can load with a freely selectable amount; they are valid for three years (until the end of the respective year) and can be redeemed at the box office. Sales take place on-site – either during box office hours before performances or in the administration in the morning; online sales are not planned. For companies, associations, or educational institutions that desire an exclusive experience, options for special screenings outside the public schedule are available. As a guideline, the planetarium mentions groups of about 50 people; themes, dates, and didactic focuses are individually coordinated. For smaller private occasions such as children's birthdays, there is no special package listed on the website – in practice, it is advisable to attend a public children's or family show and continue the celebration outside the house afterward. If you are planning a customized booking, it is best to contact directly by phone or email and discuss available slots, technical requirements, and possible additional services.

Also beyond classic presentations, the house surprises with diversity: In the “Special” section, concerts, readings, lectures, or puppet theater regularly appear. Different admission prices and entry regulations may apply here; the details are noted on the respective event page. For guests with special requirements – such as hearing impairments or non-German speakers – it’s worth checking the planetarium's quick information: Hearing aids are available, and at selected dates, translations via headphones for up to 40 people per performance are offered. This makes the visit significantly easier for international guests and mixed groups. The combination of a central location, modern technology, clear age and service information, and transparent prices ensures that planning – from a spontaneous weekend visit to an organized group trip – succeeds reliably.

Sources:

• Planetarium Freiburg – Prices & Info (Tickets, Admission, Accessibility, Directions)
• Planetarium Freiburg – Program February–May 2026 (PDF)
• Wikipedia – Planetarium Freiburg (History, Technology, 140 Seats, 13 m Dome)
• Freiburg Convention Bureau – Planetarium Freiburg (Dome Hall, 140 Seats)
• City of Freiburg – Planetarium (Overview and Further Information)
• visit.freiburg.de – Planetarium Freiburg (Brief Info, Location, Accessibility)
• Reserve Tickets – Planetarium Freiburg (Reservation Path, Notes)
• City of Freiburg – Press: 50 Years of Planetarium Freiburg (Offers, Anniversary)